CheckMatch the model plate, frame serial location, engine plate, meter display and seller documents to the same physical machine.

CompareA complete identity chain is stronger than a clean listing with no close-up serial proof.

DecisionStop if the serial is removed, inconsistent or deliberately hidden.

CheckRequest a continuous video from a cold engine, including ambient start, exhaust, crank time, warning lights and idle stability.

CompareA pre-warmed engine can hide hard starting, smoke and weak compression that appear after an overnight stop.

DecisionRepeat the test live when the engine is already warm or the clip is edited.

CheckObserve blow-by, exhaust color, oil pressure warnings, coolant condition, leaks, abnormal knock and recovery under digging load.

CompareSmooth idle alone proves less than repeated loaded cycles after operating temperature is reached.

DecisionBudget diagnosis or reject when smoke, pressure warnings, contamination or knock persists hot.

CheckRun combined boom, arm, bucket, swing and travel functions after the oil is hot; listen for pump noise and watch for drift or hesitation.

CompareCold speed can look acceptable while worn pumps, valves or cylinders fade after heat builds.

DecisionRequire pressure testing or a price reserve when hot response is slow, uneven or noisy.

CheckCheck lift play, swing stop response, gearbox noise, oil leaks and movement between upperstructure and carbody.

CompareCosmetic cab condition does not offset costly swing-bearing or reduction-gear wear.

DecisionMeasure abnormal play before negotiation; do not accept a verbal 'normal wear' explanation.

CheckInspect weld zones, boom foot, cylinder mounts, pin bosses, bucket linkage, chrome rods and side movement at every joint.

CompareReplaceable pin wear is different from cracked or distorted load-bearing structure.

DecisionPrice bushings separately; reject unexplained structural cracks or undocumented major repairs.

CheckMeasure track chain, bushings, sprockets, rollers, idlers, adjuster extension, shoe damage and left-right wear balance.

CompareA low purchase price can disappear quickly when a complete undercarriage is near replacement.

DecisionConvert measured wear into a parts-and-labor reserve before comparing offers.

CheckTravel both directions, counter-rotate, climb if safe, compare left-right speed and inspect final-drive oil and leakage.

CompareStraight travel on flat ground may not reveal a weak side that appears during turning or climbing.

DecisionInvestigate pull imbalance, metal in oil, excessive heat or repeated seal leakage.

CheckInspect carbody, track frames, counterweight mounts, boom base and stressed welds for cracks, plating, heat marks and alignment.

CompareA documented professional repair is assessable; fresh paint over an unknown repair is not.

DecisionAsk for pre-repair photos and method; reject repairs that change geometry or lack credible evidence.

CheckTest display, fault codes, modes, joysticks, pedals, safety lock, lights, camera, air conditioning and all warning circuits.

CompareCab wear can support or contradict the claimed hours, but it must be read with mechanical wear and duty history.

DecisionResolve active faults before shipment instead of assuming a battery reset is a repair.

CheckConfirm bucket width, coupler, hydraulic lines, breaker circuit, auxiliary flow, guarding and lifting requirements for the buyer's job.

CompareA sound excavator with the wrong circuit or attachment can cost more to convert than a better-matched unit.

DecisionApprove the configuration and included loose parts in writing before the final price.

CheckMatch final test, dismantled parts, protected hoses, lifting, lashing, package numbers and draft documents to the same serial.

CompareA passed yard inspection does not protect against missing parts or damage during careless dismantling and loading.

DecisionRelease the final milestone only after the agreed loading evidence and document checks are complete.