360° Pre-Delivery Inspection

Classify the unit before any work begins, so the delivery standard matches what was sold.

• Condition grading

  Light exterior contamination; performance test only; minor or simple faults allowed at intake.

  Acceptance: Exterior cleaned, no faults left.

A machine that has been properly cleaned is a machine that can actually be inspected.

• Debris and residue removal

  Remove waste and debris from the equipment; clean dust, coatings and paint overspray.

  Acceptance: No residual waste; clean appearance.

• Non-OEM branding removal

  Remove non-OEM logos, labels or advertisements. Only manufacturer logos may remain.

  Acceptance: Only manufacturer logos present.

• Radiator cleaning

  Clean the radiator on engine-equipped machines. No angled spraying; keep the pressure washer at least 1 m away. If severe blockage is found, remove and clean internally and externally.

  Acceptance: Radiator fins clear, internally and externally.

Structural defects are the single most expensive category of surprise on a used machine.

• Body, cabin and power compartment

  Clean the machine body, cabin and power compartment, then inspect the finish.

  Acceptance: Neat appearance; no dust or oil residue.

• Frame and working device

  Check the body frame and working device (boom, arm, bucket, blade) for deformation, cracks or weld damage.

  Acceptance: No corrosion; no structural damage.

• Travel components and fixings

  Check travel components (tracks or tyres), guards, counterweight and fuel tank for condition and secure fixing.

  Acceptance: Components securely fastened.

• Glass and seals

  Check glass and door or window seals.

  Acceptance: Seals in good condition.

Engine and hydraulics are where a used machine either earns its keep or becomes a liability.

• Core component integrity

  Inspect the engine, hydraulic pump and other core components for damage.

  Acceptance: Core components intact and undamaged.

• Leak check

  Check hoses, pipes and fittings for leakage.

  Acceptance: No leakage observed.

• Fluid level and oil quality

  Verify engine oil, hydraulic oil and other fluids at correct level and check oil quality for deterioration.

  Acceptance: Fluid levels within standard marks; oil quality acceptable.

• Filter condition

  Check air, engine oil and fuel filters for clogging.

  Acceptance: Filters free of blockage.

Nothing leaves under its own power unless it has been driven, steered, braked and worked.

• Start/stop and instrumentation

  Test start and stop; verify instrument panel indicators and displays.

  Acceptance: Functions normal, instruments accurate.

• Travel, steering and braking

  Test travel, steering and braking performance, including straight travel, turning and effective braking.

  Acceptance: Travel and steering smooth, brakes effective.

• All working motions

  Test all working motions — lifting, extending, slewing, digging or loading as applicable.

  Acceptance: Smooth operation; no jerking or delay.

• Auxiliary devices

  Test auxiliary devices such as dozer blade or breaker, where fitted.

  Acceptance: Functions normal; timely response.

• Control responsiveness

  Check responsiveness of control levers and pedals.

  Acceptance: Responsive; no sticking.

Safety systems are never optional and never deferred to the buyer.

• Emergency stop and safety locks

  Test emergency stop and safety lock devices.

  Acceptance: Quick response; functions effective.

• Operator protection

  Check seat belt, safety glass and guardrails.

  Acceptance: Intact, secure, undamaged and undeformed.

• Audible and visual warnings

  Check warning lights, horn and backup alarm for proper operation.

  Acceptance: Operating normally; sound level compliant.

• Slip resistance

  Check work platform and step ladder for slip resistance.

  Acceptance: Clear anti-slip pattern; no oil contamination.

Electrical faults are the most common cause of a machine arriving and not starting.

• Battery and insulation

  Check battery voltage, terminal tightness and insulation.

  Acceptance: Voltage normal, terminals tight, insulation good.

• Charging and starting

  Check alternator and starter motor operation.

  Acceptance: Operating normally; no abnormal noise.

• Lights and wipers

  Check work lights, indicators, brake lights and wipers.

  Acceptance: Lights normal; wipers operate smoothly.

• Cab climate

  Check cab air-conditioning and ventilation system.

  Acceptance: Cooling and heating normal, ventilation good.

A second pass, because the first pass is exactly when new leaks reveal themselves.

• Integrated running test

  Full machine no-load and light-load integrated test; check for abnormal noise or vibration.

  Acceptance: Stable operation; no abnormal noise or vibration.

• Leak re-check

  Re-check all potential leak points and key component status after the running test.

  Acceptance: No issues upon recheck; stable condition.

• Site and tooling

  Clean the inspection area and organise tools.

  Acceptance: Site clean; tools returned.

• Lubrication

  Perform necessary lubrication maintenance on the equipment.

  Acceptance: Properly lubricated; ready for standby.