Used excavator inspection is the most leveraged hour you'll spend in the purchase process. A disciplined 90-minute inspection by a knowledgeable operator + mechanic catches problems that easily account for 20-40% of the purchase price.
Engine (run through full warm-up)
- Cold start observation — smoke colour, noise, glow plug behaviour
- Oil pressure at idle (≥ manufacturer spec)
- Exhaust smoke at full RPM and under load
- Coolant level, condition (clean green or red, not brown)
- Belt and hose condition
Hydraulics
- Cycle every function full-stroke
- Listen for pump whine or cavitation noise
- Cylinder drift test — load arm, hold for 5 minutes
- Fluid colour (golden — good; milky — water; black — old)
- Check for leaks at every cylinder rod and fitting
Undercarriage
- Track tension (deflection within spec)
- Track shoe wear — measure grouser height
- Bushing wear at idle/sprocket — look for wobble
- Roller condition — listen for noise on travel
- Final-drive oil colour (clean honey — good)
Cab and electrics
- All gauges functional
- AC and heater operation
- Joystick deadband and response
- Camera systems (if equipped)
- Fault codes in service screen
Documents matter as much as inspection
Demand the service record book, fluid analysis history, and hour-meter calibration certificate. If any are missing, discount the purchase price 10-15%.