All heavy equipment should be inspected before beginning every job. This is especially true for used heavy equipment. Not only do regular inspections help keep the equipment in top working condition, but they can also help you identify problems before they become major issues.
Wagner Used Equipment is the Caterpillar dealer for Colorado, New Mexico, and far West Texas. We offer many new, used, and rental heavy machinery for many industries, including mining, forestry, agriculture, construction, and more. In this blog, we’ll provide you with some tips to help you inspect used heavy equipment before every job. Stop by a Wagner dealer today!
Check for Visible Damage
Before starting any work, inspect your used heavy equipment for any visible damage. Look closely for any signs of corrosion, dents, or other damage. Rust is a telltale sign of wear and tear, and it can mean the equipment isn’t as reliable as you need it to be. Make sure you check all around the machine, including the undercarriage and any exposed parts. If you find any type of visible damage to your used heavy equipment, take the necessary steps to repair the damage immediately.
Check the Tires
Tires are one of the most important components of any used heavy equipment. Make sure the tires are in good condition before beginning any job. Check for any signs of wear and tear, and make sure the tire pressure is correct. In addition, check their tire pressure level as extreme temperature fluctuations like those seen in Colorado, can affect the performance of your used heavy equipment.
Check the Oil and Coolant Levels
Before starting any job, check the oil and coolant levels. Make sure they’re full and at the recommended levels. Also, check the hoses and other components to ensure they’re in good condition. If your heavy machinery has cables or connections, such as hydraulic hoses or electrical wires, make sure you inspect them. Look for signs of wear and tear, as well as any loose connections that could cause the machine to malfunction.
Check the Lights and Signals
Before beginning any job, make sure the lights and signals on the equipment are functioning properly. This includes the headlights, taillights, turn signals, and any markers.
Inspect the Attachments
Heavy equipment often comes with attachments such as blades, buckets, and other components. Before starting any job, inspect these attachments for any signs of wear and tear or loose connector wiring. Make sure they’re in good working condition before beginning any job.
Check the Safety Features
All modern used heavy equipment, including Caterpillar equipment, has multiple safety features to keep both the operator and those on the ground safe. Make sure all the safety features on your piece of heavy equipment are in proper working order. This includes seatbelts, emergency shut-off switches, and any other safety features, such as backup beeping.
Look for Leaks
When inspecting the used heavy equipment, look for any signs of fluid or oil leaks, which can cause problems if left undetected. The best way to look for leaks is to check the undercarriage, or pull the piece of heavy machinery forward and see if there are any noticeable puddles where it was once standing.
Test Drive the Equipment
It’s important to test the used heavy equipment’s performance before starting a job. Take it for a test drive and check the brakes, steering, and other components. Test to be sure the attachments are working properly, and test the safety features, too. Make sure the brakes are responsive and that the engine is running smoothly.
Update the Maintenance Logs
Finally, make sure you update the maintenance logs for the machinery if you performed any type of regular maintenance before performing the job, such as an oil change. This is crucial to understanding the health of your machinery, as well as tracking what was done. This also helps in identifying any major issues that may crop up.
CALL A WAGNER USED EQUIPMENT DEALER TODAY
These are just a few tips for inspecting used heavy equipment before a job. Regular inspections are an important part of owning and operating a fleet of heavy equipment. By taking the time to inspect the equipment before any job, you can help ensure that it’s in top working condition and help avoid any costly repairs down the road.
Wagner Used Equipment offers top-rated used heavy machinery for your needs. Our inventory is constantly changing, so it's best to check back regularly if you are in the market for a particular piece of used heavy machinery. Stop by a Wagner dealer location today!