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How to buy construction equipment
There's one major rule when buying construction equipment: focus on the main job you need the machine to do. Sure, it sounds obvious - but it's easy to get off track once you start talking to dealers. You can get sidetracked by detailed spec comparisons, swayed by fancy extras you don't really need, or bullied into spending more than you need to. For all of the machines covered here, make sure you stay focused on one or two important specs that will be your primary deciding factors.
For lifting machines (skid steers, loaders) the most common deciding factor is capacity: how much weight the machine can lift. For digging machines (excavators and mini excavators), it's digging depth. All four of these machines can fill multiple roles, so you should consider more than just one factor, but these are the most important.
Once you've established how much you need to lift or how deep you need to dig, you'll be able to carefully investigate a number of models of the same general capacity. At that point, you can start considering secondary features.
- Visibility - How easy is it to see the work you're doing? Can you see all parts of the machine to avoid obstructions?
- Ergonomics - Are the controls logical and easy to use? (Some equipment lets you switch control patterns to match your preference.) Is the seat comfortable and supportive?
- Physical size of the machine - Do you need the vehicle to fit in a garage or through a narrow gate? How much does it weigh, and can your access roads and trailers support it?
- Fuel type - Diesel is the standard for the largest machines, but many smaller to mid-sized models can run gasoline or LPG. "Dual fuel" engines allow you to switch back and forth, depending on what's available.
New vs. used
When you're facing a 5 or 6 figure price tag for a new piece of construction equipment, it can be very tempting to consider buying used equipment. In some cases, this can be a good financial decision - but not always.
One way to consider the new vs. used decision is how much you intend to use the equipment. If it's going to be working full-time from day one, the extra reliability and warranty protection you'll get with a new machine are probably worth the additional expense. If it's something that will be used only occasionally, buying high-quality used equipment can lead to some good savings.
Keep in mind that "ordinary use" of this equipment is extremely stressful on both the structural elements of the machine and the engine and transmission. While the machines are designed to withstand these stresses for thousands of hours of use, the constant abuse begins wearing them down from day one. Because of this, it's important to buy used equipment from a dealer you trust.
Do your own careful inspection of all the components of the vehicle, no matter what kind of assurances you get from the dealer. Look for leaking hydraulics or oil, hidden rust, or other signs of impending trouble. Also make sure you take the machine for a thorough test drive. Use all the tools you intend to purchase and do some real digging, lifting, or loading to feel for yourself how the machine performs.
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