Thinking about adding aggregate processing to your municipality’s capabilities? Or to add a machine to your construction fleet that allows you to demolish and remove your processed materials? There are many reasons to add crushing and screening to your business, and purchasing used is a smart way to start small.
Much like other used heavy equipment purchases, knowing how to evaluate crushing and screening equipment before you buy is both a science and an art. Here are some of the critical questions you should ask before purchasing your next used construction equipment for crushing and screening.
1. What type of used heavy equipment do I need for my aggregate goals?
You have lots of choices when purchasing crushing and screening equipment. The first one is dependant on the type of material you are processing and what your desired output looks like.
- Jaw crushers are the best choice if you need to crush hard, abrasive materials such as granite, large concrete slabs or demolition waste. They are an excellent option for primary crushing.
- Impact crushers are great when you need to get a more cubic product or are processing softer materials such as asphalt or limestone. They are often used in the recycling industry.
- Cone crushers are ideal for secondary or tertiary crushing. They produce finer material and are usually used in tandem with jaw or impact crushers.
- Scalping screens remove large stones or excess fines before the material is crushed. They are helpful when the material is not homogeneous or contaminated.
- Finishing screens sort the already crushed material into sizes for further use or sale.
If you are unsure which used construction equipment to choose, it is best to contact a dealer who understands the specifics of the job. A good specialist will help you choose the right machine for your volumes, type of material, and expected performance.
2. Does the dealer have service logs, and what can they tell you?
The first step when evaluating a machine is to ask for service logs. The records can tell you the history of the used heavy equipment and how responsibly it was serviced. It also allows you to see the potential for gaps during a rental or prior to coming in on trade.
Good service logs should show regular oil and filter changes at the recommended intervals, which is critical for engine protection. It is also important to check notes about inspecting and replacing worn parts that protect the crushing mechanisms. Records of oil analysis results are also valuable.
Additionally, the service history can tell you whether the machine has undergone significant repairs or overhauls.
3. Do the operating hours match the age and condition of the machine?
Ask for the serial number of the used equipment you intend to buy, and verify the number of hours. Then, compare this data with the machine’s actual condition and the year of manufacture.
On average, a machine runs about 1500 hours per year. If the total is much higher, the machine has been run double shift. This is standard practice, but only if maintenance and inspections have been carried out at intervals according to the recommended maintenance schedule.
If the hours are lower than average, this may mean you have a machine that will last you longer in the field than a comparable used model.
4. Are all the components in working order?
It’s critical to inspect each component, especially those that wear out the fastest – the frame, chassis, engine, feeder, conveyor belts, and screening decks. Damage to the structure, welds, or repainted areas can indicate hidden problems that could result in costly repairs.
It is also worth checking the usually overlooked details—rollers, scrapers, seals. These ‘little things’ are often ignored, but their wear and tear directly impact performance. Failure to replace a simple element on time can eventually lead to a machine shutdown or expensive repair.
5. Has an oil analysis been carried out, and what did it show?
One way to assess the technical condition of a piece of used heavy equipment is to examine the hydraulics. An annual oil analysis is a good practice to identify contaminants in the system, particularly in the engine. Excessive oil levels can indicate water ingress or improper maintenance.
6. Can the dealer offer a demo to show me how the machine works?
A live demo shows if the machine works as advertised. Only during start-up can you see if there are excessive noises, vibrations or signs of technical problems.
At Amaco, this is a standard practice. We can arrange a technical inspection and a two-day on-site demo if you’re considering a purchase. Our technician and sales manager will be there to help you set up the equipment, provide training, explain how to perform daily checks and achieve the desired level of performance.
7. What will my investment be after trade-in and financing?
Although the price of used heavy equipment is usually lower than that of new equipment, it is still a major investment. To avoid overpaying, it is worth studying the average market price of a particular model and year prior to purchase. You can also compare similar units on classified platforms or in Ontario’s used equipment directories.
Reviewing auction sales data is another way to keep pulse on the cost of used machines, however, this data has its limitations as it does not take into account the technical condition or service history.
Ask your dealer to do a trade-in valuation on any machines you intend to sell. In addition, your dealer should be able to research and offer the best financing programs to help you pay over time.
8. Does the dealer offer after sale support or coverage?
While new equipment purchases often come with an assortment of warranty and service plan options available through the manufacturer, aftermarket support on used construction and aggregate equipment is very dealer specific.
At Amaco, we offer up to 60 days of parts and service support following the purchase. Typically during this time our customers can purchase parts at cost and take advantage of 20% off labour on service. We know that this helps minimize the risk of your investment.
Additionally, we are always here and willing to support you with parts for the lifetime of your machine. In some cases we also consider housing parts at your location to ensure they are close by if you need them in a pinch.
Buying used construction equipment for aggregate crushing and screening can be a strategic way to add to your fleet in a budget-friendly way. And with the right questions to ask, knowing what to check, and added value post purchase, it will not be a ‘budget solution’ but an effective asset.
Looking for the next addition to your fleet? Stop by to see what we have in stock – from screening plants to radial tracked stackers, impactors, dust suppression cannons and more. Or see our full list of used heavy equipment here.
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