What to look for in buying a used Excavator (Trackhoe)

charles todd · May 7, 2009

What to look for in buying a used 8,000 lb - 16,000 lb excavator. I am looking to keep the cost to about $10k -$12k. I plan to use it for an occasional stump, digging a small pond, installing concrete culverts, and cleaning up along about 3/4 mile (per side) of creek banks. Most in this class have rubber tracks, but some are steel. I do not think one of the "mini" hoes will fit my needs.

What do you think? Will this size hoe fit the bill? Any certain things to check before buying?

Thank guys,
Charles

Billy NY · May 7, 2009

Undercarriage is one thing, you need to measure up and see what is what, sounds like it will need to travel around your place, throwing tracks is a pain, though you can lift one side with the hoe, always seems to happen at the worst time and place.

Hydraulic system, pumps etc. not sure if a pressure test is in order, run it through by digging and see, drive sprockets are also hydraulic, so that system needs to be in order.

Look for signs of abuse, you don't want one that has spent it's life with a hoe hammer, breaking concrete or similar. Look for poor weld repairs to the boom/stick, also check condition of the pins and bushings on same.

I'm no expert on this aspect of them, but have run numerous sizes of most manufacturers, from worn out, older ones air over hydraulic, to late model in the 90's, just a few things to mention from what little I do know. Electronics are out of my league, NC Wayne would be a good one to help here, and don't forget parts support, don't buy a gray market or a manufacturer that is no longer in business.

greyhead · May 7, 2009

Buy a unit with steel tracks stumps,logs and big rocks are hard on rubber track machines. A heavier machine will suffer less wear/tear cleaning fence rows,creek banks. Stick with a name brand machine

charles todd · May 7, 2009

I have been doing a little research and think an 8k lb machine will sufice. Especially for the price range I have. We have settled on a Komatsu PC38. It has almost 7,000 lb digging force, full cab, and 16' reach. I could buy a bigger machine, but I feel I'll be working on it more than using it.

If anyone has any likes/dislikes or think it is too small for a light farm excavator, please feel free to respond. Mind we have not paid for it yet!

Charles

What to look for in buying a used Excavator (Trackhoe)

charles todd

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Billy NY

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greyhead

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charles todd

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