Used Heavy Equipment Buying Guide

When you have got a variety of tasks to accomplish at your job site, it can be useful to have different types of heavy equipment on hand. However, the more equipment you acquire, the more you’ll have to spend. A great way to save is to buy used. You might not be the first owner, but you can still find products that are in great shape. All you have to do is learn about the buying process, and we’re here to help.

At Bobcat PNW, we are proud to carry a wide selection of products. We have gathered some tips on how to go about buying used heavy equipment. If you have any questions or you’d like to check out our used heavy equipment for sale, visit one of our six dealerships in Washington.

Buy From a Trustworthy Dealer

Where you shop for used heavy equipment is as important as the condition of the tools itself. It's tempting to go with a private seller since they usually offer the lowest prices, but it’s a gamble and you never know if you’re getting a steal or a lemon. It can be frustrating dealing with a seller who doesn’t provide the right info. They might not be familiar with the machines or don’t offer regular maintenance and after-sales service.

Buying your implements from a reputed dealership, like Bobcat PNW, makes the whole process easier and you can rest easy knowing that the equipment has been vetted by a professional technician. You can check public records and look at online reviews to get a sense of how helpful and trustworthy the dealer is. This will increase the chance of you getting quality used heavy equipment. Sometimes you can find good machines at auctions, but you’ll be competing with other buyers who are willing to spend much more money.

Do Your Research

When you’re buying used heavy equipment, you’ll want to do plenty of research to figure out which type of tools best meet your needs. Look for the features, implements, and specs that you know you’ll need to handle your tasks. A great place to start is setting a budget. This will help eliminate several options that don’t fall within your price range.

One of the benefits of buying used is that previous owners have already reviewed the models. Spend some time reading customer reviews. If there is a consistent issue that people are complaining about, you may want to avoid that product. It’s a good sign if there are several positive reviews. You can avoid the models that have frequent issues, and this will go a long way in narrowing down your search.

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, use your research skills to verify the seller’s claims and equipment integrity. Ask the dealer for any pertinent information and documents. Get both the PIN and VIN so you can check the official documentation. If you’re opting to finance your machines, most financing companies will conduct a background check so you’ll have that to back you up. However, it’s best to do your own research.

Perform an Inspection

Before making a purchase, your final step will be to ensure that the equipment is in good working order. You'll want to do a thorough inspection and test different parts. Everything might look fine, but there could be a problem underneath the surface. Consider hiring a professional as they can catch issues that you may miss. You can also ask for documentation, such as financing and previous maintenance records. This gives you an insight into the service history, which can help you make an informed decision. If the machine fits your budget and passes inspection, you may have found your perfect fit!

Used heavy equipment can be just as effective as their new counterparts. At Bobcat PNW, our friendly staff is here to help you out in selecting your machines, so stop by one of our six dealership locations in Washington. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from Auburn and Kent.