Purchase of construction machinery: the criteria to take into account for a used truck

When it comes to purchasing a construction machinery, the first decision to make is whether to buy a new truck or a used truck. Buying a new truck can be the right solution when you are ready to face a fairly significant expense but which avoids the risk of having to deal with breakdowns and repairs in advance. However, when you don't intend to spend a lot, purchasing a used truck or mini excavator can on the contrary prove to be an equally valid solution, provided you know what you are buying and from whom. In the latter case, here are the criteria to consider.

1- What will the machine be used for on the construction site?

To choose the suitable used truck, it is essential to analyze what the ideal characteristics of the vehicle could be according to your needs. Thus, depending on the type of use that will be made of the machine, it will be necessary to evaluate the capacity, weights and volumes. Engine power and trailer type will also be factors to take into consideration.

2- Pay attention to the mileage and year of use

Generally speaking, it is advisable to choose a truck that is between 3 and 5 years old and whose proportional mileage does not exceed 100,000 km/year. If you go beyond five years, the risk, in the long term, is that maintenance costs could cancel out the savings during the purchase phase. In terms of mileage, a used truck should therefore not have traveled more than 500,000 kilometers. Beyond this limit, you may have to face unpleasant unexpected expenses. The advantage with used trucks is that there is no risk that a different mileage than the actual mileage may be declared. Because, during the entire period in which the truck is used, the mileage is constantly recorded.

3- What are the terms of the guarantee?

The ideal is always to choose construction equipment that has some form of guarantee. If the mechanic's opinion and road test yield positive results, problems could still arise after purchase. Therefore, to avoid unpleasant surprises, it is important to be protected. And this is determined by the terms of the warranty offered by the dealer or reseller.

4- Who to buy from?

At dealerships, costs may be slightly higher, but these types of suppliers offer different and more extensive warranties. However, the choice could be conditioned by the legal form of the buyer's company. Many resellers generally offer the guaranteed used formula, which protects you from any unpleasant surprises. In addition to the legal guarantee, which certifies that the vehicle is in the conditions declared by the seller, an additional guarantee can be presented, which protects the buyer in the event of breakdowns after purchase.

5- What about the road test?

Usually, the dealer provides the truck for a direct inspection of the conditions and for the test drive. If the sale takes place between individuals, it is worth checking both the interior of the truck and the mechanical parts most subject to wear, such as the transmission device (engine, clutch, gearbox and axles) . It is, in fact, the mechanical components that are normally more prone to problems. Also in this case, it is advisable to ask the seller to be able to do a test drive to personally verify the proper functioning of the vehicle. Finally, it is a good idea to check that the truck you have chosen complies with all inspections required by law. This is important both for safety and to avoid penalties.