Start with the undercarriage (tracked machines)
On excavators, dozers and track loaders, the undercarriage is often the single most expensive wear item. Check the rails, rollers, idlers, sprockets and track pads for wear. Heavy, uneven or near-end-of-life undercarriage can cost tens of thousands to replace, so factor it into the price.
Compare the hours to the wear
The hour meter tells you how much a machine has worked, but meters can be rolled back or swapped. Compare the reading to what you see: worn pedals, seats, controls and paint should roughly match the hours. If a low-hour machine looks beaten, be suspicious. See our guide on how many hours is too many.
Look for leaks and check the fluids
- Look under the machine for fresh hydraulic, engine and coolant leaks.
- Check oil and coolant for a milky look, which can signal internal problems.
- Fresh paint over a component can hide a leak or a repair.
Inspect the structure and welds
Walk the frame, boom, stick, bucket and loader arms. Look for cracks, poor-quality welds, and repairs that suggest a hard life or an accident. Structural repairs are a red flag.
Attachments, tires and couplers
Confirm the attachments and quick-coupler that come with the machine, and check their condition. On wheeled machines, inspect tire wear and match sets. Missing or worn attachments change the value.
Run it under load
Cold-start it, watch for excess smoke, and operate every function. Test hydraulics under load, listen for knocks, and check that it tracks or drives straight. A test that only idles the machine tells you very little.
Review the records and the paperwork
- Ask for service records and any telematics history.
- Confirm ownership. Most off-road equipment has no title, so you rely on the manufacturer statement of origin and a clear bill-of-sale chain.
- Check for liens and theft before you pay. Our title, lien and theft guide shows exactly how.
Check a machine before you buy
Enter a serial or VIN for its identity, value, recalls and a due-diligence checklist. Free.
Frequently asked
What is the most important thing to check on used equipment?
On tracked machines, the undercarriage, because it is the most expensive wear item. On all machines, compare the hours to the visible wear, check for leaks, and operate every function under load.
Should I get a professional inspection?
For an expensive machine, yes. An independent inspection or a dealer pre-purchase check often pays for itself by catching problems the seller did not mention.
How do I know if the hour meter was tampered with?
Compare the hours to the wear on the seat, controls, pedals and paint, look at service records, and check any telematics data. Numbers that do not match the condition are a warning sign.