3. Don’t Overwork Your MachinesNever exceed your equipment’s stated performance specifications and limitations as found in your owner/operator manual. As with any industry where heavy equipment is a staple of operation, effectiveness and efficiency are key to optimal performance and yielding the best results for your efforts. Knowing and abiding by weight limits for loads and inclines for transit are an easy way to keep your heavy machinery working.Most modern heavy machines come programmed with multiple power modes. It’s essential for operators to make sure their equipment is set to the correct power mode for the task at hand. Also, minimizing your machinery’s travel and idle time can add longevity to the life of your assets.

Source: 5 Maintenance Tips for Heavy Machinery

4. Put Your Toys Away While performing regular maintenance checks is an active way of preventing damage to your equipment, properly storing your heavy machinery is another necessary, yet more passive method of ensuring optimal and safe performance. All large machinery should be kept in covered, moisture-free storage with environment control if necessary. This will help save your equipment safe from the dangers of water, which can lead to rust and corrosion, as well as from the harshness of direct sunlight.

Source: 5 Maintenance Tips for Heavy Machinery

5. Knowledge is PowerYour machinery is only as useful as the men and women working with it. For upholding the highest standards of operations while minimizing risk, everyone in contact with the equipment should be trained and familiar with the proper use of each piece of machinery on the job. For some machines, simple hands-on instruction is sufficient, while others may require special certifications before operating the machinery. Follow your owner/ operator manual and any other official guidelines pertaining to your specific industry, job type and equipment model before letting just anyone take your backhoe for a spin.

Source: 5 Maintenance Tips for Heavy Machinery

The used earthmoving construction equipment market in Africa has become a multi-million dollar business that has attracted not only many secondhand dealers but also online auction houses eager to tap into this fast growing market. Buyers in Africa are not new to the concept of used goods given their already insatiable appetite for used cars from Japan, Europe and Dubai. In the case of used cars several years ago it resulted in the collapse of several new car franchises in Africa which is a testament to how significant this market force is.Used machinery is here to stay and machinery franchise holders have even caught on the game by introducing what they call factory refurbished equipment in order to remain relevant to market expectations. And what are those expectations? Reasonable prices for reasonably good equipment.When buying used equipment five key pointers emerged when we interviewed various global second hand dealers. We highlight them in this article as well who to go to and have peace of mind.InspectionFirstly, just as with new equipment when buying used, a buyer needs to carefully inspect the equipment and enquire on any warranty availability. Inspection is key so check out for any oil leaks and welds on the structure of the machinery both of which can signal a poorly maintained machine or one which was used very roughly to the point of breaking, hence the welds. Heavy smoke when the engine is turned on is also a bad indication as is any seized parts and don’t be fooled by a smooth talking salesperson either who may tend to downplay these flaws. Dustin Graves of Hoss Machinery International says that you should ask for service history, oil samples and photos of the machine and if you can know who owned the machine originally that would even be better.If you are going to have to buy over the internet Bob Chafla of RLC Equipment based in California, USA advises that you can opt to appoint a local dealer or franchise holder in the region to inspect the machine on your behalf. This is far cheaper than paying for an air ticket and accommodation costs if you were to do the inspection yourself. Lieven Pauwels of Machinery Resale of Belgium adds that you can even ask for a video clip of the machine to see it in action though hidden problems will not be easily noticed.The way of the herdSecondly, going for equipment that is from the more popular brand names will ensure that parts will be available. You don’t want to get stuck with a brand name no one knows and hope to find spares for it round the corner when it breaks down. The scrap yard is filled with such machines that were purchased unwisely because of the unbeatable price offered and got grounded for lack of parts.PriceAnd that brings us to price. This should not be your only guide when buying a piece of equipment. Low price may result in upfront savings but misery later on with escalating costs due to downtime and repairs. Better to pay a little extra for a reasonable machine than rock bottom price for a doubtful machine. German Flores of Worldwide Group who sell and rent machinery puts it well when he says that you only get what you pay for.SimplicitySeveral dealers of second hand equipment tout the advantages of less electronics and this is with good reason because in Africa technical support may not be sophisticated enough to sort out an electrical fault with a computerized system . Your technical team will love you for choosing the old tried and tested models that are simply to operate and maintain not needing high-end computerized diagnosis when it fails to start up.With time however the old will give way to newer machines and as German of Worldwide Group says tier 4 machines will be in the secondhand market soon and with their more sophisticated electronics and special fuels to meet emissions restrictions in Europe and USA the machines will be pricier.Track recordLastly, nothing beats good referrals. A dealer with many satisfied customers is one to look up. Getting your hands on a second hand grader or earth mover is not hard these days. There are many second hand equipment suppliers and many dealers of the popular machinery brands also offer refurbished machinery. In addition to this the internet has introduced online auctions where one can bid for machinery in real time on websites for auctioneers who pride themselves on selling only quality equipment with referrals and testimonials to boot. Look for reputable firms and you’ll be off to a good start. Paul Hindle of Clements Plant warns however that there are many fake companies out there ready to swindle any would be customer with very nice websites but with no equipment at all, so buyer beware!

Source: 5 useful tips when importing used construction equipment | Forestry South Africa

Tip 1 – Determine your needs The very first step you should take before buying equipment is to determine what kind of machinery your company truly needs. If you’re choosing between an excavator and a dozer, write down their pros and cons, then decide which one will benefit your company more. Construction equipment comes with a hefty price tag, and you don’t want to purchase blindly.

Source: 5 quick tips to buying new or used construction equipment

Tip 5 – Take a look at the equipment yourselfBefore deciding which equipment dealer you’ll be buying from, pay the them a visit and check out in person the equipment they are selling. Test drive the equipment if possible and conduct a thorough check of the machine. This will help you determine if the equipment is in good condition, especially if you’re buying it used. Taking the equipment for a test drive will also show you if the equipment is sufficiently easy enough to operate and control.

Source: 5 quick tips to buying new or used construction equipment

Tip 2 – Do your research Once you’ve decided what type of equipment you need for your company, start your research. This should include dealers, brands and equipment models. Also include the different components of each model and brand so you can easily compare between models and brands.

Source: 5 quick tips to buying new or used construction equipment

Tip 3 – Find the right dealerFinding a reputable dealer is important and will also involve a bit of investigating. Make sure you check out multiple dealers before deciding where you’re buying equipment from. Don’t hesitate to ask questions from the dealers either. A reputable and trusted dealer can and will answer any question you shoot their way. It’s also a good idea to ask what after-purchase services they offer.

Source: 5 quick tips to buying new or used construction equipment

Tip 4 – Ask for quotationsWhen you visit or call a dealer or manufacturer, ask for a quotation. They’re more than happy to provide quotes to their customers. These quotations will help you determine how much a piece of equipment will cost you overall. Asking quotations from different dealers will help you compare prices and offers, which will also help you choose which dealer to buy equipment from.

Source: 5 quick tips to buying new or used construction equipment