USED MINI EXCAVATOR (USED COMPACT EXCAVATOR)

USED MINI EXCAVATOR

Introduction of Used Mini excavator

Many times you need a smaller excavator to handle more delicate jobs. These smaller excavators are also called "Compact Excavators" or "Mini excavators". Weighing in at two to six tons, there is little that's mini about "mini excavators", known as "compact excavators", these machines are becoming popular for a wide range of applications from utility work to demolition to landscaping.

Used mini excavator is a reconditioned excavator with a certain warranty attached to it. Used mini excavators are mostly sold in third world countries, where pricing is a key decesion input while purchase is made. These used mini excavator also form a separate line of business (LOB) for OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in a typically saturated market. The used mini excavators are bought back, refurbished and sold in the open market with standard or less than standard warranties as the case may be. These LOBs are also operated by large ouction houses, who deal with multiple brands. These auction houses normally sell the excavators on "as is where is" basis. Used Mini excavators bring many advantages to a wide range of construction jobsites. Used Mini excavators are maneuverable and easy to operate. About the same size as a skid steer loader, used mini excavator or used compact excavators mount one heavy-duty arm on a set of bulldozer like tracks to tackle digging applications in smaller environments.

Used Mini Excavator Basics

A used mini excavator consists of a cab, engine, dual bulldozer-like tracks or treads, a boom arm, and an attachment.

1- The cab, where the operator sits, can pivot 360° on top of the tracks.
2- The diesel engine provides propulsion power for the tracks and powers the hydraulic systems that do the digging.
3- The steel or rubber tracks move the machine around the work site, even on loose or muddy ground.
4- The boom, the arm that holds the attachment, provides the digging power.
5- The attachment does the actual work. Most excavators come with a standard bucket - a toothed scoop for digging into dirt or gravel; but can support many other types of attachments.

Why will we need a used mini excavator?

If you are going to depend on the mini excavator for your day-to-day work, you should probably invest in a new mini excavator machine. However, if you're only going to use the mini excavator occasionally, buying used mini excavator can be a great way to save money.

Mini Excavators are built with 8,000 to 10,000 hours expected operating lifespan, so many used mini excavator models are available with good operating lives left in them. Two- to three-year old used mini excavator models with a couple of thousand hours on them can be about 25% cheaper than new models, while older mini excavators with a little more wear are 50% or less of new prices.

When evaluating used mini excavator machines, test drives are even more important than with new machines. Pay attention to the overall feel - if the tracks run freely in both directions and if the arm responds well to the controls. However, don't let yourself be wowed by a fresh coat of paint - that can sometimes mean the dealer is hiding other problems.

Inspect the undercarriage for excessive wear, rust, and shoddy repair work. Look at the hydraulic seals for signs of leaks or other problems, and check the engine for signs of neglect (cracking hoses, worn belts, etc).

Maintenance of Used Mini Excavator

Most dealers will offer a range of maintenance contracts to choose from. If you're buying a new mini excavator, these generally aren't worth the cost: you can do the basic preventative maintenance yourself, and the manufacturer's warranty will cover the rare mechanical breakdown.

If you're buying a used mini excavator, the extra protection of a maintenance contract can be a better value. Just having expert technicians inspect and lubricate the machine once or twice per year can help prevent small defects from developing into larger problems.