Inspect the undercarriage first
On a tracked excavator the undercarriage is the single biggest wear cost, so check it before anything else. Look at the track chains, rollers, idlers, sprockets, and the track-pad wear and tension. Bulging, cracked or oil-weeping rollers point to neglect, and a worn steel undercarriage can cost tens of thousands to replace. Even wear across both sides is a good sign; uneven wear suggests hard, one-sided work.
Run every hydraulic function
Work the boom, stick, bucket and swing through their full range. Watch for drift (a cylinder slowly settling under load points to cylinder or valve wear), hose and cylinder leaks, and cloudy or milky oil. Listen to the final drives and the swing motor for whining or grinding. Check the pins and bushings at the boom, stick and bucket for excessive play, and inspect the quick coupler and thumb if fitted.
Hours, emissions and value
Read the hour meter, but remember condition and service history matter more than the raw number. Tier 4 machines run a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system, so ask about regens and any emissions faults. Value comes down to hours, how much undercarriage life is left, attachments (thumb, coupler, extra buckets) and documented service. See real-sales values by model on the excavator value guide.
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Frequently asked
What is considered high hours on a used excavator?
It depends on size and use, but condition and service history matter more than the raw meter. A well-maintained machine with higher hours can be a better buy than a neglected low-hour one. See our guide on machine hours.
How much does it cost to replace an excavator undercarriage?
It varies widely by machine size, but a full steel undercarriage can run into the tens of thousands, which is why it is the first thing to inspect and factor into the price.
Is a Tier 4 excavator worth buying used?
Yes, but ask about the DPF and DEF emissions system, any regens or faults, and confirm it is functioning. Emissions repairs can be costly, so it is worth verifying before you buy.