Used Excavator Inspection Checklist

01 · IDENTITY

Machine identity and documents

The inspection should begin with the exact unit being offered. A model name alone does not identify a machine or prove its year, hours, ownership, location or condition.

• Match the serial number or product identification plate to the quotation, invoice and any available service records.
• Ask how the stated model year was established and whether import, registration or ownership documents support it.
• Confirm the current physical location and whether the machine is Australian Stock, Incoming or Overseas Sourcing.
• Check whether the seller owns the machine and whether any security interest, finance or other encumbrance must be cleared.
• Record the included buckets, hitch, hydraulic attachments, keys, manuals and other items by name.

02 · ENGINE

Cold start and engine condition

A cold start can reveal behaviour that is less obvious after the machine has been warmed. Ask that the machine not be pre-started where this is practical and safe.

• Before starting, look for fresh oil, fuel, coolant or hydraulic leaks and check visible fluid condition and levels where safe.
• Observe starting time, cranking speed, warning lights, unusual smoke, hunting, knocking or irregular idle.
• Allow the engine to warm and check response under load rather than judging it only at idle.
• Inspect the cooling package for contamination, damage, leakage and signs of chronic overheating.
• Check visible hoses, belts, mounts, wiring and previous repairs for routing, rubbing or temporary fixes.

03 · HYDRAULICS

Hydraulics and controls

Operate boom, arm, bucket, slew, blade, travel and auxiliary functions through their useful range. The objective is smooth, repeatable response without abnormal noise, excessive delay or uncontrolled drift.

• Inspect cylinders, rods, hoses, fittings, valve areas, pump area and rotary joint for leakage or damage.
• Look for scored or pitted cylinder rods, damaged hose coverings, poor routing and evidence of rubbing.
• Cycle combined functions and listen for cavitation, harsh relief noise, vibration or major changes as the oil warms.
• Hold raised equipment only in accordance with safe operating practice and assess unexpected drift without placing anyone below an attachment.
• Confirm the auxiliary circuit type, flow requirements, couplers and controls match the intended attachment.

04 · UNDERCARRIAGE

Undercarriage and travel system

Undercarriage wear can represent a significant future cost. Inspect both sides rather than relying on a single overall percentage.

• Review track condition, tension, links, pads or rubber tracks, rollers, idlers, sprockets and visible guards.
• Look for uneven wear, missing hardware, oil leakage, damaged rollers, cuts, chunking and signs of poor alignment.
• Travel forward and reverse, steer both directions and listen for abnormal final-drive or track noise.
• Test travel speed selection and machine tracking on a suitable level surface where safe.
• Ask how any quoted wear percentage was measured and which components were included.

05 · STRUCTURE

Structure, pins and bushes

Inspect the boom, arm, bucket linkage, blade, upper frame, lower frame and counterweight for impact damage, cracking, distortion and repair work.

• Look closely around welds, high-load joints, boom foot, arm connection, bucket linkage and blade mounts.
• Identify fresh paint, grinding, plated repairs or welds and ask what caused the work and who completed it.
• Check movement at pins and bushes while the linkage is safely operated; compare side-to-side movement and noise.
• Inspect the slew bearing area for abnormal movement, noise or grease condition.
• Confirm any structural repair and its supporting evidence before treating it as acceptable.

06 · OPERATOR AREA

Cab, controls and safety items

The operator area provides evidence of use, maintenance and whether important controls and safety systems are functioning.

• Check display operation, warning lights, gauges, hour meter, switches, work lights, horn, isolator and access controls.
• Inspect seat, belt, control lockout, steps, handholds, mirrors, glass, doors and emergency exit where fitted.
• Confirm the operator manual, safety labels and load or lift information required for the intended use are available.
• Treat bypassed warning devices, damaged restraints or improvised electrical work as matters requiring resolution.

07 · ATTACHMENTS

Attachments and auxiliary hydraulics

An attachment package has value only when the items are identified, fit correctly and suit the machine and application.

• Record bucket widths, condition, teeth or cutting edges, hitch type and locking method.
• Inspect pins, hooks, locking surfaces, hoses, couplers, cylinders and attachment structure.
• Confirm pin dimensions, machine weight class, hydraulic flow and pressure needs for any non-bucket attachment.
• Operate the hitch and auxiliary function in accordance with the manufacturer’s safe procedure.
• State every included attachment in the written quotation rather than relying on photographs.

See CORUM attachment and fitment support.

08 · HISTORY

Hours and service evidence

Displayed hours are one input, not a complete measure of condition. Compare them with the machine’s wear, ownership history and available records.

• Ask for dated service invoices, inspection sheets, oil or filter records and major repair information.
• Check whether serial numbers, hours and dates are consistent across the available documents.
• Ask whether the hour meter, monitor or controller has been replaced and whether historical hours can be supported.
• Compare control wear, seat condition, pins, undercarriage and general presentation with the stated hours.
• Confirm the next service due and any immediate maintenance included before delivery.

09 · TEST

Working test and inspection access

A machine should be evaluated doing suitable work, not only moving without load in a yard. Inspection conditions vary, especially for overseas sourcing, so establish what evidence and independent access are actually available.

• Operate the machine long enough for engine, hydraulics and travel components to reach normal working temperature.
• Dig, lift, slew, grade and travel within safe limits to assess response under load.
• Recheck for leaks, smells, warning codes, temperature changes and abnormal noise after the test.
• Where the buyer lacks technical experience, arrange a suitably qualified heavy-equipment inspector or technician.
• For remote or overseas machines, agree in writing what live video, third-party inspection, serial verification and condition evidence will be supplied.

10 · TERMS

Written commercial terms

The final decision should be based on the inspected machine and the signed commercial documents. Confirm material details before paying a deposit or authorising freight.

• Machine identity, stated year, recorded hours, location and supply status.
• Price, whether GST is included or excluded, deposit, balance and payment milestones.
• Included attachments, servicing, cleaning, repairs and condition commitments.
• Inspection rights, transport responsibility, delivery timing and risk transfer.
• Any applicable commercial warranty or support, exclusions and the controlling written terms.
• What happens if the machine or evidence materially differs from the agreed description before completion.

SEND A USEFUL ENQUIRY

Information that helps CORUM respond

Include the machine class or model, intended work, preferred hours, budget, delivery location, required attachments and whether Australian stock or overseas sourcing is acceptable. For a listed machine, include the exact listing name.