Hours vs. Age: What Matters More for Used Equipment
There is an age-old debate on what is more important when it comes to buying used equipment: the number of hours the equipment has been used or how old the equipment is. Many say the number of hours is the most important factor, but that may be difficult to track in some cases. Of course, age also plays a role in the life expectancy of a machine, so what should you look for when you’re ready to make a purchase? We’re looking at both sides of the coin between hours and age so you can make a smart choice when you’re in the market for used equipment. Here’s the breakdown.
Hours of Usage
A high number of hours on heavy-duty equipment can be an indication that a lot of wear and tear has been put on the engine, hydraulics, and drive components. The more wear, the higher the chances of eventual failure. However, there are two factors that can make a big difference when it comes to the number of hours put on the machine: if the number of hours were spent doing heavy-duty work, or if the hours were accumulated simply while in idle, possibly to keep the equipment active throughout the workday, and the engine and fluids warm.
Nearly all heavy-duty equipment vehicles are equipped with meters as a way of tracking engine hours or equipment running time. Most modern machines have digital dashboards that can display the total number of hours via the system diagnostic or a control panel. However, some older models may have mechanical hour meters that are cable driven. This means they typically record a more accurate reflection of total hours used based on the engine’s speed. For example, it will run slower when the engine is idling.
However, older mechanical hour meters only provide a four-digit display and will reset to zero after 9,999 hours. This is important because the average number of hours on an engine operating before a major engine overhaul is needed runs between 10,000 and 15,000 hours, depending on the type of equipment and the stress that has been put on it.
So, how can you accurately access the condition of the equipment? Some telltale signs include comparing the meter reading to the overall condition of the machine. Look at high-contact areas such as worn rubber foot pedals, a deteriorated seat, faded paint near the ignition key, and loose steering linkage.
Equipment Age
An older piece of equipment that doesn’t have a lot of hours on it can seem like a good deal on the marketplace. However, age is one of the most important factors in determining the remaining lifespan of components that degrade over time as opposed to just regular use, which is the case with seals, hoses, belts, and electronics. Another factor to take into account when it comes to age is the availability of parts. If a machine is no longer in production, it can be more difficult to find replacements for the originally manufactured equipment. However, there are several aftermarket companies that make generic parts that may closely match the originals.
If you have an opportunity to do a visual inspection of the machine, you’ll be able to see if it was left out in the elements or housed under cover, which can make a big difference in the rate of deterioration of some parts and systems.
The Bottom Line
No matter which side of the debate you’re on, many equipment owners and operators will tell you that the most important factor to consider when buying used machines is whether the model was well cared for.
Equipment owners who have followed the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals have ensured the machine’s service life will live up to expectations. This includes things such as fluid and filter changes; rotating the tires (which balances out the heavy axle loads and evens the wear pattern on the tread); and doing visual inspections to prevent deterioration (such as rust on the equipment, checking for leaks, and so forth).
In fact, it has been said that a piece of heavy-duty equipment that has been well cared for with 15,000 hours on it is more valuable than a unit with only 5,000 hours that has not been maintained. This is why a seller that can show a service log or receipts of services that have been done for upkeep—including any repairs—is often your best choice when buying used equipment.
Begin Your Buying Journey
To start your search for your next piece of heavy-duty equipment, compare the largest online selection of new and used machines nationwide from our marketplace. Our convenient search features will help you narrow down your choices so you can find exactly what you’re looking for with your next machine.
Barrett Baker
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