How to find the serial number or PIN on heavy equipment
Where the serial number, PIN or product identification number is stamped on excavators, loaders, dozers, skid steers and forklifts, and how to read it.
Used heavy equipment inspection checklist
A practical pre-purchase inspection checklist for used excavators, loaders, dozers and skid steers, from undercarriage to hydraulics to paperwork.
How many hours is too many on used equipment?
Meter hours are like miles on a car. What counts as high hours on used heavy equipment, and why condition and maintenance matter more than the raw number.
How to check a machine for title, liens and theft
A step-by-step guide to verifying a used machine before you buy: title and brand history, liens, and whether it was reported stolen, using official sources.
Equipment depreciation and resale value, explained
What drives heavy equipment resale value: hours, condition, brand, attachments and the market, and why real comparable sales beat a depreciation formula.
Where to buy used heavy equipment
The pros and cons of buying used heavy equipment from auctions, dealers, and private sellers, and how to protect yourself in each.
How to buy at a heavy equipment auction
A practical guide to buying used equipment at online and live auctions: inspection, buyer premiums, setting a budget, and avoiding common mistakes.
Common used equipment scams and how to avoid them
Wire fraud, fake listings, title washing and stolen machines: the most common used heavy equipment scams and the simple steps that stop them.
New vs used heavy equipment
The real trade-offs between buying new and used heavy equipment: price, depreciation, warranty, downtime and financing.
How to read a Caterpillar serial number
Where to find a Caterpillar serial number or PIN, how the format works, and how to confirm the exact model and year.
How to read a John Deere serial number
Where to find a John Deere serial number or PIN on construction and equipment, how the format works, and how to confirm the model and year.
How to read a Komatsu serial number
Where to find a Komatsu serial number or PIN on excavators and equipment, how the 17-character format works, and how to confirm the model and year.
How to read a Bobcat serial number
How a Bobcat serial number is structured, where to find it on skid steers and excavators, and how to confirm the year and model.
How to read a Case serial number
Where to find a Case construction equipment PIN on backhoes, skid steers and excavators, how the format works, and how to confirm the year.
How to read a Volvo serial number
Where to find the Volvo product identification plate on excavators, wheel loaders and haulers, and what it tells you about the machine.
How to read a Kubota serial number
Where to find a Kubota serial number on tractors and equipment, the difference between the old and new numbering systems, and how to tell the year.
Financing used heavy equipment
The main ways to finance used heavy equipment, what lenders look at, and how a loan or lease affects the title and liens on the machine.
How to sell used heavy equipment
Where to sell used equipment, how to price it from real sales, how to prepare the machine and paperwork, and how to avoid buyer scams.
Transporting heavy equipment
How to move heavy equipment safely and legally: trailer and truck requirements, permits, tie-downs, and whether to haul it yourself or hire a hauler.
How to read a Hitachi serial number
Where to find a Hitachi excavator serial number or PIN, how the 17-character format works, and how to confirm the model and year.
How to read a JCB serial number
Where to find a JCB serial number or PIN on backhoes and telehandlers, how the 17-character format works, and how to confirm the model and year.
How to read a New Holland serial number
Where to find a New Holland construction serial number or PIN on skid steers and backhoes, how the format works, and how to confirm the year.
How to read a Genie serial number
Where to find the serial number on Genie scissor lifts, boom lifts and telehandlers, and how to determine the year.
How to read a JLG serial number
Where to find the data plate on JLG boom lifts and scissor lifts, and how to determine the model year.
How to read a Takeuchi serial number
Where to find the serial number on Takeuchi mini excavators and track loaders, and how to confirm the year.
How to read a Doosan serial number
Where to find the serial number or PIN on Doosan and Develon excavators, and how to confirm the year.
How to read a Kobelco serial number
Where to find the serial number on Kobelco excavators and mini excavators, and how to confirm the year.
How to read a Yanmar serial number
Where to find the serial number on Yanmar ViO and SV mini excavators, and how to determine the year.
How to read a Manitou serial number
Where to find the chassis serial number on Manitou telehandlers, and how to confirm the year.
How to read a Skyjack serial number
Where to find the serial plate on Skyjack scissor and boom lifts, and how to read the year.
How to read a Sany serial number
Where to find the serial number or PIN on Sany excavators, and how to confirm the year.
How to read a LiuGong serial number
Where to find the serial number or VIN on LiuGong wheel loaders and excavators, and how to confirm the year.
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Enter a serial or VIN for its identity, market value, recalls and a due-diligence checklist.