The 29-Point Inspection: What We Check Before You Pay for Used Machinery

Buying used machinery across borders means you cannot always stand next to the machine. The 29-point inspection is the substitute for being there — a signed, itemised report of what a specific unit is and is not.

Why 29 points instead of “inspected”

“Inspected” on a listing means nothing unless you know what was checked. Our inspection is a fixed standard of 29 checkpoints across 8 categories, taking about 635 minutes (10.6 hours) of standard time, with 50 verification points. Because the checklist is fixed and public, a seller cannot cherry-pick what to show you.

The 8 categories

The inspection runs in a deliberate order:

1. Grading criteria — classify the unit before any work begins, so the delivery standard matches what was sold.
2. Exterior cleaning — a clean machine is a readable machine; damage and leaks show up clearly.
3. Exterior inspection — boom, boom, pins, welds, dents, rust and repaint evidence.
4. Core power & hydraulic system — engine condition, hydraulic pump, cylinders and leaks.
5. Full machine function test — every movement operated under load, not just started.
6. Safety device special check — alarms, emergency stops and overload protection.
7. Electrical & auxiliary system — wiring, lights, gauges and auxiliary hydraulics.
8. Final inspection & housekeeping — a last pass and the completed paperwork.

What “Abnormal” means

Every checkpoint is marked either Normal or Abnormal. The rule is: any checkpoint marked Abnormal is rectified and re-inspected before the unit is released. You are not asked to accept a machine with a known fault — the fault is either fixed or, if it cannot be fixed, it is disclosed in the report so you can make an informed call.

How the report protects you

The completed checklist is signed by the inspecting technician and shared with you before you pay the balance. It travels with the machine and becomes part of the deal. If the machine arrives and the report was wrong, the report is your evidence — see our FAQ on what happens when a machine arrives and the inspection does not match.

Want to see the full 29-point standard before you buy? Visit our inspection page for the complete category-by-category breakdown.

Bottom line: a fixed, signed, 29-point inspection is the difference between buying a described machine and buying a verified machine. Ask any seller for their checklist — if they cannot produce one, that is your answer.