The five things you must check
Buying a used excavator remotely is a trust decision. These five checks turn guesswork into evidence.
1. Cold-start video
Ask for a video of the machine starting from cold. Watch for white or blue smoke, hard starting, and abnormal engine noise. A machine that starts cleanly cold is usually healthier.
2. Hydraulic movement test
Ask for a video of the boom, arm and bucket moving, and the tracks turning. Listen for squealing, watch for jerky movement, and check whether the machine lifts smoothly. Slow or weak hydraulics are expensive to repair.
3. Undercarriage photos
The undercarriage is one of the biggest hidden costs. Ask for close photos of the tracks, rollers, idlers and sprockets. Look for worn or missing track pads and leaking final drives.
4. Nameplate and serial number
Ask for a clear photo of the nameplate showing the model and serial number. This confirms the machine is what the seller claims and helps you check its true age and parts availability.
5. Year and working hours
Ask for the hour meter reading and confirm the year. Cross-check the hours against the overall condition — a 10-year-old machine showing only 2,000 hours is worth questioning.
A simple rule
If a supplier refuses any of these checks or only sends old, blurry photos, walk away. A genuine seller who knows his machines will happily send current evidence.