Buying used construction equipment over renting or buying brand-new is the most economical choice available today. However, there are certain downsides of purchasing anything that has been used by another person or company in the past. While the equipment at NLEQ is tested by a team of expert mechanics for safety, stability and functionality, there are still some things that you should know to keep an eye out for.

Some sellers are not as meticulous as we are about ensuring that your used equipment is top-notch in quality. You might experience problems when starting the engine of your newly-purchased machinery, such as smoking or finding that the engine isn’t starting as strongly as it should. Smoking might not necessarily be cause for alarm if the weather is cold outside, but if your seller tries to skirt around the subject you may want to find someone more reputable to work with.

Leaking fluids are another commonplace worry when purchasing used construction equipment. This can lead to the seizing up of engines, coolant present in the oil (or vice-versa) and an overall lack of functionality. Leaks are most common in backhoes near the cylinders, as well as in the arms and hoses of most other machines. If you identify a leak in your machinery, you know for certain that it wasn’t maintained properly before you purchased it.

If a piece of equipment has seen some pretty rough wear and tear, you may be able to identify welding spots on the body of the machinery. While welding is a pretty decent way to extend the life of damaged construction equipment, it is little more than a band-aid solution. Machines that have been beaten up over time might not be the most reliable, so it is best to avoid purchasing equipment that has clearly been through a lot.

Brake issues are one more common concern, especially since brake repair jobs can cost more than the damaged equipment is worth. Upon firing up your machine, you may hear unexpected noises like grinding if the brakes are damaged. Because of the steep expense related to fixing brakes, especially on the rear differential, it is not advisable to purchase any used construction equipment that even hints toward bad brakes.

The best thing that you can do when browsing for high-quality used construction equipment is to look for the most popular brands and models available. Mechanics are most familiar with these pieces of equipment and parts are easier to find if a repair is necessary. When the machinery has been properly cared for, it can last you for twenty years or more. So, it’s worth making sure that you’re getting the best equipment for your dollar.

NLEQ offers a wide inventory of used construction equipment at prices that cannot be beaten by any of our competitors. More than that, we ensure the safety and functionality of every piece of machinery that we sell. Our mechanics ensure that you will be happy with the used construction equipment that you take off of our lot.