5 Tips for Inspecting
Used Dredges And Pumps
Some
mining contractors and companies shy away from buying
used heavy equipment despite of its great economic advantages and the
variety
of options. They fear that they might end up investing in a poor quality
product.
There is a list of things that you should consider before buying used
Dredge, in which proper inspection tops the list. With some diligence in
inspection, buyers can avoid the common pitfalls associated with used
equipment.
Whether you are buying from an auction, through a dealer, or
from online marketplaces, here are 5 tips for inspecting used heavy equipment which
will ensure that you buy a quality product.
1. Visual Inspection
Before you start inspecting the engine or any other
component, perform a visual inspection. Some buyers are experienced and know
what things they should look for, in the machinery. However, if it’s your first
time buying used heavy equipment, then just walking around it and search for
any noticeable damages such as weld, corrosion, dents, bends, cracks, or any
missing component. This indicates whether the equipment has been properly
maintained or has been damaged in any way. After that, look underneath the
machinery and inspect all the cylinders, valves, lines, and hoses.
2. Check the Fluids and Leakage
After performing the physical inspection, it is time to get
your hands dirty. The first thing to check is the fluids, including the
transmission fluid, coolant, engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and several others.
Check if there is any leakage in the machinery. Check all arms, hoses, and
hydraulic systems for leakage. Moreover, see the levels of the fluids because
if they are low, this may indicate that the heavy equipment has not been
maintained properly.
3. Inspect the Cutter Head And Pump
The
next part to inspect is the cutter head and pump. Check to make sure
its in good operating condition with no bends or breaks, and if
possible, run the unit as long as you have access to a water supply.
Moreover, see if there are gashes on the sidewalls or
any other damage. Inspect the condition of the linings, pump, and
control valves
when checking out the dredge plant.
4. Test run the Attachments
Most heavy equipment has attachments like a fork, lifting
arms, buckets, etc. When inspecting a loader backhoe or an excavator, check for
signs of scalloping between the bucket teeth, as it tends to decrease the
cutting force of the buckets. For forklifts, check for signs of wear in the fork
heels, as they should match the upright fork shank’s thickness. For loader
buckets, check the side panels’ thickness, wear and tear on the leading edge,
quality of the welds, if any, and the condition of the bucket bottom.
