Buying a used excavator can be a smart way to add reliable construction equipment to your fleet without paying the price of a brand-new machine. But, as with any second-hand purchase, the condition of the machine matters far more than a shiny exterior or an attractive price tag.
Whether you are comparing used plant machinery for sale, looking through used diggers for sale or searching for a particular model such as a Komatsu digger for sale, it pays to know exactly what you are looking at.
So, what should you actually check before buying a used excavator? Here are seven areas that could make the difference between a great investment and an expensive headache.
Check The Working Hours
Working hours are important, but they should never be considered on their own. A well-maintained excavator with several thousand hours on the clock can be a better purchase than a lower-hour machine that has been neglected.
Start by checking the hour meter and then compare the reading with the machine’s service records. Does the history support the hours shown? Are there unexplained gaps?
It is also worth looking at the machine itself. Excessive wear around the pedals, joysticks, seat and controls may give you clues about how heavily the excavator has been used.
The type of work matters, too. An excavator that has spent most of its life carrying out careful earthmoving work may have experienced very different wear to one that has spent years working in demolition or highly abrasive ground.
When buying a used excavator, think of the hours as part of the bigger picture rather than a pass-or-fail figure.
Inspect The Undercarriage Carefully
If you are looking at a tracked excavator, the undercarriage deserves serious attention.
Why? Because replacing worn tracks and associated components can be expensive, and visible wear can indicate that the machine has had a hard working life.
Check the condition of the:
- Tracks and track chains
- Rollers
- Idlers
- Sprockets
- Track pads
- Track tension
Look for uneven wear, excessive slack and damage. Oil around rollers or other undercarriage components should also raise a question about their condition.
Do not just stand back and look at the tracks. Get down and inspect them properly. If possible, ask the seller whether an undercarriage wear measurement is available.
This is particularly important when comparing used excavators for sale at different prices. A machine that appears cheaper may not actually be cheaper once you factor in significant undercarriage work.
Test The Hydraulics
Hydraulics are at the heart of an excavator, so you want to know that the machine operates smoothly and consistently.
Start the machine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature. Then operate the boom, dipper, bucket, slew and tracking functions.
Are the movements smooth? Does the machine respond promptly to the controls? Does anything feel unusually slow or weak?
Pay attention to unusual noises and changes in performance when the machine is working under load. Hydraulic performance problems can potentially point towards issues with pumps, valves, cylinders or other components.
Ask yourself: What should I look for when testing a used excavator?
The answer is simple: operate every function you reasonably can. A machine can look excellent while stationary but reveal problems once everything is put through its paces.
If you are considering a Komatsu digger for sale, for example, do not simply assume the reputation of the manufacturer means the individual machine is perfect. Brand matters, but condition and maintenance matter more.
Examine The Attachments
The excavator itself is only part of the package. Attachments can have a major impact on what your machine can actually do.
Check exactly what is included with the sale. Is there a standard digging bucket? Are additional buckets included? Does it come with a hydraulic attachment, breaker or quick hitch?
Inspect buckets for worn teeth, cutting edges and excessive damage. Check attachment pins and bushes for wear and make sure the attachment is suitable for the machine.
If the excavator has a quick hitch, make sure you understand how it operates and that it can securely retain the attachment. The UK Health and Safety Executive highlights the importance of selecting, maintaining and safely using excavator attachments and quick hitches.
This is particularly important if you are buying a used excavator for several different jobs. The right attachments can make a machine considerably more versatile, while worn or unsuitable attachments can quickly add to your costs.
Ask For The Service History
If there is one piece of paperwork you should never overlook, it is the service history.
What paperwork should I ask for when buying a used excavator?
Ideally, you want to see manufacturer service records, maintenance documentation and information about significant repairs or replacement components.
Look for evidence that routine servicing has been carried out at the recommended intervals. Find out whether major components have ever been repaired or replaced and ask whether the machine has had one or several previous owners.
A complete history gives you confidence that the hours on the clock tell the whole story.
At International Plant Sales, our used construction machinery comes with manufacturer service history, and our machines are sourced from established fleets.
That information can be particularly useful when you are comparing several examples of used plant machinery for sale. Instead of simply choosing the machine with the lowest price, you can make a decision based on its history, condition and expected future running costs.
Look For Leaks
This sounds obvious, but it is surprisingly easy to overlook when viewing a machine.
Before buying a used excavator, take the time to inspect the engine, hydraulic system, cylinders, hoses, pumps and drive motors.
Look underneath the machine as well. Fresh oil or hydraulic fluid can be a warning sign, while a particularly clean area around an otherwise dirty component may deserve closer inspection.
A small amount of surface grime is not necessarily a problem on a working machine. What matters is identifying active leaks and understanding where they are coming from.
International Plant Sales has previously highlighted hydraulic cylinder leaks, drive motors and other areas as important checks when inspecting used excavators.
Do not be afraid to ask the seller directly: Does the excavator have any hydraulic leaks or known faults?
A reputable seller should be able to explain the machine’s condition honestly.
Assess The Overall Condition
Finally, take a step back and assess the excavator as a whole.
Does the machine look like it has been maintained properly? Are there signs of excessive welding, cracking or structural damage? Check the boom, dipper, chassis and cab for obvious damage and inspect the pins and bushes for excessive play.
Pay attention to the slew system, too. Unusual noises, excessive movement or play could indicate wear that needs investigating.
Then look inside the cab. Is the seat in reasonable condition? Do the controls work? Are the displays and warning lights functioning? Does the heating and air conditioning operate correctly?
Take the excavator for a proper test drive where possible. Operate the tracks, slew the machine and put the hydraulic system through its functions.
The overall condition should broadly make sense when compared with the hours, age and service history. If a supposedly low-hour machine shows extreme wear, ask why.
Buy a Used Excavator from International Plant Sales
Buying a used excavator does not have to be complicated. The trick is knowing where to look and what questions to ask. Most importantly, do not rush.
Whether you are looking for used diggers for sale for a growing construction business or searching for a specific Komatsu digger for sale, speak to the team at International Plant Sales. Our team can provide knowledgeable assistance for your next purchase.
If you’re wanting to buy a digger for sale, view our full stocklist today.
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All information correct as of: 26th August 2026.
