Questions we are asked
What buyers ask when they cannot stand next to the machine themselves.
What to ask for
What photos should I ask for before buying a machine?+
The hour meter with today's date beside it, the undercarriage from both sides, the engine bay with the covers off, the cab floor and pedals, and the boom and arm pins. Those five cover most of what can go wrong.
Can I ask a seller to film the machine running?+
You should, every time. Ask for a cold start, the boom raised and lowered, a full slew and the machine driven both ways. Thirty seconds of video is worth more than a page of description.
What does a cold start tell me about an engine?+
A great deal. Heavy smoke, a long crank or a rough idle in the first minute all point at problems that a warm engine will hide from you.
Will you send me pictures of a specific part of the machine?+
Yes, and we would rather you asked. Tell us exactly what you want to see and we will walk out to the machine and photograph it, usually the same day.
What to look at
What should I check on the undercarriage?+
The track tension, the depth left on the grousers, and whether the rollers and idlers are leaking oil. It is the most expensive routine repair on a tracked machine, so it deserves the most attention.
How do I spot hydraulic problems in photos?+
Look for wet patches and dust stuck to oil around the cylinder rods, the hoses and the fittings. Clean dry cylinders are a good sign and a freshly steam cleaned engine bay is a reason to ask more questions.
What does wear on the pedals and seat tell me?+
It tells you roughly how many hours the machine has really done. If the cab is worn through and the meter reads low, something does not add up and you should ask directly.
Should I worry about paint and appearance?+
Only as a clue. Fresh paint on a used machine can mean pride or it can mean something being covered, so treat a very tidy looking machine as a reason to look harder rather than relax.
Using an inspector
Is a third party inspection worth paying for?+
On a first purchase, almost always. It costs a small fraction of the machine and it turns a decision based on photographs into one based on somebody standing next to the unit.
Who can inspect a machine on my behalf?+
An inspection company, a surveyor, or simply somebody you trust who knows machines and can travel. We do not mind which, and we do not restrict what they may look at.
Can I come and see the machine myself?+
Yes, at Mohammedia or at Qingdao. Message us with your dates and we will make sure the machine is available and somebody is there to show you around.
What if the machine is not as described when it arrives?+
It should never get that far, which is the entire reason we push photographs, video and inspection before payment. If something is wrong, tell us and we will deal with it rather than go quiet.
