3 Things To Do When Buying A Used Bulldozer
If you need a bulldozer to complete a project or are tired of having to rent heavy machinery, shopping for a used bulldozer is one way to save money on your purchase. However, when buying used construction equipment, it's important to take steps that ensure you're purchasing a quality piece of machinery at a reasonable price. Here are a few things you need to do when buying a used bulldozer.
1. Research the Market
Whenever possible, research your local construction equipment market. This will assist you with obtaining the best possible price on your used bulldozer. Look for price fluctuations related to seasonal changes.
For example, in some areas, fall is an excellent time to purchase a bulldozer, as rental companies may find themselves facing an onslaught of rental returns now that summer projects are over. In warmer areas, this slow down might not happen until winter hits.
Know your market so that you'll know when used bulldozers become widely available; the more product on the market, the better your chances of securing a great price.
2. Ask for the Bulldozer's Records
Once you find a bulldozer that you're interested in purchasing, you want to check that it's been properly maintained. Ask the seller to provide copies of the preventive maintenance records and information regarding any repairs that have been made to the bulldozer.
You should also ask for information regarding what projects the bulldozer has been used for so that you'll know how it was used and how many hours it has on it.
Use the bulldozer's records to determine what kind of condition it's in and to assist you with making an offer. If a bulldozer will require a lot of maintenance in the coming year, you might try to secure a lower price to account for the money that you're going to have to spend on these necessary maintenance tasks.
3. Complete an In-Person Examination of the Bulldozer
Before you sign the sales contract, you need to give the bulldozer a thorough examination. The purpose of this inspection is to locate any signs of excessive wear and determine if any items will need to be replaced.
Start by looking at the bulldozer's blade. If the blade looks like it has been welded or you can spot plate lines, this may indicate that the blade has been refaced or repaired. Then, take a peek at the bulldozer's undercarriage and inspect the bearings. The bearings should be round, not flat, as flat bearings indicate a lot of wear on the machine. Look at the thickness of the track pads to determine if they're in good condition or if they're worn out.