9. Inspection & Maintenance

: 9. Inspection & Maintenance Japanese Used Machinery & Heavy Equipment Guide

How to Inspect Buckets, Cylinders and Attachments

2026/9/9

The bucket, hydraulic cylinders and attachments are the parts of construction machinery that directly contact the job. They can therefore reveal a great deal about previous use. A clean engine compartment does not tell you whether a bucket has been heavily worn in rock, whether a cylinder rod is scored, or whether an attachment has cracks around a high-stress connection. Before buying used machinery, inspect the work equipment as a complete system. Confirm the attachment type first. Then check the bucket structure, teeth, adapters, cutting edges and wear plates. Inspect hydraulic cylinders for leakage, rod damage and deformation. Finally, operate ...

: 9. Inspection & Maintenance Japanese Used Machinery & Heavy Equipment Guide

Why Maintenance Records Matter for Used Heavy Equipment

2026/9/9

Maintenance records cannot guarantee that a used machine will have no future problems, but they can make its history much easier to understand. A useful record can show when oils and filters were changed, which components were repaired, when major parts were replaced, and whether inspections or fluid analysis identified developing problems. For an overseas buyer, the goal is not simply to find a machine with the thickest service file. The goal is to connect the records with operating hours and the machine's present condition. Regular entries, consistent hour readings, documented repairs and inspection results can reduce uncertainty. Missing records ...

: 9. Inspection & Maintenance Japanese Used Machinery & Heavy Equipment Guide

How to Check Electrical Systems and Operator Cab Condition

2026/9/9

Electrical problems and cab damage may look less serious than engine or hydraulic wear, but they can still create downtime, safety concerns and unexpected repair costs on used construction machinery. Before buying, confirm that the machine starts correctly, the charging system works, wiring is not damaged, warning lamps and monitor functions operate, and installed lights and safety devices respond as expected. The operator cab should be checked just as carefully. Inspect the seat, seat belt, joysticks, pedals, glass, mirrors, wipers, air conditioning and cab structure. Heavy wear around switches or controls can also provide useful clues about previous use. Modern ...

: 9. Inspection & Maintenance Japanese Used Machinery & Heavy Equipment Guide

How to Identify Hydraulic Oil Leaks in Used Machinery

2026/9/9

A hydraulic oil leak on used machinery can range from a small seep around a fitting to a high-pressure hose failure that needs immediate repair. The important question is not simply whether oil is visible. A buyer needs to identify where the oil starts, whether the leak becomes worse during operation, and which component may require repair. Begin with the machine parked safely on a dry surface. Inspect the hydraulic tank, pumps, valves, hoses, fittings, cylinders, cooler lines and hydraulic motors before operation. Then run the machine and recheck the same areas after the hydraulic system reaches normal working temperature. ...

: 9. Inspection & Maintenance Japanese Used Machinery & Heavy Equipment Guide

How to Inspect Tires on Used Wheel Loaders

2026/9/9

Tires can represent a major replacement cost on a used wheel loader, so they should be checked as carefully as the engine or hydraulic system. A tire can still have visible tread but also have deep sidewall cuts, cracking, uneven wear, previous repairs or incorrect pressure that affects its remaining service life. Before buying, inspect every tire individually and compare all tires as a set. Check the size, construction type, tread pattern and application rating first. Then inspect tread depth, cuts, cracks, sidewalls, shoulders, bead areas and rims. Compare front and rear wear, look for mismatched tires and check pressure ...

: 9. Inspection & Maintenance Japanese Used Machinery & Heavy Equipment Guide

Rubber Tracks vs Steel Tracks for Used Excavators

2026/9/9

Rubber tracks and steel tracks can both be the right choice on a used excavator, but they suit different jobsites. Rubber tracks are often attractive for paved surfaces, landscaping, residential work and locations where ground disturbance should be reduced. Steel tracks become more attractive when the machine will work on rocky, abrasive or high-impact ground where durability matters more than surface protection. Before buying, do not choose from track material alone. Check the machine model, track width, undercarriage design, expected terrain, travel distance, maintenance requirements and the actual condition of the installed tracks. Also consider whether replacement parts are available ...

: 9. Inspection & Maintenance Japanese Used Machinery & Heavy Equipment Guide

How to Check Pins and Bushings on Used Excavators

2026/9/9

Pins and bushings are small compared with an excavator's engine or hydraulic system, but worn linkage joints can affect digging accuracy, bucket control and repair cost. Before buying a used excavator, check the pivot points around the bucket, linkage, arm and boom instead of judging the machine only from operating hours or exterior appearance. Start by watching how the bucket and front attachment move. Look for excessive play, knocking, uneven movement, damaged retainers and poor lubrication. Then inspect the pins, grease fittings, seals and surrounding bosses. A small amount of movement may be normal depending on the machine, but obvious ...