Buying used equipment can be a smart way to grow a fleet without the full cost of a new machine, but the savings only hold up if the machine you buy doesn’t need expensive repairs right away. Whether you’re looking at a used excavator or loader in Wisconsin, these are the areas worth checking first.
Hours and Usage History
Start with the hour meter and compare it against the visible wear on the machine. If wear looks heavier than the hours suggest, that can point to hard use, poor maintenance, or a meter that doesn’t reflect the machine’s real history. Ask for maintenance records if the seller has them; a documented service history is worth more than a low number on the meter alone.
Undercarriage Wear on Tracked Machines
For excavators and compact track loaders, the undercarriage, meaning tracks, rollers, and sprockets, is one of the most expensive wear areas to replace. Check track tension, look for cracking or excessive wear on the rubber or steel, and check for rust in areas that see less lubrication.
Once you own the machine, staying ahead of undercarriage wear is easier than catching up on it — see Undercarriage Maintenance for ongoing upkeep guidance.
Hydraulic System Condition
Look for leaks around cylinders, hoses, and fittings, and listen for unusual noise during operation. Hydraulic repairs are often among the costliest fixes on a used machine, and problems aren’t always visible from the outside. Fluid analysis can catch internal wear signs before they show up as a leak or a failure, which is worth considering even on a machine that looks clean on the surface.
Structural and Wear Component Condition
Check bucket teeth and edges, and look for excess play in pins and bushings. Ground engaging tools wear fast and are relatively inexpensive to replace, but excess play in pins and bushings usually points toward a bigger repair down the line. Also look over structural welds for cracking or signs of prior repair, since a poorly repaired structural component is a bigger red flag than routine wear.
Getting a Second Opinion Before You Buy
A factory trained technician can evaluate a used machine’s condition more thoroughly than a walk-around inspection alone, and it’s worth the time before you commit to a purchase. Once you own the machine, parts support isn’t limited to the brands Kelbe sells new — Kelbe stocks OEM, aftermarket, and remanufactured parts for any make or model. Service availability for machines outside Kelbe’s core brands can vary, so confirm with Kelbe directly if that’s a factor in your decision.
FAQ
What’s the most expensive thing to check on a used tracked machine?
Undercarriage wear, meaning the tracks, rollers, and sprockets on a tracked machine, tends to be one of the costliest repair areas to catch late on a used excavator or compact track loader. Replacing a worn undercarriage can rival the cost of other major repairs combined, which is exactly why it’s worth checking closely before you buy rather than after.
Can Kelbe help inspect a used machine before I buy it?
Yes. Kelbe’s factory trained technicians can evaluate a used machine’s condition, including areas like the undercarriage, hydraulic system, and structural components that aren’t always obvious from a walk-around inspection. Contact us to arrange an inspection before you finalize a purchase, especially on a higher-value machine.
Does fluid analysis catch problems a visual inspection would miss?
Yes. Fluid analysis can reveal internal wear signs, like metal particles or contamination, that aren’t visible from the outside even when there’s no leak present. That makes it a useful check on a used machine that looks clean on the surface, since some of the most expensive problems don’t show themselves right away.
Are remanufactured parts a cheaper option if I need repairs after buying used?
Yes. Remanufactured components can save up to 45% compared to new parts, and Kelbe stocks OEM, aftermarket, and remanufactured options for any make or model. That’s worth knowing going into a used equipment purchase, since it affects how much a future repair is likely to cost even before you know exactly what might need replacing.
What if the used machine I’m looking at isn’t one of Kelbe’s core brands?
Kelbe’s parts support isn’t limited to Hitachi, Takeuchi, New Holland, or Link-Belt — Kelbe stocks OEM, aftermarket, and remanufactured parts for any make or model. Service availability for machines outside Kelbe’s core brands can vary, so it’s worth confirming directly with Kelbe whether they can service the specific brand you’re considering.
Next Step
Browse Kelbe’s current used heavy equipment inventory, or contact us if you’d like help evaluating a specific machine before you buy.