6 Tips for Purchasing Equipment: Skid Steers, Tractor Loaders and Attachments

Release date：

2023-05-09

Make sure to research your options thoroughly before pulling the trigger. Let's take a look at 6 tips to follow when purchasing heavy equipment and attachments.

1 Test Drive

You would never buy a car without taking it around the block for a drive beforehand. The same is true when purchasing equipment for your business or farm. Test drive several different brands to get a feel for which models drive, operate, and handle the best for your needs. Most potential buyers find that they prefer certain brands over others in terms of how they handle. If you are choosing to buy used, this will help you determine if there are any engine or transmission issues.

2 Inspect! Inspect! Inspect!

Always thoroughly inspect a piece of equipment you are considering purchasing. Not only are you looking for potential defects, but you are also looking to make sure the equipment is designed in a way that is easy for you to work on and service. You'll also want to make sure it meets all safety regulations, especially rollover protection. The last thing you want to happen is to impulsively buy a piece of equipment, only to learn that it is difficult to work on and service. Make sure you are satisfied with the design in the first place.

3 Size Matters

You may be inclined to buy the largest piece of equipment available so that you can complete the job faster. While it is true that a larger piece of equipment will get the job done faster, it's not always advisable. You must take into consideration the size of the job sites you are working. Make sure the piece of equipment can maneuver safely on the job sites. Equipment and attachments that are too large for the workspace can be a safety hazard and only make the job more difficult.

4 Run a Background Check on Used Equipment

It is common and perfectly acceptable to buy used equipment such as skid steers, tractors, loaders, attachments, and more. In addition to test-driving and inspecting the piece of equipment, you should also learn about its history. Every piece of equipment has a VIN or serial number. You can use this number to:

If you are purchasing equipment through a dealer, he or she should be able to provide you with its history.

5 Does It Have a Warranty?

Of course, you can still purchase equipment that does not come with a warranty, but it's important to check before purchasing. You will need to decide how important a warranty is and whether a potential piece of equipment that is not under warranty is worth the risk.

6 Say "No" to Discontinued Models

Be wary of lines of equipment that have been discontinued. This may seem like a desirable option because they are often priced at a discount. It's not that anything is wrong with models or brands which are discontinued, but rather the inconvenience of repair and servicing. As time passes, it will become increasingly difficult to find parts for these discontinued pieces of equipment.

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