Total Landscape Care Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/201225
how to How To: Inspect a Used Skid Steer BY MARCIA GRUVER DOYLE Y ou're in the market for a used skid steer and have targeted a hot prospect. Now you need to take a closer look. Chuck Abney – former general manager of Border Equipment, Conley, Georgia, now with Rhinehart Equipment, Rome, Georgia – offers these inspection guidelines using a 2005 Case 420 with 682 hours. History is important Always try to examine the machine's past life. Did the previous owner buy it new or used? How long have they had it? Did they buy it from a dealer, at an auction or another owner? Then delve into the previous owner's maintenance practices. "Most skid steers this size (1,750 pounds standard rated operating load) are owned by owner/operators with a single user," Abney says, "or a small company where there's not multiple operators. I feel they tend to maintain them better. They're able to tell when something's operating differently." The Case 420 was bought new and has spent its first life on call at independent rental operation. Even though rental automatically means several operators, it doesn't concern Abney. "I know the renters don't care about maintenance, but the rental company does," he says. The same would not be true if this unit had been in a recycling operation. "The question then becomes not if they've done any welding, but how much welding they've done," he comments. In fact, whatever a machine's past application, he says buyers should phrase questions to ask how many times something has been done (such as the welding example above), instead of asking if it's ever been done. Take a tour Walk around the machine, looking for obvious signs of damage. Is the frame dented? Does it have cracks or welds? Are any of the cylinders damaged or leaking? What is the condition of the lift arms? Dents are common, but if they are excessive, it could be a sign the machine has been abused. Go over the bucket's condition and whether the cutting edge or teeth need replacing. Also note any other attachments that are being sold with a machine, since they can sweeten the deal. Check the tires for gashes or cuts. Are they foam filled? If so, closely examine the undercarriage. Look at the tires for signs of over-the-tire tracks, which can lead to extra wear, including paint wear on the tire rims and in the region between the track and frame. Abney would replace the tires on N O V E M B E R 2013 Tota lLa nd s ca p eCar e.co m 7