New construction equipment is costly and, at times, completely unnecessary. The used equipment market can be a gold mine at times, full of well-maintained and cared-for gems waiting to be put to good use in your business.

But finding these gems is a time-consuming process. It pays to be diligent in your search. The more you inspect and probe before you part with your cash, the more likely your purchase will be a good one and you won’t regret your decision.

So, where to start looking for used construction equipment? One of the best places to pick up quality used construction equipment is at auction. www.EquifyAuctions.com is one such auction with an extensive inventory of used equipment. Before you dive right in, here at five tips to finding the best used construction equipment for your business.

Get the Exact Specifications

 Before you even start looking at inventories, make sure you have the precise specifications. So many business owners start looking, even getting as far as negotiating a price before they realise that the equipment they need comes in several sizes or has a number of different attachments.

Go into the search informed with the precise requirements and specifications so that you don’t waste any time.

Inspect the Machine’s History

 The dents and scuffs on a machine tell its personal story, but you might want a bit more information before you hand over the cheddar and take the machine home.

First, you need to ensure the equipment isn’t stolen. The best way to do this is by writing down the equipment’s serial number and checking it with the police or through the National Equipment Register.

Also, check the name on the title and ensure everything adds up. If the name on the title is a financial institution or bank, I would recommend proceeding with caution. This likely means that the equipment has not been paid for in full. If the previous seller doesn’t complete the payments, the machine may be seized by the financial institution, causing you all sorts of headaches later on.

Check the Fluid Levels

 This might sound strange, because after all, you can top up the engine oil, coolant and hydraulic fluid once you get it to your site, but checking the equipment’s fluid level can offer an insight into its maintenance history.

If the fluids are low or exceptionally dirty, it could be an indicator that the equipment has not been well looked after. If the previous owners have not maintained a rigorous upkeep schedule, there may be underlying mechanical problems lurking beneath the surface.

Check the Operating Hours

 You should be able to check the machine’s operating hours. You don’t want to buy equipment that was worked ragged by its previous owner (even if you do, you might be able to get the seller to accept a lower price after seeing the equipment’s operating hours).

Run the Engine

 If the equipment has an engine, it is best to test it. Pay extra close attention to how the machine runs when the engine is cold. This will tell you a lot about its maintenance. A poorly-maintained machine will sound a little off or produce a smoke that is exceptionally black or white in colour.