1. REQUEST THE MAINTENANCE HISTORY

Upkeep matters. If you’re considering a repaired machine, you want to know more than its age and operating hours. You also want to know how often it’s been serviced. That can help you predict how it will perform and when to plan for any additional equipment repair and downtime.

Always ask for a look at a repaired machine’s maintenance records. These records should show you if preventative maintenance and inspections were performed regularly. And they can provide insight into what repairs — major and minor — have already been completed. If a machine has a Cat^® Customer Value Agreement, you can have peace of mind knowing that maintenance was performed regularly, using genuine Cat parts.

What if there’s no maintenance history available? Or what if the records show a lack of maintenance, excessive component wear or multiple big repairs? These may be signs to consider another machine.

2. CONFIRM WHO PERFORMED THE REPAIRS

Maintenance records should also tell you who was responsible for repairing heavy equipment. Did the current owner self-repair — and if so, are you confident in the outcome of the work? Or did a service shop handle any equipment repairs?

If you’re buying a repaired Cat machine, it’s a good idea to confirm that any service was done by an authorized Cat dealer. Cat dealers are experts in repairing heavy equipment. They have access to factory-trained technicians, specialized tooling and multiple repair options — keeping machines productive, cost-effective and on the job. Cat dealers also focus on component life management and repair before failure, which help save time and money.

3. CONDUCT YOUR OWN INSPECTION

Before you purchase repaired construction equipment, it’s smart to conduct a thorough inspection. Do a machine walkaround and keep an eye out for:

• Low oil levels, worn belts, loose pins and other signs of wear and tear that may point to a lack of proper maintenance

• Rusting and cracking that could indicate more serious internal damage

• Engine troubles, hydraulic system issues, brake problems, tire/undercarriage wear and other indicators of major repairs or expensive replacement parts

As part of your inspection, make sure to run the machine. Listen for any strange noises and pay attention to how it rides and shifts. Also, look closely at the engine exhaust. Black, white and blue smoke can all signify serious problems.

Is the seller unwilling to let you or someone you trust conduct an inspection? That’s a concern. You may want to look elsewhere.

4. CALCULATE YOUR TOTAL COSTS

One of the biggest advantages of buying repaired heavy equipment is the money-saving potential. But make sure you consider your total cost of ownership, not just the purchase price. That includes any financing costs, taxes, insurance, fuel and preventative maintenance expenses.

In addition, you’ll want to factor in what you learned from the maintenance history and inspection. Repairing heavy equipment is an expense, so allot enough for replacement parts and labor.