Heavy Equipment Inspection

For construction equipment, forklifts, and similar machines:Check fluid levels: hydraulic oil, engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid. Low or dirty fluid can signal neglect or a slow internal leak that hasn’t surfaced yet.Inspect hydraulic hoses and cylinders for leaks. Look for wet spots, oil-darkened areas, or a fine mist of fluid around fittings—any of this mean pressure is escaping somewhere it shouldn’t be.Look at the undercarriage on tracked equipment. Worn tracks, sprockets, and rollers are among the most expensive repairs you’ll face ($5,000-$15,000 for a dozer undercarriage), and they’re easy to overlook until you’re already committed.Check the hour meter. Equipment with 5,000-8,000 hours is mid-life—still viable, but worth scrutinizing. Over 10,000 hours means the engine, transmission, and hydraulic pump may all be approaching the end of their service life.Look for cracks in the boom, arms, and frame, especially at weld joints and high-stress corners. Structural damage is a deal-breaker—no price makes it worth it.Follow us on social media for current auctions, success stories, and behind-the-scenes content—and subscribe to our YouTube channel!