Construction Equipment

Request the service meter hours and confirm they match the hours on the machine. Ask for service records showing hydraulic oil changes, track or undercarriage wear, and filter intervals. Check for visible hydraulic leaks in the boom, arm, and attachment circuit lines. Verify the ROPS/FOPS certification is intact — it's often required by OSHA for job site use.

Industry rules of thumb: under 2,000 hours is low, 3,000–6,000 is mid-life, over 8,000 is high for most excavators and loaders. Major components (engines, final drives, hydraulic pumps) on Japanese machines (Komatsu, Hitachi, Kobelco) routinely reach 15,000+ hours with proper maintenance. Track undercarriage is the most expensive wear item — factor in replacement cost at higher hours.

Yes — specialty equipment lenders like TimePayment, Crest Capital, and dealer financing programs offer installment loans for heavy equipment purchases. eBay Motors' vehicle purchase protection doesn't typically extend to heavy equipment sold in the construction category. Larger transactions often require an escrow service or direct wire transfer — confirm payment terms before bidding.

Most excavators and loaders require a lowboy or step-deck trailer for transport. Cost ranges from $500 for a local move to $3,000+ for a cross-country haul. Many sellers will load onto your trailer; confirm this in writing before purchase. Verify your trailer's load rating and your tow vehicle's capacity — a 20-ton excavator requires a 3-car-minimum truck and a permitted lowboy.