Purchasing used heavy equipment is a significant investment – and getting it wrong can be costly. Whether you’re a contractor expanding your fleet or a site manager replacing aging machines, the right questions make the difference. With the used-equipment market undergoing shifts in 2025, the stakes are higher than ever. Here’s what you should ask – and why.
1. What is the equipment’s usage and maintenance history?
One of the first things to ascertain: how many hours or cycles has the machine operated, and how well was it maintained? According to a 2024 review by RDO Equipment Co., asking “How was it maintained?” is square one.
Look for:
• Operator logs or digital telematics showing hours, loads, idling.
• Service records showing scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filters, hydraulics).
• Evidence of heavy duty vs. light-duty operations (e.g., demolition vs. site grading).
A machine with poor maintenance is likely to cost more in downtime, repairs, and lost productivity.
2. Does the machine size and configuration fit the job?
Many buyers get attracted to a low-cost asset but mis-align size or configuration with the actual job requirements. The same RDO article emphasizes asking: “What size machine will get the job done?”
Ask:
- Is the machine sized correctly for the tasks (capacity, reach, lift)?
- Are attachments included or available separately?
- Does the machine have the right operational footprint (transport, site access, clearance)?
If you buy too small you’ll struggle; too big and you’ll waste fuel and resources.
3. What is the current market value and depreciation trend?
Understanding market context helps you evaluate whether you’re getting fair value – or overpaying. In 2024 the used heavy-equipment market saw signs of price normalization. For example: median auction values for U.S. heavy construction equipment dropped about 9% year-over-year in December 2024.
Also: one report indicates that in Q1 2024 over 48,300 new and used machines in the top 11 types were financed, up 4.5% versus the prior year.
Takeaway:
• Check comparable machines (age, hours, condition) to benchmark price.
• Recognize resale trends: if values are dropping, plan accordingly.
• Factor total cost of ownership, not just purchase price.
4. Is there a warranty, service contract, or certified program?
Used equipment carries higher risk than new. Some dealers offset that by offering used-machine warranties or service contracts. The RDO article flags the need to ask: “Does it qualify for an extended warranty?” and “Does the used machine come with a service package?” (For Construction Pros)
Points to check:
• What parts and labour are covered, and for how many hours/days?
• Are service-records required to maintain the warranty?
• What are the availability and cost of parts for that make/model?
A machine purchased without coverage could expose you to large unplanned costs.
5. What are the financing and tax implications?
The financial side of the deal is just as important as the machine itself. In 2024 the market commentary suggested that interest rates and bank-lending standards are restraining demand, especially for smaller machines. (Equipment World)
Questions to ask:
• Will your financing terms allow you to meet cash-flow needs?
• Are there tax incentives – such as depreciation or Section 179 deductions – you can leverage? (Note: in the RDO piece this is explicitly mentioned.)
• Will you buy or lease – and what is the impact on total cost over the machine’s lifespan?
Ensuring you structure the deal right ensures the equipment works for you financially, not against you.
6. What is the machine’s condition beyond hours and hours meter?
Hours alone don’t tell the whole story. Wear and tear, environment of operation (e.g., sand, coastal salt, mining) and operator behaviour matter. The industry trend piece for 2024 points to advanced diagnostics and telematics playing larger roles in equipment resale.
Ask:
• Has the unit been used in harsh environments?
• Are there weld repairs, structural cracks, alignment issues?
• What is the condition of hydraulic systems, undercarriage, engine emissions components?
• Is there a pre-purchase inspection report, preferably by an independent third-party?
The better the condition transparency, the fewer surprises down the road.
7. What is the resale or fleet-rotation plan?
When buying used equipment, you’ll often think of it not just for today, but for when you move it out. That means thinking about resale value and fleet-life ahead. The global used-construction-machinery report projects a market size of US$95.4 billion in 2023 and growth to US$122 billion by 2030 at a 3.6% CAGR.
Ask:
• How long do you plan to keep the machine?
• What is its likely residual value based on make, model, and age?
• Does the machine match marketplace trends (e.g., emissions, electric/hybrid readiness)?
Machines that are aligned with future resale demand will hold value better.
Quick Checklist: Used Heavy Equipment Purchase
- Hours of operation: verified meter reading or telematics data.
- Service/maintenance history: full records or digital logs.
- Physical condition: structural integrity, undercarriage, hydraulics.
- Warranty/service coverage: included or available.
- Fit for purpose: correct size, capacity, attachments.
- Market value check: comparable machines, recent trends.
- Financing/tax structure: cash flow, deductions, lease vs. buy.
- Future resale plan: estimated life span, resale value trajectory.
- Inspection report: independent or dealer-certified.
- Operator/usage history: job environment, usage intensity.
Final Thoughts
Buying used heavy equipment doesn’t have to mean accepting uncertainty. By asking the right questions – centered on machine history, condition, value, and future resale – you minimize risk and set your purchase up for success. With market conditions in 2024 showing normalization of values and heightened scrutiny on maintenance and warranty factors, diligence pays. Approach the deal as much from the financial and operational angle as the machine specification angle – and you’ll be far better positioned to obtain a reliable, productive asset that supports your business goals.