Sometimes it’s better to think twice before spending a lot of money on new heavy equipment or construction machinery. You can save an large amount of your investment funds by buying used machinery. But before you get to make such a decision you might want to think it through. Used heavy equipment might be a solution for your business as long as you make sure the used machinery works as it should. Of course, it is used, but used machinery is typically refurbished and has technical reviews. But perhaps your personal experience is better than all that criteria. Even if the used machinery looks just fine, is a famous brand or the seller convinced you about the quality of his or her used machinery, you should get try to test it before you buy it. Always try to test the used machinery before you buy it or have someone to test the used machinery for you. Scrape, dig, lift, dump, push, whatever the vehicle has function for.

Go through all the used machinery functions and they all work. Visual inspection is another way of checking the used heavy equipment. Even if you have already made up your mind about buying used heavy machinery, you should be entitled to a good bargain. And a good bargain means you get good quality used heavy equipment for less. Take your time inspecting the used heavy equipment, and try to cover all the important areas. Used heavy equipment paint quality is not critical.

However rust is an issue, so try to see if there are any rust patches or holes covered just for “cosmetic” reason. Grab a tool and try pushing or even hitting on suspected areas of the used heavy machinery to see if there is any rust falling on the ground. Slide under the used machinery and search for leaks. Test the possible leaking problem of the used machinery after you’ve been through the test drive. Also check valves and hoses before the test drive, and see after it if there are any leaks present in these places. The testing shouldn’t stop here. Listen to the engine running for more than a minute or two. Also listen to the hydraulics when the used heavy equipment is performing its special duties. Try to detect any kind weird smells like burning oil or electrical short circuits. When you get behind the wheel or the levers, try to feel if the controls work as they should.

However, you should keep in mind one thing: even the new heavy equipment may be faulty at times, which is why you should be prepared to face all problems that may arise with your used machinery, and not just assume the problem was caused by the fact that the machinery was old. As a final advice on your shopping adventure for used heavy equipment, try to avoid buying from individuals that have no knowledge of construction equipment. Construction equipment dealers can often provide maintenance service and warranty with your used heavy equipment that can stretch from 30 to 60 days, making sure that unexpected problems will be dealt with professionally. And, of course, don’t forget to negotiate the price of used heavy equipment. You can find a dealer that is flexible with pricing and negotiation and give you a better deal that a private owner. Good luck shopping for used machinery.

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Today, fuel filters do indeed look different as filter makers address concerns created by advanced fuel injection engines, changing emissions regulations, new technological capabilities available for filter manufacturing, and a host of other issues.

Although the basic elements of fuel filtration have not changed greatly, improvements in monitoring, internal media, and improved drains contribute to the fuel-filtration system’s overall ability to enhance engine performance.

Tighter emissions standards that demand lower-sulfur fuel have become a major issue affecting fuel filtration on heavy equipment. Lower sulfur content reduces lubricating properties in fuel just as heavy equipment engines are benefiting from refined fuel injection systems that increase performance.

“Compared to 1931, equipment today uses half as much steel and delivers 10 times the horsepower,” says Greg, filter and fluids technology manager with Caterpillar. “That is why filtration and fluids are so important to what we do.”

“Reduced lubricity in low-sulfur fuel can cause injector wear, which can lead to over fueling,” he says. “When there was a pump in line, you could set it to compensate for over fueling. But you can’t do that with new fuel injectors, and over fueling can eventually flood the machine.” Or worse. Skeels says fuel injectors can cost $400 to $600 apiece, not including tune-up and adjustment of electronic systems.

Fleet guard has an innovative filter to address this issue. The FS 20000 Slow Release Lubricity-Enhancing Fuel Filtration System allows a lubricating fuel additive to be dissolved into the fuel as it passes through the filter. The FS 20000 is intended for use in Tier 2-compliant engines using Jet A, kerosene, winter fuel blends, or low-sulfur diesel below 50 ppm sulfur.

Particulate and water captureParticle size is another issue as the industry adjusts to GM’s discontinuation of its AC Fine Test Dust, according to Nigel Atkins, market development manager with Pall’s Strategic Business Development Group. While AC Fine Test Dust was available, particulate matter was measured in a relatively consistent manner, and fuel-filter manufacturers were able to rate their systems down to 1 micron or smaller using automatic particle counters.

When GM exited the test dust business, NIST instituted a new testing analysis method to classify a replacement dust and issued a new particle size distribution. This effectively meant that the same laboratory particle counters were now only able to resolve particles of approximately 4 micrometers, Atkins says. “Suddenly the same filter had a different micron rating on it.”

While standards organizations address micron ratings, Atkins recommends paying close attention to claims of filter manufacturers and specifications from engine manufacturers. OEMs often use different issues of the same standard to retain compatibility with their existing test data, according to Atkins.

“This can make direct comparison between filter data sheets very difficult,” he says.

With today’s engines using injection pressures that can exceed 30,000 psi, Atkins says, “The systems require sophisticated pumps and injectors that are more sensitive to particles and water. The net effect is that water is more emulsified in the fuel.”

Pall has developed a reverse-flow, depth media fuel-filtration system that uses the media to coalesce and separate emulsified water on a level that can be measured on a parts per million basis, according to Atkins. He says the system is used in Iveco equipment utilizing the “Cursor” engine developed in Europe.

Atkins says the filtration system is utilized on OEM equipment in North America where these Iveco engines are also used. Pall is currently talking with other U.S. engine makers to have them specify the system, which is based on technology successfully used in jet fuel handling and refineries. “We want to design for optimized-systems OEMs and do not plan on pursuing a generic after-market approach,” he says.

Other filter makers have introduced new media to increase water capture. This is due, in part, to OEMs specifying fuel filters with increased water separation. Fleetguard, for example, has a new StrataPore synthetic filter media created through a melt-blown process that generates layers of polymeric fiber that can be adjusted for removal of specific particle sizes. It can remove more than 95 percent of both free water and emulsified water, according to Burnettte.

Donaldson also has developed new synthetic fuel media. Introduced last year, the advanced filtration system includes three layers of melt-blown media and a layer of silicon-treated cellulose. The synthetic media contributes to 95 percent emulsified water separation based on SAE 1488 testing procedures, according to Donaldson.

In addition to refining the media inside fuel filters, manufacturers are using new materials and techniques to make it easier to maintain the filters. Donaldson has introduced a patented Twist & Drain device to make it easier to drain water. The self-venting device requires only a half twist to open and provides an audible and tactile click when the drain is fully open. Donaldson also has an electronic sensor that can be placed in its P55 1003 filter. When the water reaches the sensor, a light in the cab indicates the device should be drained.

Engineered Products plans to introduce an electronic sensor for fuel filters this year. Filter Minders, a series of in-line visual indicators, measures how much restriction the filter is experiencing. The devices include clear plastic chambers and debris indicators to show how much useful life remains in the filter. “Filters tend to plug rapidly at the end of their life,” says Ron Kelderman of Engineered Products. “They will run for long periods of time with no restriction and then at three-fourths of their useful life, they will clog up rapidly.”

Fleetguard has also introduced an in-line fuel filter monitor. The Fuel Pro 180 line provides a similar visual indication of debris capture. “We will sell less filters because people will not be changing them unnecessarily,” says Fleetguard’s Burnette. “They will see when the debris has built up and will know exactly when to change it.”

Clear plastic collection bowls are becoming more common on filtration systems. Parker Hannifin’s Racor Division has a clear collection bowl as part of its 777R Series fuel filtration/water separator system that removes contaminants from fuel in two stages. In the first stage, fuel moves through a centrifuge that sends large solids and water droplets, which are heavier than fuel, to an outer surface. The water can drop to the bottom of the clear collection bowl, where an optional in-bowl water detection probe can activate a dashboard warning light. In the second stage, proprietary Aquabloc II cartridge elements repel water and remove fine contaminants from fuel.

The 777R includes a fuel primer port, an internal thermostat, and other optional features, such as a vacuum gauge kit and fuel heater, for even greater control and monitoring of fuel.

Easier draining technology, refined media, and improved monitoring have brought fuel filters into the future Steve Burnette was envisioning. Although fuel-filtration systems must continue to perform their basic function of helping deliver clean fuel, today’s filters also help fleet managers more closely monitor their performance and efficiency.

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When buying heavy equipment – excavators, backhoe loaders, motor graders, and even compact equipment like skid steer loaders or mini excavators– it’s easy to get buried in an avalanche of specs. Engine HP, hydraulic HP, dump heights, ground clearance, dig or dump depths – they can get to be overwhelming. It’s important to keep in mind that the performance of your heavy equipment depends quite a bit on the operator.

Heavy equipment controls and ergonomics
One of the most important considerations when buying heavy equipment is visibility. It’s a safety concern, as well as important to efficient operation: the operator can’t avoid what he can’t see. During your test drive, pay attention to any areas of low visibility – particularly when using scoops or digging arms.

The control system is another central point to evaluate. Most new heavy equipment uses twin joystick controls, one that controls the overall movement of the vehicle and one that operates the hydraulics for the arm, scoop, or blade. These electronic or electrohydraulic controls require much less force to operate than mechanical controls of old – but if they’re too sensitive, smooth operation can be a real challenge.

That’s why heavy equipment manufacturers have introduced adjustable controls. These allow each operator to adjust the sensitivity and control pattern to match their own preferences. As part of the test drive, try different settings to gauge how effective the adjustments are.

Visibility and controls are two components of the overall ergonomics of the operator cab. Ergonomics refers to everything that goes into ease of operation and comfort for the operator. Even small extras like adjustable seats and good lumbar support can make your operators more efficient in the long run.

Operator comfort is also greatly increased with enclosed cabs. Standard on some vehicles and an option on others, enclosed cabs let your operators concentrate on getting the job done – not the weather. For working in the chilly Northeastern winter or the sweltering Southern summer, an enclosed cab with heat and air conditioning is a huge boost to efficiency and operator efficiency.

One last tip on judging these operator-focused features: make sure you have an operator on hand to do the evaluation! While the CFO or equipment manager makes the purchasing decision, they’re not the ones who’ll actually be in the machine. Have one of your equipment operators come along to do the test drive – and get the real feedback from them afterwards.

Specs do count
Lastly, don’t think for a minute that those performance specs are completely irrelevant. If the excavator doesn’t dig deep enough, or if the wheel loader doesn’t reach high enough to fill your dump trucks, they’re simply not going to get the job done. Making sure the vehicle meets the basics specs required to handle your applications is always part of the heavy equipment buying process.

Chances are, you already know the importance of putting together a list of performance requirements before you purchase construction equipment. Don’t forget the external dimensions, too. If your equipment needs to fit on a trailer or in a garage, the overall width and height are important considerations. Gross weight of heavy equipment can also be a concern on trailers or small bridges.

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Interested in saving money on a backhoe or skid steer loader? Sometimes, buying used construction equipment is a smart way to go. Other times, you’d be better off not buying anything at all. Here are a few ways you can make sure you get a good deal on used construction equipment.

Try used construction equipment yourself
We shouldn’t have to say it, but some buyers still make this mistake: don’t buy a piece of used equipment without trying it yourself. Don’t let your interest in a good deal get the better of your common sense. Even if the seller seems trustworthy, even if it’s a brand or model that has a stellar reliability record, even if you take a look at the vehicle and it looks good, there is no substitute for a thorough test drive.

A five minute jaunt around the parking lot isn’t going to cut it, either. Dig, dump, lift, scrape, push – whatever the equipment is supposed to do, put it through its paces.

Look carefully…
Go over the used equipment you’re investigating slowly and carefully. New paint jobs are relatively cheap and can cover up a lot of problems. Look for evidence of rust patching or cover-up – poke suspect areas with a tool to be sure. Check underneath the vehicle for evidence of leaks. Inspect hoses and valves before and after the test drive, so you easily spot fresh leaks.

… but use all your senses
When you’re testing out used construction equipment, don’t go by your eyes alone. Listen to the engine and the hydraulics as you’re testing it out – is the machine straining more than it should? After it’s been running for a while, are there any smells of burning oil or electrical problems? Do the controls feel as responsive as they should?

If possible, buy from established dealers
You’re much more likely to have problems if you buy used construction equipment from individuals or from businesses that don’t focus on construction. Construction equipment dealers have several advantages when it comes to used equipment:

• They have a reputation in the industry, whether selling new or used
• They know that if you’re buying used vehicles now, you’re likely to need new equipment in the future
• They’re better able to inspect and repair any potential problems with the equipment
• They can provide limited warranties – 30 or 60 days – to insure you against any unforeseen problems.

With these tips in mind, you should be able to find a used piece of construction equipment that can still get the job done. Ready to get started? Machinery Junction can connect you to the best suppliers of used construction equipment in your area – free!

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