Capital Equipment News April-May 2020

of oil leaks and the dipstick, for heavy dirt deposits indicating that the equipment could have been standing idle over time. “Thicker oils are sometimes used to reduce leakage. Check the owner’s manual for the proper oil grade. Also check the floor and under the seats for signs of rust.” The VIN plate, too, should be checked: assess its condition and its current position – is its position consistent with other models in the same class? Is it fixed with new rivets that don’t match? Has a serial number been ground off and that area repainted? Keys says contractors sometimes buy less-expensive agricultural equipment for use in more demanding industrial applications. “Watch out for points of excess wear and oversized or heavy-duty tyres not typical of the equipment. Look for hammer marks, kinks in hoses and part misalignment, which means the wrong parts were used or care during assembly was ignored.” His last recommendation is to establish the machine’s history. Should this not be available, determine who the previous owner was. “A couple of phone calls should provide some answers. If the machine appears to be an ‘ex-hire’ item, it is best to steer clear.” b

Buying from a reputable supplier like Babcock gives used equipment owners peace of mind.

“Do your research before you visit the dealer or auction,” he says. “Decide what you are looking for and list your specific requirements to ensure that you purchase the right piece of machinery.” He notes the importance of determining your budget beforehand and to establish what the bank or financier is prepared to advance for the purchase. He also recommends checking for overspray and painted-over decals that may indicate a coverer-up problem. “Look for fresh oil seeps and paint that looks new because it was covered by built-up grease. Also look for new gasket edges and shiny metal where parts join. You will need to know what caused the part to fail.” He also advises buyers to check the engine for water stains, the engine block for evidence

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