Heavy construction equipment is an expensive piece of equipment. The capital expenditure outflow is extensive for project firms whose potential asset is their fleet of heavy equipment. Compared to new equipment, Used Heavy Equipment is cheaper. Even then, they can take up a lot of initial capital requirements.

Therefore, a buyer must conduct proper research about the machine they want to buy and the dealer selling it. There are plenty of Used Heavy Equipment dealers in the UAE, especially in Dubai, and selecting the most reliable among them can be tricky. However, it becomes easy if one follows the essential criteria for getting the best deal.

The heavy equipment business is not a one-off or one-day business. It requires a long-term commitment and relationship between the dealer and the customer. Therefore, as a buyer, one must ask the right questions to the dealer and get good information before making an informed decision.

Here are the top 5 questions one must ask when purchasing used heavy equipment.

1.How long is the dealer in business? 

Enquiring about the number of years a used heavy machinery dealer has been in business will give a fair idea about their expertise and reputation in the industry. It is the first thing a buyer should check out the reliability of the dealer.

Continuity and a successful track record will take away half the worry about dealing with such dealers. Dealers like Anwar Al Quds Machinery in UAE, with more than 40 years of existence in the industry, can vouch for their reliability and satisfied customers.

One should be wary of dealers who frequently change dealerships and business names, as this could mean a questionable track record.

2.Availability of equipment service records 

A reputable dealer will have the complete details of the used equipment. It will include the service logs of the machine that will give an idea about the maintenance history. Such records help a potential buyer to know the exact condition of the used equipment. It is indicative of the functionality of a particular machine, whether it is taken care of during its previous ownership.

Ask the dealer what the routine service schedule date for that equipment is and whether the service was done on time or lapsed frequently. It will give an idea about the potential breakdown risk in the future.

Another crucial piece of information that is a must is the number of hours the equipment has worked, which will be available from the log books. Check with the dealer operating hours life span of that equipment and get an idea about the equipment not being overworked.

Finally, check the previous owners’ details and the original invoice for the equipment. It will give the exact age of the equipment.

3.How does the equipment compare with the newer model?

With frequent technological changes, OEMs of the well-known brand launch new models with advanced features. It results in the older machines facing the risk of obsolescence. Prospective buyers should ask the dealers the difference between the user equipment and the new models in terms of performance and pricing.

The latest technology may not be compulsory for every piece of equipment. However, the high-end project calls for specific models in the contract agreement.

Therefore, buyers should clarify the performance and probable resale value of used equipment, especially when new models are available.

4.Test drive the equipment 

It is advisable to take along an equipment operator or a technical person while purchasing used equipment. Driving the equipment and performing some primary test loads will give an idea about the condition of the equipment and the engine in particular.

5.After-sales service availability of spare parts 

Buying from reputable dealers would mean getting well-maintained equipment. The dealer would also offer a warranty for six months to one year or an extended warranty on the used equipment where any parts replacement is taken care of. When backed by support services, it not only retains its condition but gives a reasonable resale price after factoring in lower depreciation from the third year onwards.

Conclusion 

Used equipment condition and performance will not be the same as a new one. Yet, one can buy such equipment mainly because the lower price outweighs the limitations of a used machine. The reassuring part for purchasing used heavy machinery in Dubai from reputable dealers like Anwar Al Quds Machinery will ensure that the equipment is refurbished and damaged parts already replaced to provide optimum performance.