Heavy Equipment Inspection Checklist: What to Check Before You Buy

Never Buy Without Inspecting

Used heavy equipment can be the best value in the industry — or the most expensive mistake. A thorough pre-purchase inspection separates good deals from money pits. Use this checklist whether you're inspecting yourself or hiring a third-party inspector.

General Inspection (All Equipment Types)

Documentation

• ☐ Verify hour meter reading matches telematics/service records
• ☐ Review complete service and maintenance history
• ☐ Check for open recalls or service bulletins
• ☐ Confirm clear title (no liens or encumbrances)
• ☐ Request recent oil analysis reports
• ☐ Verify serial number matches paperwork

Engine and Powertrain

• ☐ Cold start the engine — listen for knocks, smoke color, and startup hesitation
• ☐ Check all fluid levels (oil, coolant, hydraulic, DEF)
• ☐ Inspect for oil leaks at all gaskets and seals
• ☐ Check exhaust color under load (blue = burning oil, white = coolant leak, black = fuel issue)
• ☐ Verify all gauges and warning lights function
• ☐ Check air filter restriction indicator
• ☐ Inspect cooling system — radiator fins, hoses, thermostat function
• ☐ Test aftertreatment system (DPF, SCR) — check for fault codes and regeneration history

Hydraulic System

• ☐ Check hydraulic fluid color and smell (dark/burnt = overheated system)
• ☐ Inspect all hoses for cracks, bulges, and leaks
• ☐ Cycle all cylinders fully — check for drift (internal bypass)
• ☐ Listen for pump whine under load (cavitation = pump wear)
• ☐ Check hydraulic tank sight glass for proper level

Structural

• ☐ Inspect frame for cracks, especially at weld joints and high-stress points
• ☐ Check all pins and bushings for play
• ☐ Look for bent or deformed structural members
• ☐ Inspect all guards and safety devices

Crusher-Specific Inspection

• ☐ Measure jaw plate/blow bar/mantle wear percentage
• ☐ Check toggle plate and cheek plate condition
• ☐ Inspect crusher bearings — spin by hand if possible, listen for roughness
• ☐ Verify CSS adjustment mechanism operates smoothly through full range
• ☐ Check discharge conveyor belt for cuts, tears, and tracking
• ☐ Inspect hopper and feed mechanism for wear and cracks
• ☐ Run the crusher empty — listen for abnormal sounds
• ☐ If possible, run with material — check output size consistency

Screener-Specific Inspection

• ☐ Inspect all screen media for holes, blinding, and wear
• ☐ Check vibrating mechanism bearings and eccentric weights
• ☐ Inspect all conveyor belts for damage and tracking
• ☐ Verify screen box movement is even (no wobble or unbalanced vibration)
• ☐ Check screen deck mounting points for cracks
• ☐ Inspect feed hopper for wear plates and structural integrity

Tracked Equipment Inspection

• ☐ Measure track shoe wear (lugs and plate thickness)
• ☐ Check track tension and adjustment range remaining
• ☐ Inspect rollers and idlers for leaks, flat spots, and play
• ☐ Check sprocket tooth wear pattern
• ☐ Measure track chain pin and bushing wear
• ☐ Calculate remaining undercarriage life percentage
• ☐ Get undercarriage replacement cost estimate (this is your biggest hidden expense)

Red Flags That Should Stop the Deal

1. Mismatched hour meter — If the displayed hours don't match service records or telematics, walk away.
2. Structural cracks at pivot points — Cracked frames near cylinder mounts or main bearing housings indicate severe stress damage.
3. Metallic debris in hydraulic fluid — Bronze or steel particles mean pump or motor failure is imminent.
4. Excessive engine blowby — Oil mist from the crankcase breather under load indicates piston ring or liner wear.
5. No maintenance records — A machine with zero documentation was likely not maintained. Price accordingly.

Hire a Professional Inspector

For equipment purchases over $100,000, a third-party inspection ($500-$2,000) is money well spent. Professional inspectors have the tools to measure wear components precisely and the experience to spot issues that casual inspection misses.

RPG Equipment listings include detailed photos and descriptions of equipment condition. Browse our inventory or contact us to discuss any machine in detail before buying.