Author: Wolfgang

Have you found used construction machines in China that you want to buy? Perhaps in Shanghai? We can offer you basic inspections of used machines in Shanghai and in the Hefei area. »» Il existe une version de cette page en français.

Inspection fee

Due the travel cost and the communication efforts the below cost applies for inspection services in China. Please note: To Hefei it is a very long travel. Therefore the fee is comparably high.

• One machine in Shanghai area 880 Euro (1.000US$)
• Additional machines in same place 350 Euro (400 US$)
• One machine inspection in Hefei area 1.500 Euro (1.750 US$)
• Additional machines in same place Hefei 350 Euro (420 US$)
• Shipping or Container Loading Survey Shanghai 800€ (900 US$)

Scope of our machinery inspections in China

Our service in China includes a visual inspection of the machine with a functional test using the seller’s driver. Our inspector takes various photos and videos and visually checks the condition and wear of the machine, including the serial numbers and engines. He also looks for leaks and cracks on the chassis, assess the attachments and tires, and make an assessment of the reliability of the seller. While this may not be a perfect technical inspection service, it can help you avoid the biggest mistakes when buying a machine in China. We have had some unpleasant surprises in Shanghai and its surrounding areas, and some of our customers have lost a lot of money there. Some even ended up with a different machine than the one they inspected. Therefore, we highly recommend a second inspection at the port before shipment to be sure of what you are buying. We inspect all brands such as Caterpillar, Tadano, Komatsu or Doosan.

Used Equipment from Shanghai

Shanghai is known for having a lot of interesting construction machines like excavators, wheel loaders, rollers, motor graders, and other road construction machines. However, in China, you cannot blindly trust sellers as it is common for Chinese machines to be repainted and re-labelled, making it hard to identify the actual country of origin. This can be an unpleasant surprise for buyers when the machine arrives in another country and spare parts are unavailable. To avoid this, it is highly recommended that you have used construction machinery inspected in China before shipment. It is especially important not to make any down payments until you are sure about the condition and country of origin of the machine.

Loading Survey in the port of Shanghai

If you wish an additional service of a loading survey in the port of Shanghai this can be offered as well. You need to communicate with the seller and the authorities to grant access to port for our inspector. For a loading survey a fee of 800 Euro (900$) applies for a one-day service.

Documents, container stuffing and logistics

We do not offer approval of documents, we do not offer any export documents and we don’t take care for logisticts inside China or Shipping from China. We are also not in a position to support with stuffing machines into containers. Please contact a shipping agent or a local workshop for those services.

Serial Number Verification

To get a serial number approved it is highly recommended to contact your local dealer of the related brand such as CAT or Komatsu. Don’t rely on pictures or confirmations sent from China!

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Social Media Comments on Disappointing Experiences With Used Heavy Machinery from China

Below are selected comments and reviews from forums and social media where buyers describe disappointing experiences after purchasing used heavy machinery from China.

Reddit & Online Forums

• Reddit /Construction:
  Multiple users warn against buying Chinese heavy equipment, stating “run as fast as you can away from these” and highlighting issues such as poor emissions compliance, lack of dealer support, and trouble finding spare parts. One commenter adds, “Good luck getting parts. … I would definitely stay away from any larger construction equipment. The regulations are tough to meet with suppliers not providing proper documentation and maintenance can be a pain with these engines”.
• Heavy Equipment Forums:
  A discussion on Chinese machinery quality describes it as “very spotty.” Commenters suggest buyers “stick with Japanese and Korean brands” and warn that machines from China come from the factory “terrible” and that getting parts is difficult: “Eventually you realize, eh, I might as well buy something worth it and trash the Chinese one”.

Dedicated Product Review Sites

• Sitejabber—Alibaba Vendor Review:
  A buyer described purchasing an excavator supposedly fitted with a Yanmar engine, only to receive a model with a much weaker Chinese engine and none of the promised specifications. The user spent months in fruitless disputes with the manufacturer and Alibaba: “It has now been five and a half months, about 60 messages back and forth to get nowhere. … If you count on Alibaba to protect you … you may be sorely disappointed.” The reviewer also mentions being given fictitious serial numbers and compliance documents, calling the experience “dishonest” and warning others to get products verified before paying.
• Trustpilot—Made-in-China.com:
  Several reviewers report poor quality and rapid failure of Chinese machinery. One comment notes: “Poor quality product that you can guarantee will fall apart and corrode within a year or two—avoid at all cost!” Another warns against spending less for a product from China, saying the savings aren’t worth the replacement costs.
  Regarding a used machinery supplier:
  “Machinery failed well within the first 12 months and Weifang CP Machinery did not assist with any replacement parts … shameful and very disappointing”.

Community Discussions & Anecdotal Reports

• TractorByNet Forums:
  One user’s Chinese flail mower “fell apart” within 30 minutes of use due to poor assembly and components. After returning the mower, they reported that “the dealer grumbled he would now have to sell it as used,” but did get their money back. Another purchase, a Chinese wood splitter, suffered hydraulic line failures due to poor materials: “I checked the lines and both were badly cracked … Called Champion, they said they would consider covering it under warranty and get back to me. Have heard nothing yet.” The user asked, “What kind of luck have others had with Chinese products?” and received many similar responses about quick breakdowns and lack of support.

Industry Insights

• Inspection Services and Industry Advice:
  Inspection service providers often receive inquiries from buyers who believed they were getting quality used equipment at a low price, only to find serious discrepancies: “Only a handful [of machines] matched their online descriptions. … It’s also common for original Chinese machines to be repainted in yellow and relabelled as American or Japanese brands.” Buyers are warned that “there is a long trail of such high expectations, now shattered and, scattered all over the world”.

Summary Table

Platform	Main Complaints	Example Quote / Summary
Reddit & Forums	Spare parts, regulations, poor documentation, unreliable engines	“Run as fast as you can away from these” 12
Sitejabber	Misrepresented specs, lack of support, no refund	“You may be sorely disappointed … dishonest” 4
Trustpilot	Low quality, early failures, poor aftersales	“Shameful and very disappointing” 65
TractorByNet	Parts failure, poor construction, lack of warranty honor	“Within 30 minutes of use it fell apart” 7
Industry Inspection Sites	Mismatched machines, mislabeling, “unpleasant surprises”	“Long trail of … expectations, now shattered” 9108

These real-world accounts strongly suggest caution and thorough due diligence when considering used heavy machinery from China, as experiences of disappointment and loss are frequently reported in social media channels and reviews.

The first auctions of the year are just around the corner. So the question arises: Is it a good idea to buy machines there? And what needs to be considered? Buying used heavy equipment at an auction can be a good idea, but it comes with both advantages and risks.

The advantages are:

1. Cost savings: Auctions often offer the opportunity to purchase equipment at a lower price than buying new.
2. Choices: Auctions offer a wide range of equipment options, allowing you to choose between different makes, models and conditions. This can be an advantage when it comes to finding equipment that meets your specific needs.
3. Potential for bargains: Occasionally you can find bargains or undervalued equipment at auctions, especially if there is less competition from other bidders.

But there are also risks that need to be considered:

1. Do research first: Find out the market value of the equipment you are interested in so you can get a fair offer.
2. Understand the auction terms and conditions: Familiarise yourself with the auction terms and conditions, including any buyer’s premiums or fees.
3. Do a pre-inspection of the equipment: If possible, inspect the equipment before the auction. If you are to far away ask an expert. Mevas-Technicians can help you. Drop a message here.

Reminder: Set a budget and stick to it. This will prevent you from getting bogged down and investing more than planned.

Heavy Equipment Auctions

Euroauctions Leeds, GBR starts on Wednesday January 24, 2024 and RB auction Maltby, GBR starts on Wednesday Feburary 14, 2024. Mevas inspectors are available for on-site inspections for both auctions. If you need an independent machinery expert for unbiased inspection get in touch. We are www.mevas.co.uk and we are present in the United Kingdom with local inspectors.

We have created an overview of all other dates for heavy machinery inspections in Europe. This is constantly updated and can be accessed here. Our technicians are also available for auctions in Germany, Dormagen, The Netherlands, Moerdijk and many other locations. 

Shorter inspections for auctions

On auction sites, it is often not possible or practical to carry out the full scope of a TA1-plus inspection. On the one hand, the possibility to operate machines is often limited. On the other hand, it does not always make sense to pay for a full inspection for a large number of machines, as the chance of becoming the highest bidder is limited. Therefore, we offer shorter inspections at a lower price. The final fee depends on where the auction takes place and how many machines someone wants to have inspected.

Sample reports for auction-site inspection

Below sample shows how a shortened inspection report looks like. Here you can download a PDF-sample.

Pre-purchase inspections for used overhead cranes

When buying a used overhead crane, it’s essential to thoroughly inspect several key components to ensure it is safe, functional, and meets your specific requirements. Here’s a checklist of items to check carefully:

1. Structural Integrity:
   • Examine the main structural components such as the bridge, runway, and columns for signs of wear, damage, or rust.
   • Check for any signs of deformation, cracks, or weld defects in the crane’s structure.
   • Ensure that the crane’s structural components are properly aligned.
2. Electrical Components:
   • Inspect the electrical wiring, cables, and connections for wear, fraying, or damage.
   • Test the control panel and electrical controls for proper functioning, including pendant controls and push buttons.
   • Check for any exposed or loose wires.
3. Motors and Gearboxes:
   • Examine the condition of motors and gearboxes for leaks, unusual noises, or excessive wear.
   • Ensure that motors and gearboxes are securely mounted.
4. Hoist and Trolley Mechanism:
   • Test the hoist and trolley for smooth and precise operation.
   • Check the condition of the hoist’s wire rope or chain for wear and proper reeving.
   • Inspect hooks, blocks, and load-bearing components for signs of wear or damage.
5. Brakes and Safety Features:
   • Verify the functionality of all safety features, including emergency stop buttons, limit switches, and overload protection devices.
   • Check that the brakes engage and disengage properly.
6. Rails and Runway:
   • Inspect the runway rails for wear, deformation, and alignment issues.
   • Ensure that the crane’s wheels or rollers move freely along the runway.
7. Documentation and Maintenance Records:
   • Request maintenance and inspection records from the previous owner or seller.
   • Verify that the crane has been regularly maintained and serviced according to manufacturer guidelines.
8. Load Capacity:
   • Determine the crane’s rated load capacity and ensure it meets your specific lifting requirements.
9. Manufacturer and Model Information:
   • Confirm the crane’s make, model, and year of manufacture.
   • Check if spare parts are readily available for the specific crane model.
10. Safety Standards Compliance:
    • Ensure that the crane complies with relevant safety standards and regulations in your region, such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards in the United States.
11. Load Testing:
    • Consider conducting a load test to assess the crane’s performance under its rated load capacity.
12. Professional Inspection:
    • If you’re not experienced with crane inspections, it’s advisable to hire a qualified crane inspector or engineer to thoroughly examine the crane and provide a detailed report.

Remember that the condition of the used overhead crane and its components can greatly impact its safety and longevity. Prioritize safety and functionality when making your decision, and if necessary, budget for potential repairs or upgrades to bring the crane up to your required standards.

Do you need a pre-disassembly overhead crane inspection for purchase process?

MEVAS is performing inspections for all kind of heavy equipment including cranes. Among our services we offer also an inspection for used overhead cranes before the disassembly starts. Our inspector goes step-by-step through his inspection checklist for overhead-cranes. All items are checked and condition noted.

An additional service can be the labelling of all components for assembly after shipment. All parts are marked to facilitate reassembly. Furthermore, the loading can be monitored. This ensures that all parts are delivered.

Pre-delivery inspections for technical goods

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Are you tired of receiving technical goods that don’t meet your expectations? Do costly delays and defects in machinery, equipment, or construction materials jeopardize your projects? Say goodbye to these worries with Mevas-Inspectors-Germany, a leading inspection company, ensuring seamless pre-shipment and pre-delivery inspections of your valuable technical goods!

Why Choose Mevas-Inspectors-Germany?

🔍 Uncompromising Precision: At Mevas-Inspectors-Germany, we leave no stone unturned in meticulously examining every aspect of your technical goods and machinery. Our highly skilled and experienced inspectors are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to detect even the slightest defects, ensuring that your products are in perfect condition. See our Google ratings here.

🔧 Tailored Solutions: We understand that each industry and project is unique. That’s why our inspection procedures are fully customizable to match your specific requirements. Whether it’s machinery, technical equipment, or construction material, we’ve got you covered!

Call an expert who supports in time

💼 Professional Expertise: With years of industry expertise, our inspection team consists of seasoned professionals who are well-versed in the intricate details of various technical products. Trust us to spot potential issues and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

⏱ Time-Efficient Services: Time is of the essence in your business, and we value it just as much. Our streamlined inspection processes ensure quick turnaround times, empowering you to meet tight schedules and deadlines with ease.

💡 Transparent Reporting: Receive comprehensive and easy-to-understand inspection reports, highlighting the condition of your goods in detail. Our transparent approach helps you make informed decisions with confidence.

🌍 Global Reach: No matter where you’re located, Mevas-Inspect-Germany offers its exceptional services worldwide. With a vast network of inspectors and offices, we can conduct inspections at your supplier’s site or any designated location.

🛡️ Secure Your Investments: Your investments deserve the best protection. By choosing Mevas-Inspect-Germany, you safeguard your business from costly mistakes, ensuring that your orders meet the highest quality standards.

👥 Customer-Centric Approach: At Mevas-Inspect-Germany, you are our priority. We strive to build lasting partnerships with our clients, providing unparalleled customer service and support. Your satisfaction is the heartbeat of our business.

🔒 Ensuring Success Together: With Mevas-Inspect-Germany by your side, rest assured that your technical goods will arrive in impeccable condition, fostering successful projects and elevating your business to new heights.

Don’t leave your valuable shipments to chance! Choose Mevas-Inspect-Germany for pre-shipment and pre-delivery inspections you can rely on. Contact us today and let’s build a future of flawless deliveries together!

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Import or export of construction machinery and the exhaust aftertreatment

The import of used equipment into so-called secondary markets or into countries that mainly import older machines makes it necessary to modify the engines in order to ensure safe and trouble-free operation. Among other things, combustion and exhaust aftertreatment systems must be adapted to the higher sulfur content in diesel fuel in these regions.

Is it permissible to downgrade engines to lower emission levels?

In general, it is neither advisable nor legal to downgrade the emission status of a construction equipment or other vehicle from a higher emissions standard such as TIER IV to a lower one such as TIER III just for use in countries with lower fuel quality.
If you plan to use construction equipment in a country with poorer fuel quality, it is important that you follow local emission standards. This may include the use of appropriate fuel additives, filters or other technology to ensure emissions compliance without tampering with the machine’s original emissions control systems.

Is there a legal problem?

If you downgrade a machine that is still physically located in a country with stricter emission regulations to a lower status and then this machine is moved even a few meters, it could be that you have broken the law and are liable to prosecution. Call your authorities to learn about the local regulations.

Semi-professional downgrading solutions

In some cases, especially when technicians downgrade without the appropriate qualifications and without suitable software solutions, it happens that the emission values of the machines become very bad. Unqualified attempts to reduce construction machinery from emission status TIER IV to TIER III have in some cases resulted in these devices having poorer emission values than the original TIER II.

Possible actions

1. In countries with poor fuel quality and high sulphur levels, using imported TIER IV emission machines can be a challenge. However, there are several measures that can help solve this problem and allow the machines to be used in such countries:

2. Fuel filtration and treatment: Implement fuel filtration and treatment systems to remove contaminants, including sulphur, from fuel before it reaches the engine. Fuel filters and separators can help prevent contaminants from causing engine damage and reduce sulfur-related problems.

3. Fuel Additives: Use fuel additives that can improve the combustion process and reduce sulfur-related emissions. Ultimately, however, this solution will always involve high costs and effort.

4. Engine Software Calibration: Work with the engine manufacturer or authorized service centers to calibrate the engine software to match the lower quality fuel. This may involve adjusting certain parameters to optimize performance while minimizing emissions.

Engine downgrading as a last option

As a last resort, some countries may permit engine downgrading in certain situations, under certain conditions and with appropriate approvals. This would require expert advice and should be approached with caution to avoid legal or ethical issues.

Ecological consequences

From an ecological point of view, the continued operation of old engines with poor emission values and in particular the downgrading of engines to lower emission classes is the worst solution. Exporting nations should keep in mind that achieving the global reduction in emissions, and hence global warming, is a collective effort and cannot be achieved by simply leaving your old machines and vehicles running in the so-called Third World.

Does it make sense to inspect used machines before you buy them?

Yes, it does. These machines are working in rough conditions and if you are purchasing this kind of used machinery there is always some risk. We have seen in the past many costly problems on these machines. Small repairs such as a leaking cylinder or a broken window can sum up to several hundred Euros. But if the engine has low performance or the undercarriage is worn the repairs can easily extend to some thousand Euro. Therefore we recommend an unbiased inspection before you send money to the supplier.

Who can evaluate the current value and condition of big iron without a conflict of interest?

Mevas can. For our technicians inspecting large machines is part of their daily work. They look at the machines with the eyes of a future user. Our inspections focus on the technical details rather than the appearance of the equipment. So if you want to avoid an unpleasant and costly surprise, talk to us about the price of a pre-used machine inspection.

We carry out inspections for equipment of various types according to customer requirements, for individual machines or entire fleets. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a truck, an excavator, a crusher, a bulldozer, a screening plant or a drilling rig.

Global inspection service

We inspect and evaluate heavy machinery wherever it is located: This year we have done inspections for machines & trucks in Qatar for PlantAndEquipment.com Detailed condition reports, pictures and videos were prepared for more than one hundred units.

This was already our second large project in Qatar. Our team has been for big projects with over one hundred and fifty inspections in Gabon, French Guyana and in the UK. We have also inspected heavy construction equipment in Kazakhstan, Siberia and in Australia.

If you need an independent assessment of the condition of a used machine fleet or individual machines, then you have come to the right place.

A cost free valuator for construction equipment?

I assume you came to this page because you are looking for a free way to value heavy used equipment. Now, of course, the question arises, why would anyone offer a free evaluation of heavy machinery. Ultimately, every consulting service has a value. And as star investor Warren Buffet said: “There is no such thing as a free lunch”. So if you’re not paying for a construction equipment appraisal with money, you’re paying with something else. For example with your data. Or the reason for a free offer is that someone is interested in buying your used machine for cheap money or in selling you a used equipment. So the service is free at first glance, but not in vain.

Equipment appraisal for a fair fee

We at MEVAS also offer the evaluation of construction machinery. Because we don’t want your data or your machine, this service comes at a small price. For €60 for a single construction machine, an experienced and human appraiser will determine the current market value of your machine. Without background interests or without passing on your data. Send us the info about the machine. Pay our little fee and we will go ahead. This offer is for an on-screen evaluation of heavy machinery. If you need a more detailed survey with analysis of residual values we recommend an on-site-inspection with valuation by an expert.

Free online valuation tools for heavy equipment

There are a coulpe of free valuation tools for heavy equipment. Most of those have in common that they are interested in your machines. Ritchie Bros. free valuation for instance is on one side a tool to learn the current value of your excavator or your wheel loader. On the other hand it is obvoius they are interested to convince you selling your machine through the auction. Others such as Machinerycash want to broker your machine to make some $$ commission by the sales.

We at Mevas have a commercial interest as well. We either want to sell you a real valuation for a little fee or we want you to let us inspect used machinery for you. Or we want to convince you we are a serious partner for on-site valuations of big machinery.

Before you buy a used wheel loader, you should check and test the machine. Here we show you what you should look out for.

16+ Years of Experience

Since we have been doing nothing but assessing the condition of used machines for our customers for over 16 years, we know wheel loaders very well. With Volvo and Caterpillar machines, for example, we can read out the ECM and thus obtain data on the machine history and we know the weak points of some series.

We are MEVAS – The Heavy Equipment inspectors. Our intention is to set the standards for independent used equipment inspections in Europe.

16+ Years of Experience

Mevas (the acronym stands for Machinery Evaluation Services) was founded in 2006 to provide an independent inspection service for used heavy machinery. Our office is located in Germany. However, through our network of contract inspectors and technicians, we can offer our inspection service in almost all European countries, the Middle East, parts of Africa, Shanghai/China and Australia. This means that we are often not too far away from the plants to be inspected. This allows us to react flexibly to customer requests.

Independent and reliable

The basis of our policy is absolute independence from sellers, providers and dealers of used machinery. MEVAS and all commissioned equipment inspectors are not involved in the machinery trade. We do not accept commissions and do not prepare appraisals for the benefit of third parties. Rather, we pride ourselves on providing a completely unbiased assessment of all machinery we inspect.

We keep our client relationships and inspection results confidential. A completed inspection report is for the exclusive use of the client. We do not speak anywhere about machines we have inspected or about other machines we have seen.

Clients around the globe

Many customers from around the world trust in our services. In an average year we inspect approximately 800 used machines, trucks and cranes. We inspect small machines such as mini excavators as well as large machines in the mining industry and are also able to carry out large assessment projects. Contact us if you have any questions.