By Seth Skydel

Purchasing a used machine can help you stick to your budget without sacrificing quality, safety, capacity or capability, and without breaking the bank, noted Boom & Bucket, a heavy equipment digital dealer.

In two online posts, the company’ s experts, many who are equipment industry veterans from manufacturers and rental companies, outlined what to look for when used, reliable machines are the right choice for your business:

Inspect for Damage

Begin by inspecting the machine for signs of damage that go beyond typical wear and tear. Evidence of excessive damage can indicate that the machine was not properly used or maintained, which could result in costly repairs.

Here are the most important elements to inspect, and how to know whether they ' ve been damaged:

● Forks: Keep an eye out for cracks and warped or bent pieces. If you see any cracks on the fork, be aware that this is a telltale sign that the fork will need to be replaced soon.

● Mast: The masts should operate smoothly. Ask the seller to raise the forks so you can see if there is any friction or sluggishness when a first, second or third mast handle is extended. This could be a sign that the mast rollers or link chain need to be repaired or replaced and could indicate that the mast rollers were not maintained properly or lubricated frequently.

● Tires: Check to see if any chunks have been taken out of any of the tires. In addition, check for proper tread wear.

● Lift Chains: Look for gaps in the welding of the lift chains to find evidence that there used to be cracks in the metal that have been fixed. If the weld was not done correctly, it can impact the integrity and performance of the mast, leading to costly repairs or malfunctions. Thoroughly inspect the lift chains for any missing or corroded links or pins.

● Battery: Ask the seller to find out how long the machine has been in service, and what kind of daily

48 l Equipment Guide- October 2024