A used crane should never be judged from appearance, operating hours or maximum lifting capacity alone. Before purchase, confirm the exact model and serial number first. Then inspect the load-bearing structure, boom, wire ropes, winches, hook blocks, outriggers, hydraulics, slewing system, safety devices and carrier or crawler components. Finally, compare the physical condition with operating hours, mileage, maintenance information and previous use.
This inspection does not replace a formal crane examination required by the destination country. However, it helps an overseas buyer identify obvious risks before committing to a machine in Japan. The most useful approach is to follow a fixed sequence: verify the crane identity, inspect structural components, test lifting functions, check safety systems, review the travel section, and confirm documents and transport requirements before making the final purchase decision.
Start With the Crane Identity
Before inspecting mechanical condition, make sure you know exactly which crane you are looking at.
Confirm:
- Manufacturer
- Complete model designation
- Serial number
- Chassis or carrier type where applicable
- Boom specification
- Jib configuration
- Counterweight configuration
- Year or production information where available
This step matters because cranes with similar model names can have different load charts, engines, boom systems, safety devices and spare parts.
Specifications vary by model year and configuration. Exact specifications should be confirmed for each individual machine.
Do Not Begin With the Hour Meter
Operating hours are useful, but they are not the first inspection item.
A crane with fewer hours may still have:
- Structural repairs
- Damaged wire rope
- Hydraulic leakage
- Worn winches
- Safety-system faults
- Heavy corrosion
- Severe previous use
Hours should be compared with actual physical condition.
For mobile cranes, mileage can also provide useful context because crane working time and road travel create different types of wear.
Inspect the Main Boom Before Cosmetic Details
The boom is one of the crane's most important load-bearing structures.
Look closely for:
- Cracks
- Dents
- Bending
- Heavy corrosion
- Previous welding
- Non-original reinforcement
- Damaged boom head sections
- Loose or damaged fasteners
Do not assume fresh paint means good structural condition.
New paint may be normal preparation for sale, but it can also make previous repairs harder to notice.
Check Telescopic Boom Movement
On a telescopic crane, extend and retract the boom where a proper operational test is possible.
Watch for:
- Jerky movement
- Uneven section extension
- Unexpected stopping
- Hydraulic leakage
- Abnormal noise
- Excessive visible play
- Error messages
Also inspect boom wear pads and the areas where telescopic sections slide against each other.
A boom that moves correctly while unloaded may still require more detailed professional inspection if structural damage is visible.
Inspect the Jib if One Is Included
If the crane includes a jib, confirm that all necessary components are present.
Check:
- Jib structure
- Pins
- Locking devices
- Sheaves
- Hydraulic or assist components
- Storage brackets
- Connection points
Do not assume a jib shown in an old photograph is included in the current sale.
Wire Rope Deserves Its Own Inspection
Wire rope is a safety-critical component and should never be treated as a minor consumable during buying evaluation.
Look for:
- Broken wires
- Kinking
- Flattening
- Corrosion
- Birdcaging
- Abnormal abrasion
- Damage near termination points
- Poor spooling on the drum
Also confirm that the rope diameter and reeving arrangement match the crane specification.
Replacement criteria should follow the correct manufacturer requirements and applicable regulations. A visual buyer check cannot replace a formal wire-rope inspection.
Check the Rope Socket and Terminations
Do not stop at the visible length of wire rope.
Inspect:
- Rope sockets
- Wedges
- Fasteners
- End connections
- Attachment points
Damage or incorrect assembly at the termination can be just as serious as visible rope wear.
Inspect Main and Auxiliary Winches
Test the main winch and auxiliary winch where fitted.
Check:
- Winch drum condition
- Rope spooling
- Hydraulic motor operation
- Winch brake function
- Bearings
- Oil leakage
- Abnormal noise
The load should not drift because of an obvious holding problem during a proper controlled test.
Inspect Sheaves and Hook Blocks
Sheaves guide the wire rope and can wear over time.
Look for:
- Groove wear
- Cracks
- Damage
- Abnormal movement
- Bearing problems
For the hook block, inspect:
- Hook deformation
- Cracks
- Latch condition
- Sheaves
- Side plates
- Identification markings
The hook block should also be appropriate for the intended rope-part and lifting configuration.
Outriggers Are Critical on Mobile Cranes
A rough terrain or truck crane depends on its outriggers to create the correct lifting base.
Inspect every outrigger for:
- Beam straightness
- Cracks
- Repair welding
- Hydraulic leakage
- Cylinder rod damage
- Pads or floats
- Extension movement
- Locking devices
- Position sensors where fitted
Operate all outriggers where possible.
If the crane uses intermediate extension positions, confirm that the monitoring system recognizes them correctly.
Look at the Outrigger Pads and Supporting Areas
Excessive wear or cracking on outrigger pads should not be ignored.
Also inspect the mounting structure where the outrigger system connects to the crane chassis or carrier.
Evidence of distortion or major repair deserves further investigation.
Check the Slewing System
The crane upper structure rotates through the slewing system.
During inspection, check:
- Smooth rotation
- Abnormal noise
- Unexpected movement
- Slewing brake operation
- Hydraulic leakage
- Visible play
- Condition around the slewing bearing
Mounting bolts and the surrounding structure also deserve attention.
Inspect the Hydraulic System for More Than Leaks
Oil leakage is important, but hydraulic condition is broader than visible oil.
Check:
- Hydraulic hoses
- Fittings
- Pumps
- Motors
- Valves
- Cylinders
- Hydraulic oil condition where information is available
Look for cracked hoses, abrasion, damaged fittings and wet areas that may indicate leakage.
Listen for unusual pump noise during crane operation.
Check Hydraulic Cylinders Carefully
Inspect cylinder rods for:
- Scoring
- Pitting
- Corrosion
- Dents
- Oil leakage around seals
Also watch for unexplained drifting when a boom or outrigger is held in position during an appropriate test.
Safety Systems Must Be Operational
Modern cranes can use systems such as Tadano AML or Kato ACS to monitor crane operating conditions.
Depending on model and generation, these systems may monitor information related to:
- Boom length
- Boom angle
- Working radius
- Rated capacity
- Outrigger condition
- Wire-rope configuration
- Operating limits
Older cranes may use earlier systems with different functions.
Do not assume that a safety-system warning is unimportant because the crane can still move.
Test Warning Devices and Operational Aids
Where fitted, check:
- Load moment or capacity monitoring system
- Overhoist prevention
- Outrigger status detection
- Boom angle indication
- Boom length indication
- Warning lights
- Audible alarms
- Cameras
- Emergency stop functions
Readings should respond plausibly as the crane configuration changes.
Any unexplained fault should be investigated before purchase.
Inspect the Engine Under Realistic Conditions
If possible, start the engine from cold.
Check:
- Starting behavior
- Exhaust smoke
- Abnormal noise
- Oil leakage
- Coolant leakage
- Warning lamps
- Engine response
Also inspect the radiator and cooling system.
Engine specification, emissions equipment and fuel requirements can vary by model year and market.
For a Mobile Crane, Inspect the Carrier Separately
A rough terrain, all terrain or truck crane is both a lifting machine and a mobile vehicle.
Check the carrier for:
- Transmission operation
- Steering
- Axles
- Brakes
- Suspension
- Tires
- Wheel fasteners
- Lights
- Travel warning systems
A crane can have a good upper structure but still require significant carrier repairs.
Inspect the Tires
Crane tires can be expensive.
Check:
- Tread condition
- Cuts
- Sidewall cracking
- Uneven wear
- Correct size
- Mismatched tires
- Wheel condition
If replacement will be required soon, include that cost in your purchase calculation.
For a Crawler Crane, Focus on the Undercarriage
A crawler crane needs a different travel-system inspection.
Check:
- Track shoes
- Links
- Pins and bushings
- Rollers
- Idlers
- Sprockets
- Track frames
- Travel motors
Also confirm whether crawler frames, counterweights and boom sections are complete if the machine will be shipped disassembled.
Look for Corrosion in the Right Places
Surface rust alone does not tell the whole story.
Give closer attention to corrosion around:
- Boom structures
- Wire-rope terminations
- Hydraulic cylinder rods
- Electrical connections
- Outrigger structures
- Carrier frames
- Cab floors
- Coastal-exposure areas
Previous work near the sea, ports or other corrosive environments may deserve additional inspection.
Check the Operator Cab and Controls
Review:
- Seat and seat belt
- Windows and visibility
- Control levers
- Pedals
- Displays
- Switches
- Warning lights
- Air conditioning where fitted
- Cameras and monitors
Controls should return correctly and operate without unexplained sticking or delay.
Maintenance Records Add Context, but Do Not Assume They Exist
Ask whether records are available for:
- Periodic inspections
- Wire-rope replacement
- Hydraulic oil service
- Engine maintenance
- Brake maintenance
- Major repairs
- Boom repairs
- Safety-system repairs
Complete maintenance history is useful, but not every used crane will have complete records.
If records are unavailable, do not invent the history. Treat it as unknown and rely more heavily on physical inspection.
Previous Use Changes How You Read the Machine
| Previous Application | Areas to Check Closely |
|---|---|
| General construction | Boom, wire rope, outriggers and carrier |
| Foundation work | Winches, boom, hydraulics and structural components |
| Industrial plant work | Boom, safety systems, hydraulics and long-reach components |
| Frequent road travel | Tires, brakes, steering, suspension and mileage |
| Coastal or port work | Corrosion, electrical systems, boom and wire rope |
| Heavy repetitive lifting | Winches, sheaves, boom, slewing system and wire rope |
If previous use cannot be verified, treat it as unknown.
Red Flags That Deserve Further Investigation
- Cracks in load-bearing structures
- Unexplained boom welding
- Major wire-rope damage
- Persistent safety-system errors
- Outriggers that do not operate correctly
- Strong hydraulic drifting
- Severe oil leakage
- Abnormal winch braking
- Heavy slewing play
- Major corrosion
- Missing identification plates
- Missing required crane components
A red flag does not automatically prove that a crane cannot be repaired. It means the buyer should understand the problem, repair requirement and cost before committing to the purchase.
A Practical Used Crane Inspection Checklist
- Identity: Confirm manufacturer, full model and serial number.
- Configuration: Confirm boom, jib and counterweight setup.
- Boom: Check cracks, dents, corrosion and repairs.
- Boom Operation: Test extension, retraction and elevation.
- Wire Rope: Inspect wear, deformation and corrosion.
- Rope Terminations: Check sockets and connections.
- Winches: Test drums, brakes and hydraulic operation.
- Sheaves: Check grooves, bearings and visible wear.
- Hook Block: Check hook, latch and structure.
- Outriggers: Test beams, cylinders, pads and sensors.
- Slewing: Check movement, braking and abnormal play.
- Hydraulics: Inspect hoses, pumps, valves and leaks.
- Cylinders: Check rods, seals and drifting.
- Safety Systems: Check AML, ACS or other fitted systems.
- Operational Aids: Check alarms, displays and limit devices.
- Engine: Review starting, smoke, leaks and warnings.
- Carrier: Check steering, brakes, transmission and tires.
- Crawler System: Inspect undercarriage where applicable.
- Cab: Check controls, displays and visibility.
- Corrosion: Inspect structural and electrical areas.
- Hours and Mileage: Compare readings with physical condition.
- Maintenance: Review records where available.
- Previous Use: Understand operating history where possible.
- Documents: Confirm relevant manuals and load charts.
- Transport: Confirm dimensions, weight and included components.
A Buyer Inspection Is Not a Legal Crane Certification
A pre-purchase inspection helps you decide whether a machine deserves further consideration.
It does not replace any formal inspection, load test, registration, certification or qualified-person examination required by the destination country.
Requirements differ between countries and crane types.
Before operating an imported crane, confirm the applicable local rules.
Buying a Used Crane from Japan
Japanese used machinery can include rough terrain cranes, crawler cranes and other crane types from different manufacturers, capacities and generations.
You can check current Japanese used machinery available at EVERYCAR.jp. Inventory changes regularly, so a specific crane manufacturer or model should not be assumed to remain available.
When making an inquiry, useful information includes the preferred manufacturer or model, required lifting capacity, working radius, budget and destination.
For broader information about crane selection, capacity, aerial equipment and other Japanese used machinery, visit the Japanese Used Machinery & Heavy Equipment Guide.
Inspect the Safety-Critical Systems Before Comparing the Price
The best pre-purchase crane check starts with identity and structural condition, not price or operating hours.
Confirm the exact crane first. Then inspect the boom, wire ropes, winches, hook block, outriggers, hydraulics, slewing system and safety devices. After that, evaluate the engine, carrier or crawler system, hours, mileage and available maintenance information.
If you are considering a used crane from Japan, you can contact EVERY with your preferred manufacturer or model, required capacity, working radius, budget and destination. Exact specifications, configuration, included equipment and condition should be confirmed for each individual crane before purchase.
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