Questions to Ask Your Supplier Before Purchasing Construction Equipment

Choosing among new, refurbished, or used construction equipment is one of the vital decisions you will make as a fleet owner or a contractor, as the right machine will determine the equipment’s ROI, productivity & uptime. However, choosing the right machine also involves buying from the best manufacturers & dealers.

There are several benefits of buying from the right dealer/supplier. An ideal supplier or equipment maker will provide you with great after-sales service & act as a trustworthy partner while you’re using the equipment, both ensuring you’re buying the right gear. However, from a buyer’s perspective, there are important questions to ask before buying equipment.

This blog offers a comprehensive guide for a used equipment supplier checklist & guides you through the important questions for equipment suppliers.

1. What’s The Machine’s Full Service & Maintenance History?

After selecting the heavy equipment you’ll purchase, ask the dealer about the machine’s past service & maintenance history. A complete service record will provide you with a clear picture of the machine’s past & reveal how well it was maintained. The information you receive will help you judge the machine’s current condition & anticipate future requirements.

2. What’s The Total Operating Hours Of This Machine?

One of the easiest ways to know how much a machine was used by its past owners is by checking the total operating hours. This is like the odometer of a car. The total operating hours are usually displayed in the gauge, but for certain models, this data is available through telematics or OEM diagnostic tools.

3. Has The Machine Undergone Any Minor/Major Repairs Or Part Replacements?

Heavy equipment often undergoes major or minor repairs, & in some cases component replacements. If you’re buying a used machine, it’s essential to know about the repair history. While repairs aren’t necessarily a red flag, knowing what’s fixed or replaced will help you assess the condition of a machine better.

4. Can I Get A Copy Of A Recent Inspection Report?

Before buying a used heavy machine, it’s mandatory to know its current health & one of the easiest ways to do so is by looking at the latest inspection report. A machine inspection report, conducted by a professional or certified technician, will help you with an unbiased assessment of the machine’s condition.

Look for reports & condition evaluations of the engine, hydraulic system, electricals, underpinnings & other critical parts. If the machine doesn’t have an evaluation report, hire a technician to inspect or avoid the deal.

5. What Is The Warranty On Offer?

One of the limitations of buying used construction equipment is the limited or no warranty. However, used or refurbished equipment dealers often provide warranties for peace of mind. Ask for the warranty period or duration of the coverage.

Does the warranty cover labour charges & part costs? What are the limitations? A good dealer will always back their customers with warranties; if not, consider a different dealer.

6. What Are The Financing & Payment Options On Offer?

Construction machines, whether new, used, or refurbished, are expensive; not every buyer can afford full cash, leaving financing a common payment method. Discussing the financing schemes helps you manage the upfront costs better.

Enquire about interest rates, loan terms & conditions, loan tenures, & offers. Some dealers have in-house financing or partnerships with financial institutions.

7. What Are The Safety Features & Certifications Of This Machine?

One of the most important questions to ask before buying equipment is about safety. Ask the dealer about the machine’s safety certifications, safety & driver assist features, & compliance with local standards. This is one of the most important questions in the used equipment supplier checklist.

8. Are Genuine Parts Readily Available?

One of the best advantages of buying construction equipment from reputable manufacturers is the wide availability of genuine spare parts. Genuine spare parts offer the best fit & quality, ensuring performance, efficiency & uptime.

When purchasing a used construction machine, inquire with the dealer about the availability of genuine spare parts. Quick access to original spares will help you reduce downtime.

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