Avoid Costly Mistakes When Buying Used Construction Machinery Abroad

Unlock Savings & Secure Your Dream Machine: A Guide for Global Buyers

In many regions, high-quality used construction machinery is hardly available, prompting many buyers to import equipment. But where can you find reliable machines? While many websites advertise construction machinery, it’s essential to navigate this market carefully to avoid costly mistakes.

Verifying Equipment Condition: Who to Trust?

When sourcing machinery, remember that all information typically comes from the seller, who may present details favourably to push a sale. Therefore, it’s crucial to verify the seller’s credentials. Look for reviews, ratings, and any complaints from previous buyers. Trusted sellers usually have a solid track record, such as those reflected in Google reviews.

Beware of Repainted and Mislabelled Machines

Our inspections, especially in China have uncovered many copied or mislabelled machines. For instance, a supposed CAT 966H wheel loader was found to be a counterfeit, with a Cummins engine and an outdated air brake system. Medium-size excavators are sometimes labelled as larger models, like a Volvo EC290 misrepresented as a Volvo EC360. Always be vigilant about such discrepancies.

Recommended Machinery Portals

While we don’t endorse any specific portal, it's safest to use websites where the seller’s identity and location are verified. A reliable selection of machinery portals and search tools can be found at www.used-equipment.de.

Recognizing Dangerous Buying Environments

Creating a website to sell construction machinery is relatively easy and inexpensive. Some fraudulent operators create fake sites, copy photos from legitimate sites, and offer machines at unbelievably low prices, often asking for a deposit to reserve the machine. Be extremely cautious if a deposit is required before viewing the machine. Have sellers to provide legible photos of serial number labels from machine and engine.

Key Checks When Buying Used Machinery

1. Inspection: If you don’t know the seller or haven’t received a recommendation, always send someone to inspect the machine. Using a professional inspection service like Mevas ensures the machine's existence and provides a detailed report with photos and videos.

2. Maintenance Records: Ask for maintenance records, which can reveal how well the machine has been maintained and if it has had major repairs.
3. Serial Numbers and Working Hours: Ask the supplier for the serial number. Get in touch with a representative of the brand and ask for logged service records to verify the real working hours and year of production.
4. Send an Expert: To avoid falling for the tricks of some sellers, it is a good idea to send an expert to the machine. Some people are good at hiding the problems. Experienced inspectors will find them anyway.

Payment Precautions

When it’s time to pay, verify that the seller’s account number is in the same country as the seller. Call the seller’s accounting department to confirm verbally the account details. Avoid paying via Western Union or cryptocurrencies. Carefully check the documents and invoice for details.

Secure Transportation and Certification

Ensure the machinery is transported securely by hiring reputable logistics companies that specialize in heavy equipment transportation to avoid any transit damage. Familiarize yourself with your country’s import regulations, including duties, taxes, and any restrictions. In some regions, machinery must have CE certification or comply with emission regulations.

Conclusion

Importing used construction machinery can be a cost-effective solution, but it requires careful research and verification to avoid costly mistakes. Stay informed, stay cautious, and make the best investment for your construction projects. Spending an hour checking the website and the machine details is better than losing $10,000. By following these guidelines, you can make informed decisions and secure reliable equipment for your needs. Call Mevas today if you wish a professional inspection performed. We offer reliable services for a fair fee.