How to judge whether a second-hand excavator is still worth the price?

Inspect Appearance and Structure
 - Overall Wear：Check if the paint is uniform. Extensive repainting or rust may indicate collisions or long-term outdoor storage.
- Key Component Damage：
- Tracks/Tires：Wear exceeding 50% of the original thickness means high replacement costs.
- Bucket：Look for cracks, deformation, or tooth wear (if only 1/3 of the original length remains).
- Cylinders：Check for oil leaks, scratches, or rust on the piston rods.
 
2. Evaluate Core Performance
 - Engine Condition：
- Check for black smoke during startup (possible oil burning) and idle vibration.
- Listen for abnormal noises (e.g., knocking or belt squealing). Test run for 30 minutes to monitor water temperature and oil pressure.
- Hydraulic System：
- Ensure smooth operation without卡顿 or delays (slow arm lifting may signal pump aging).
- Examine hydraulic oil—cloudiness or metal shavings suggest severe internal wear.
 
3. Verify Usage Records and Age
 - Working Hours：Read from the dashboard or system. Over 15,000 hours may mean core components near the end of life (but consider maintenance history).
- Usage History：
- Original purpose: Mining equipment wears faster than municipal use.
- Maintenance records: Look for regular oil/filter changes and major repair documents (be cautious of engine overhauls).
 
4. Check Documents and Compliance
 - Complete Papers：Require purchase invoices, certificates, and property deeds to avoid stolen or assembled machines.
- Emission Standards：Confirm compliance with local regulations (e.g., National III/IV) to avoid restrictions or淘汰.
 
5. Compare Market Prices
 - Reference used market prices for the same brand, model, and age (via industry platforms or second-hand markets). A price far below average may hide faults.
 
6. Seek Professional Inspection
 - Hire a third party for specialized checks:
- Use an endoscope to inspect engine cylinder wear.
- Test hydraulic pressure with gauges to ensure standards.
 

1. Conclusion：Evaluate comprehensively based on appearance, performance, records, and price to avoid hidden repair costs from focusing solely on low prices. www.amdigger.com