Heavy equipment can be a great asset for many businesses, but at the same time, these huge and complicated pieces of machinery tend to cost a lot of money. In many cases, buying used is your best option. It keeps costs down while still allowing companies to access the kind of heavy machinery they need. However, when buying used, there is a concern that the model may be in poor condition or not be right for your needs. To help you get the most out of your used heavy equipment purchase, R & M Equipment has created this buying guide. 

Do Some Research

The very first thing you should do is to start researching. One advantage of buying used is being able to look at user reviews and see how well a particular model tends to hold up. If users have found that a particular make or model tends not to perform as well as it ages, you can eliminate that model from your search. Also, be on the lookout for repeated maintenance issues. If, for example, the engine of a particular make and model of heavy equipment has a reputation for overheating too easily, you may want to look at other models instead. 

Do an Inspection

While buying from a dealership is a good way to protect yourself from scams, you should always inspect any piece of heavy equipment before purchasing it. Request the maintenance records so that you can determine if this model has any recurring problems, much like you did during your online research.  Examine the interior and exterior and ask the seller if you can turn on the vehicle to see how it runs. In some cases, it may be necessary to get a mechanic to take a look at the equipment and make sure it has been well taken care of. 

To view our selection of used heavy equipment, visit R & M Equipment at our dealerships in Birmingham and Trinity, Alabama. We also offer parts, servicing, financing, and rentals, so stop by for all your heavy equipment needs. We are proud to serve the northern Alabama area, and we hope to see you soon.