Buying a used excavator can save you a significant amount of money compared with purchasing a new machine.

But there’s a catch.

A used excavator can also come with expensive problems that aren’t obvious from a few photos or a short test drive.

Before you buy, you need to look beyond the price, brand, and hour meter.

Here are 10 things you should check before buying a used excavator.

1. Check the Operating Hours

The hour meter is one of the first things most buyers look at.

Lower hours can be attractive, but hours don’t tell the entire story.

A machine with 7,000 hours and an excellent maintenance history could be a better purchase than a machine with 4,000 hours that has been poorly maintained.

Look at the hours together with:

• Age
• Maintenance history
• Previous applications
• Overall condition
• Major component replacements

Don’t make your decision based on the hour meter alone.

2. Inspect the Undercarriage

If you’re buying a tracked excavator, pay close attention to the undercarriage.

Undercarriage components can be expensive to replace.

Inspect:

• Track chains
• Track shoes
• Rollers
• Idlers
• Sprockets
• Track tension

Look for excessive wear, damage, uneven wear, and signs that components may need replacement soon.

A machine can look inexpensive until you discover that the undercarriage needs major work.

3. Look for Hydraulic Leaks

Walk around the entire machine and inspect the hydraulic system.

Look around:

• Hydraulic cylinders
• Hoses
• Fittings
• Pumps
• Valves

Oil residue doesn’t automatically mean there’s a serious problem, but visible leaks should be investigated.

Also test the hydraulic functions.

Pay attention to slow, weak, jerky, or inconsistent movement.

4. Inspect the Boom and Stick

The boom and stick experience significant loads during excavation.

Look carefully for:

• Cracks
• Weld repairs
• Bends
• Structural damage
• Excessive wear

Don’t just inspect the surfaces.

Move the machine through its normal range of motion and listen for unusual sounds.

5. Check the Pins and Bushings

Pins and bushings allow the excavator’s major components to move.

Over time, they can wear and develop excessive play.

Check the:

• Bucket linkage
• Bucket pins
• Stick
• Boom
• Other pivot points

Some wear is normal on a used machine.

The question is whether the amount of wear is reasonable for the machine’s age and hours—and how much it will cost to repair.

6. Start the Engine Cold

If possible, inspect the excavator when the engine is cold.

A cold start can reveal problems that might not be obvious after the machine has already been warmed up.

Pay attention to:

• Starting difficulty
• Excessive smoke
• Unusual noises
• Rough running
• Warning lights
• Oil pressure
• Coolant temperature

Let the engine reach operating temperature and continue monitoring it.

7. Test the Hydraulics

Don’t just move the boom up and down once.

Operate the machine through its normal functions.

Test:

• Boom
• Stick
• Bucket
• Swing
• Travel
• Attachments

Watch for unusual delays, weak movements, noises, or hydraulic drift.

If you’re unfamiliar with heavy equipment, consider bringing someone who has experience inspecting excavators.

8. Check the Swing System

The excavator’s upper structure rotates on a swing bearing.

Excessive wear in this area can be expensive.

Operate the excavator through multiple swing movements.

Listen for unusual noises and look for excessive movement or play.

A professional inspection can help determine whether apparent movement is normal or indicates significant wear.

9. Ask for Maintenance Records

This is one of the most important things you can ask for.

Ideally, the seller should be able to provide records showing things such as:

• Engine oil changes
• Hydraulic service
• Filter replacements
• Undercarriage work
• Major repairs
• Component replacements
• Scheduled maintenance

A detailed maintenance history gives you a much better understanding of how the excavator was treated.

If the seller has no records, that doesn’t automatically mean the machine is bad.

But it does mean you should be more cautious.

10. Get a Professional Inspection

If you’re spending a significant amount of money on a used excavator, a professional inspection can be one of the best investments you make.

An experienced heavy-equipment mechanic may identify problems that aren’t obvious to an inexperienced buyer.

They can potentially evaluate:

• Engine condition
• Hydraulic performance
• Undercarriage wear
• Structural condition
• Electrical systems
• Swing system
• Pins and bushings
• Overall machine condition

Spending money on an inspection could save you from buying a machine that needs tens of thousands of dollars in repairs.

Don’t Forget to Check the Machine’s History

Ask the seller what kind of work the excavator performed.

An excavator that spent its life doing relatively light excavation may have experienced very different wear from one that spent years in:

• Demolition
• Quarry work
• Mining
• Rock excavation
• Heavy production digging

The previous application can tell you a lot about the machine.

Look at the Attachments

If the excavator comes with attachments, inspect those as well.

Check:

• Buckets
• Hydraulic thumbs
• Breakers
• Augers
• Grapples
• Quick couplers

Attachments have value, but worn attachments shouldn’t be treated as if they’re new.

Don’t Be Afraid of High Hours

High hours don’t automatically mean you should walk away.

A properly maintained excavator can accumulate thousands of hours and continue to be productive.

Instead of asking:

“Does this excavator have too many hours?”

ask:

“Is the machine’s condition reasonable for its hours, and does the price reflect its condition?”

That’s a much better question.

What Is the Biggest Mistake Buyers Make?

One of the biggest mistakes is focusing almost entirely on the purchase price.

A $60,000 excavator might look like a bargain compared with a $90,000 machine.

But if the $60,000 machine immediately needs:

• Undercarriage work
• Hydraulic repairs
• New pins and bushings
• Engine repairs

the cheaper excavator may quickly become the more expensive one.

Always think about the total cost of ownership, not just the purchase price.

Used Excavator Buying Checklist

Before you buy, make sure you’ve considered:

• Operating hours
• Maintenance records
• Undercarriage
• Engine
• Hydraulic system
• Boom and stick
• Pins and bushings
• Swing system
• Tracks
• Attachments
• Structural damage
• Previous applications
• Parts availability
• Dealer support
• Resale value
• Professional inspection

Final Thoughts

Buying a used excavator doesn’t have to be complicated, but you shouldn’t rush the process.

Take the time to inspect the machine, ask questions, review its history, and compare it with other machines on the market.

Most importantly, don’t let a low price or low hour count make the decision for you.

Buy the condition, not just the hour meter.

A well-maintained used excavator can be an excellent investment when you choose the right machine at the right price.