Used machinery is becoming a more popular option for contractors, allowing them to ramp up their fleet or get machines onto the job-site fast. Priced lower than new, it expands your options without increasing the budget. Still, not all used machines on the market are equal – and buying one with a warranty provides peace of mind, explains Anas Ashour, Used Equipment Manager at Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar.
As contractors look to mobilise fleets and scale up operations, used machines are a popular option, given that the business outlook remains somewhat uncertain. With lower acquisition costs, less capex is tied up in the fleet, but managers can still get highly productive machines – if they know how to select the right one.
Anas Ashour, Used Equipment Manager at Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar, notes that while used equipment can offer some great benefits for customers, including high resale value and cost-effective productivity, there can be downsides if a contractor buys a machine that has undisclosed faults which affect productivity or require significant unplanned expenditure on repairs.
Al-Bahar, the Caterpillar dealer for five GCC countries since 1959 (the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar), offers a wide range of used machines, with stock from its rental fleet, leasing and trade-ins. Significantly, the machines have been serviced by the dealer’s well-trained technicians and service staff, using authentic Cat spare parts, and is offered with a limited warranty.
“We do everything possible to ensure the machine is thoroughly inspected and serviced – the engine, transmission, hydraulic system, checking for leaks, the body – we make sure to rectify and repair every single issue to the highest standard,” says Ashour.
With all the things that can be wrong with a used machine – some easy to spot, some harder to discover – it’s no surprise that customers feel more secure and confident when they buy a used machine with a warranty, says Ashour. “There will be no headache, as they know it’s covered by Al-Bahar.”
Top-selling models include mid-weight excavators such as the 320, wheel loaders like the 966 and bulldozers including the D8, though the full range of used machinery can include motor graders, pavers, telehandlers, skid steers, backhoe loaders, articulated trucks and other machines, depending on available stock, says Ashour.
Currently, for its entire range of certified used machines, Al-Bahar is offering a full year warranty and a 2,000 hours Preventive Maintenance (PM) Kit, at no additional cost. The PM kit includes genuine Cat Parts and instructions for routine service work, all packed in a hassle-free box to save time and money, says Ashour.
Another benefit of adding used machines to a fleet is that buyers may be able to match them with existing machines that their operators and maintenance staff are already familiar with, ensuring good productivity and streamlined servicing thanks to existing know-how and spare parts commonality
What to consider when buying a used machine
Depreciation is one major factor to consider. A common misconception is that used construction equipment depreciates faster than brand-new heavy machinery. Heavy machinery, whether new or old, can offer lasting durability depending on the manufacturer and the maintenance it receives over the years, and this is reflected in its resale value.
Obviously, the most important focus for buyers is machine condition. By taking a methodical approach, they can assess a machine’s condition, its likely performance on a job-site and whether it is likely to require any significant repairs in the near term. Apart from higher costs and lower performance, poorly maintained machines can also be a safety hazard on-site.
The first place to check is the machine’s service record. Has it been regularly serviced at all the key intervals, using the manufacturer’s recommended spare parts? If not, or if the service record is not available, that is a red flag or indication of possible high repair costs. Checking how many hours a machine has on its clock against the recommended major service intervals provides an estimate for when its next major overhaul is needed.
Damage to the exterior and attachments of the equipment, or error codes showing on the front panel, are other things to look for. Buyers should also check that the equipment display and gauges function properly while the machine is in motion, and that moving parts such as shafts, belts and gears are properly guarded.
Starting the engine is the quickest way to check a machine’s health. Problems starting, or thick black smoke, are warning signs. Next, check for fluid leaks. Leaks from the hydraulic system increase operational costs if the fluid needs to be regularly topped up, affect machine performance and wear out components. If the fluid is leaking, a non-pressurised line may allow dust, sand and other abrasive contaminants to enter the fluid system, potentially causing major damage. There may also be internal fluid leaks, which are harder to spot.
Evaluation of used construction equipment should also include an extensive analysis of the machinery in motion, and buyers with less experience of a particular machine will need expert advice. Nevertheless, when inspecting a machine for purchase, even the most experienced buyers may fail to locate some problems.
The extensive work done by Al-Bahar’s technicians to ready a used machine for sale is far more likely to correctly assess a machine’s health and make the necessary repairs. For AlBahar, the value is to sell machines that clients can rely on, but also to carry out any required servicing ahead of the sale, as making additional repairs under the warranty only creates additional costs for the dealer. Overall, that points to the value of a warranty for a used machine, says Ashour.
“The main differentiator for us over other used equipment suppliers in the region is our Certified Used brand and the peace of mind it gives customers,” he concludes.
