Author: Wolfgang

Käytettyjen koneiden tarkastukset Suomessa

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Jos olet ostamassa käytettyä konetta, kuten kaivinkonetta, pyöräkuormaajaa tai nivellettyä kippiautoa, on luultavasti hyvä ajatus tarkastuttaa se asianmukaisesti. Jos kone on lähelläsi, se on helppoa. Lähetät korjaamon työnjohtajan tai mekaanikkosi testaamaan konetta. Sitten voit neuvotella hinnasta. Mutta jos kone on kaukana, jos yrityksessä on liikaa töitä, voit myös palkata ulkopuolisen asiantuntijan. Varsinkin kun kone ei ole Suomessa vaan ulkomailla, siitä tulee mielenkiintoista. Silloin on halvempaa saada asiantuntija paikalle ja se on myös nopeampaa.

Yksityiskohdat kaivinkoneen tarkastuksesta
Kaivinkone Liebherr
Tienrakennuskoneiden arvioinnit
Asfalttilevittäjä
Asiantuntijaraportit kaivinkoneista, pyöräkuormaajista tai rakennuskoneista
Romumateriaalin Käsittelijä

Kuka voi arvioida raskaita rakennuskoneita ulkomailla?

MEVAS-tiimi on läsnä yli 20 maassa. Teknikot on koulutettu käytettyjen koneiden tarkastukseen. Tarkastamme kaivinkoneet, pyöräkuormaajat, murskaimet, dumpperit, nosturit ja porauslaitteet louhintaan tai maanrakennukseen. Tarvitsetko ammattimaisen tarkastuksen tai arvonmäärityksen? Onko kyseessä rakennuskone vai kokonainen kalusto? Se ei ole ongelma. Me hoidamme sen.

Mitä maksaa rakennuskoneita koskeva asiantuntijalausunto?

Asiantuntijalausunnon hinta riippuu eri tekijöistä. Kuinka suuri rakennuskone on? Millainen kone se on? Missä rakennusajoneuvo sijaitsee? Ja sitten on tärkeää tietää: Tarvitsetko tietoa vain kunnosta vai pitäisikö myös määrittää nykyinen arvo? Jos lähetät meille tiedustelun, saat tarjouksen ja esimerkki kertomuksen muutaman tunnin kuluessa. Sen jälkeen voit päättää, haluatko palkata meidät arvioijaksi.

Tunnemme hyvin: Caterpillar, Hitachi, Komatsu, Volvo CE, Liebherr & Terex. Tarkastamme ajoneuvonosturit, tiehöylät, yksirumpujyrsimet, kaivurit, paalutuskoneet, leikkurit, pyöräkaivukoneet, materiaalinkäsittelykoneet, kippiautot ja kaikki muut maansiirtolaitteet.

Video about Mevas

Used Machinery Appraisal Qatar

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Who can inspect and valuate heavy equipment in the Middle-East?

The World Cup in Doha, Qatar, is currently the talk of the town. Some are talking mainly about the situation of workers preparing for the event. Meva’s inspectors played a different role. After many stadiums and buildings had been erected, a large pile of heavy machinery remained. An investment company asked to evaluate 180 items that were for sale.

Mevas sent a team of inspectors who gathered all the necessary information about the condition of the equipment and its maintenance status. Upon the team’s return, the fleet evaluation was completed within eight business days. All in all, it took us only two and a half weeks to evaluate the entire fleet.

Crane inspection in Qatar

It was a tough job for our team on site. Most Europeans are not used to working in the circumstances with high temperatures and high humidity. They are more able to tolerate the cold. But the guys did a great job. The customer was happy with the performance.

Service and component history

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How to find info about service history of used heavy machinery?

When buying used construction machinery, it is particularly important, especially for large machines, to obtain information about the service and component history of the machine. When was the engine changed, when were repairs made to the hydraulic pump, when were axles changed, when was the last service and how old are the oils on the machine. In the used machinery business, machines often go unfathomable ways. If you find a machine in Holland, it is not a foregone conclusion that this machine has also worked in Holland – it may well be that the machine comes from Romania or Finland. So it would be important to get some data. In most cases, however, sellers will not reveal where they bought a used construction machine. With a mini-excavator, this information is not so important. But if you buy a 300 hp wheel loader, you should know what the machine has done before and whether it has been maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications. An important criterion is whether, for example, the original engine and the original gearbox are still fitted. If this information is missing, the remaining service life of the machine and its components cannot be estimated well.

Forensic search for info about machine maintenance

The best way to find out this information is to do a thorough inspection and look for information about the origin of the machine, e.g. on the stickers in the cabin. If the dealer or seller does not want to provide the information, you can also call the manufacturer’s service partner in the respective country, where you might get the missing information. During an inspection with a contractor one can usually get some info from the local service staff.

Sticker with service information for heavy equipment maintenance

Downloading machine info from ECU

On some machines the local dealer or an inspection service such as Mevas can download a summary from the machine ECU or ECM. Especially for Caterpillar and Volvo we can provide such service. The summary contains info about error codes, overheating or engine overspeeding. In some cases we can support with phone contact to service providers in other countries. Due our large network in the international machinery industry we know many people in various countries. Contact us please for a quotation and more info.

What is a Caterpillar PSR? How can you obtain it?

The PSR is the so-called Product Status Report. It can be downloaded from the internal ECM’s of a CAT machine or any other machine with a Caterpillar engine. To download you would need a CAT-ET, the so-called Electronic Technician. CAT dealer staff and services such as Mevas can do this for you.

What information does the PSR document contain?

The PSR contains some important information such as:

  • Engine lifetime hours
  • Transmission lifetime hours
  • Hydraulic Configuration
  • Lifetime fuel consumption
  • Injector Calibration Status
  • Diagnostic Codes (Error Codes)
  • Lifetime Temperatures for various components
  • Tool Configuration
PSR and Machine Checklist

How to measure engine blow-by ?

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Engine Blow-By: An Overview

A combustion engine operates by burning fuel in a cylinder, where a piston moves up and down. The piston is sealed towards the cylinder by piston rings. However, a certain amount of exhaust gas escapes from the combustion chamber into the crankcase housing, which is referred to as “blow-by.” A visual representation of this can be found at diesel.net.

Checking the Engine for Blow-By

When inspecting a used machine, it is essential to assess the engine for the amount of blow-by. By measuring the amount of escaping gas, an experienced inspector can estimate the engine wear. Typically, this can be done by placing a hand on top of the oil filler tube and checking for the amount of blow. The inspector will also examine the smell of the gas for any signs of burned oil or coolant in the engine lubrication system.

Engine blow-by measurement

On larger engines, it may be necessary to measure the blow-by and compare it with the manufacturer’s specifications. Some inspectors may be equipped with a gauge, called an anemometer, for this purpose. However, it is important for the inspector to have a good understanding of the engine configuration as not all gas escapes through the oil filler tube. Some engines may have a certain amount of blow-by even when new. Inspectors opening filler tubes on Perkins engines can tell stories about it.

Examining Engine Condition through Exhaust Fumes

Experienced technicians can use the appearance and smell of the exhaust fumes to determine the condition of the engine. For example, if the engine is burning oil, the technician may detect a burnt oil odour. The colour and amount of smoke can also provide insights into the engine’s condition. Engine smoke can appear white, grey, grey-blue, or black. If the smoke appears abnormal, the inspector may need to examine the engine systems closely for issues such as malfunctioning injectors or coolant entering the engine lubrication.

Engine oil sampling

Last but not least it is an option to send an oil sample for analysis. A certified lab will provide info about oil condition and containment. Engineers can read a lot from sample as long as it is known how long the engine oil was in use.

Using an inspection app

We are often approached by developers of machinery inspection apps, who believe that anyone can perform an inspection with the right application and guidelines. However, from our perspective, it is still necessary for an inspector to have several years of experience with machines and engines to accurately assess the engine’s condition.

Do you wish to read a version of this article in German language?

Oil analysis for heavy equipment

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What is oil sampling and how to do it?

Analyzing the oils used in construction machinery can be useful because you can read information about wear from the contents of the used oil. To do this, a mechanic or technician uses a very clean container and a pump to remove oil, e.g. from the engine, from the hydraulic circuit or from the gearbox. The extracted oils are sent to a certified laboratory. There, the lubricants are analyzed for their ingredients using various methods. It can be used to determine whether there are increased levels of silicon, sulphur, copper, coolant or other trace elements in the oil.

Inspector Wolfgang just took an oil sample
Heavy Machinery Oil sampling

When is it reasonable to analyse oils of used heavy equipment?

An analysis of the existing oils only makes sense if you have an approximate idea of ​​how long the oil was in use. If the oil has only recently been changed, an analysis of the condition is not very useful. There are then too few analyzable particles in the oil. If the oil used is much older than permitted, i.e. the change intervals have been significantly exceeded, the values ​​will also be incorrect. But if the oil is in a normal change cycle, you can read a lot of information from the trace elements. It is therefore important to know whether the prescribed maintenance intervals on the construction machine have been observed.

What influence have working hours and temperatures to oil condition?

As already described above, it is important to know or to be able to estimate the service life of the existing oils. And to get meaningful results, it is necessary to warm up the machine. Otherwise there will be many particles, e.g. deposited on the bottom of the oil pan or in the filter. The oil must therefore be vigorously moved and the viscosity increased in order to obtain meaningful results.

What info does an oil sample report contain and what does it tell us?

A professional laboratory for the analysis of construction machine oils usually provides us with an interpretation of the analyzed values. Too much silicon means dirt gets into the machine’s systems and you have to look at where and how dirt gets into the system. If coolant is found in the engine oil, there is a problem in the cooling system. If traces of aluminum are found in the transmission oil, one can conclude that there is increased wear in some components. The same applies to the presence of chromium, copper or magnesium. As soon as we have the results of an oil analysis, our technicians will advise you and describe the possible causes. A hint is given on what to do to avoid early problems.

By the way, to guarantee high quality of our oil analysis we work on this sector with the lab of Zeppelin Baumaschinen which is the CAT dealer for several countries in Europe.

How to check the hydraulic pump?

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How can I check if my excavator hydraulic pump is working well?

In the event that the hydraulic excavator does not have enough power or even when buying an excavator, it is useful to check whether the hydraulic pump has enough power. Normally, however, you do not have any equipment for measuring pressure with you. Don’t forget that pressure alone is not a criterion for sufficient power. You would also have to measure the volume of the oil flow.

Hydraulic Pressure Testing during inspection of an excavator

So what can be done to check the performance of the hydraulic pump?

An excavator usually has a so-called load-sensing pump. The pump’s sensors constantly check the pressure and the oil volume demanded. The pump permanently adjusts the volume flow and the pressure to the requirements during work. To check performance, an experienced inspector will usually test whether the excavator can make three different working movements at the same time without slowing down the flow of one working movement. For example, lifting the boom, extending the arm and extending the bucket at the same time. The inspector must note whether there are one or more hydraulic pumps for the different components. Often the traction drive has a separate pump.

Pressure test for comparison with the manufacturer’s data

The type of test described so far is helpful if you do not have a pressure gauge available. However, for a more accurate test of performance, it is helpful to be able to measure pressures. To do this, the inspector needs to connect a pressure gauge to the test ports and measure the pressures for the pump and the pilot pressure. The recorded data must be compared with the manufacturer’s specifications.

Hydraulic-Pressure gauge for excavator testing

Which company can inspect an excavator with pressure measurement?

Some MEVAS inspectors are equipped with dial gauges. We can offer a very thorough examination of the condition of used hydraulic excavators in various countries. Of course, we are also responsible for any other construction machine and for large equipment from the mining industry. The guide can be downloaded here.

How to measure swing bearing play?

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Excavator swing bearing play measuring

The swing bearing is one of the weakest points in the structure of an excavator. At this point, the stable undercarriage, the so-called X-frame, is connected to the superstructure. The superstructure rotates endlessly on this pivot. On a larger excavator, you will find a counterweight weighing perhaps 15 tonnes. It balances the whole machine and is designed to keep the machine stable and balanced with the arm extended and the bucket full. On the other hand, this means that when the bucket is empty and the arm is close to the machine, the rear side of the machine is loaded.

To ensure that everything runs well, the pivot bearing, also called the slewing ring, has several lubrication points. Ideally, these are supplied with grease of the right consistency by an automatic lubrication system.

Swing bearing play measurement for excavator

The rollers or rolls of the large bearing now run permanently over the running surfaces, generating wear through friction and pressure. At some point, the play becomes so large that machine safety is endangered. When inspecting a used excavator, it therefore makes sense to measure whether the play is still within the permissible tolerance.

How to measure?

To do this, the slewing ring must be loaded once and then unloaded again after the dial gauge has been placed on it. The play is measured between these two states. Most inspectors for construction machinery know the procedure. Depending on the equipment of the machine, one must decide whether a filled excavator bucket is sufficient to achieve the load on the front, or whether additional weights are required. Also the use of a hydraulic jack can be considered.

When to measure, cost for replacing?

Our inspectors have the necessary knowledge to carry out a measurement correctly. During used machine inspection process the inspector does a functional test. Experienced technicians can feel already at this stage if a measurement is required. After the measurement, we can help to decide whether the play is acceptable or whether you need to replace the slewing ring. The Liebherr R964 excavator pictured above had 5mm clearance across the front of the frame and 4.7mm across the side. It is not safe to continue working with this slew ring. Exchange will cost probably more than 12.000 $

Experts for used concrete equipment

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Is there an inspection service available for used concrete pumps and ready-mix trucks?

At MEVAS, we take the guesswork out of your used concrete equipment purchases. Our team of seasoned engineers specializes in pre-delivery inspections, ensuring that your investment is a sound one.

What sets us apart? ✅ Comprehensive Visual Checks: Our experienced engineers meticulously inspect every component, leaving no stone unturned. ✅ Rigorous Functional Testing: We don’t just look; we put the equipment to the test, including a water test, to verify its operational integrity. ✅ Detailed Inspection Reports: Within just one day, you’ll receive a comprehensive inspection report, complete with high-quality photos and a video. It’s like having eyes on the ground even when you can’t be there. ✅ Confidence in Your Purchase: Our reports provide a clear picture of the equipment’s condition. You’ll know if it’s in excellent shape, requires minor touch-ups, or needs significant repairs.

MEVAS is your trusted partner in making informed decisions when buying used concrete pumps, ready-mix trucks, and batching plants. Choose confidence, choose MEVAS.”

What kind of concrete equipment exists and can be inspected by Mevas technicians?

Concrete production and transport equipment plays a crucial role in the construction industry, ensuring that concrete is mixed, transported, and placed efficiently and effectively. There are various types of equipment used in the concrete production and transport process, including:

  1. Batching Plant: Batching plants are facilities where raw materials like cement, aggregates, and water are mixed to produce concrete. There are two main types: ready-mix concrete plants and central mix concrete plants.
  2. Transit Mixers: These are specialized trucks designed to transport freshly mixed concrete from the batching plant to the construction site. They have a rotating drum to keep the concrete from setting during transportation.
  3. Concrete Pumps: Concrete pumps are used to deliver concrete to high-rise or hard-to-reach construction sites. They come in two main types: boom pumps, which use a robotic arm to place the concrete accurately, and line pumps, which use hoses to pump concrete to the desired location.
  4. Agitators: These are similar to transit mixers but are used to transport ready-mixed concrete over shorter distances. They don’t have the rotating drum and are primarily used for onsite concrete delivery.
  5. Mobile Mixers: Mobile mixers are portable concrete mixing units that can be transported to the construction site. They are typically used for smaller projects or in locations where a stationary batching plant is not practical.
  6. Concrete Buggies: Concrete buggies, also known as power buggies or Georgia buggies, are motorized vehicles used to transport and pour concrete in areas with limited access.
  7. Concrete Conveyor Belts: Conveyor belts are used to transport concrete from the mixing plant or mixer to the pouring location. They can be mounted on trucks or used as standalone units.
  8. Concrete Buckets: These are used to transport and pour concrete in small quantities. They are often attached to cranes or other lifting equipment.
  9. Slipform Pavers: Slipform pavers are specialized machines used for the continuous pouring and shaping of concrete, typically for road construction and large-scale paving projects.
  10. Concrete Reclaimer Systems: These systems are used to collect and recycle excess or returned concrete, reducing waste and environmental impact.
  11. Concrete Mixers: Concrete mixers come in various sizes and configurations, including portable and stationary mixers, which are used for smaller-scale on-site mixing.
  12. Volumetric Mixers: Volumetric mixers are mobile batching plants that can mix concrete on-site to specific proportions, allowing for flexibility in the concrete mix design.
  13. Concrete Silos: These are storage structures used to store bulk quantities of cement and other materials before they are mixed in the batching plant.
  14. Concrete Cooling Systems: In hot climates, concrete cooling equipment is used to control the temperature of the concrete during mixing and transportation to prevent premature setting.
  15. Concrete Aggregates Crushers and Screens: Equipment for crushing and screening aggregates used in concrete production.

The choice of equipment depends on the scale of the project, the distance to the construction site, and other project-specific requirements. Proper selection and maintenance of concrete production and transport equipment are essential for ensuring the quality and efficiency of concrete construction.

Machinery Inspections in the U.A.E.

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Who can offer inspections for used heavy machinery in the Emirates?

Most people in the machinery industry know Mevas as a German inspection service with inspectors in Europe. Did you know we also have a technician in Dubai? Engineer Anas is covering the Emirates for us and is a really experienced guy. Just recently he inspected for us a CAT D8R bulldozer including measurement of undercarriage and download of the CAT-PSR from machine ECM.

We can offer inspections in all areas of the UAE. Our inspector can be present on the auction site of Ritchie Bros. Dubai to support your business. On auction sites we offer a special kind of inspection for a lower fee. Call us for more details.

CAT D8R bulldozer

How can I import a used bulldozer from Middle East?

Importing a used heavy machine like a bulldozer from the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) or any other country in the Middle East involves several steps and considerations. Here’s a general guide on how to import a used bulldozer:

  1. Research Import Regulations:
    Begin by researching the import regulations and requirements for heavy machinery in your country. Contact your country’s customs authority or visit their website to find information on necessary permits, taxes, duties, and safety standards.
  2. Verify Import Eligibility:
    Ensure that the bulldozer you intend to import complies with your country’s emissions standards, safety regulations, and other requirements. Some countries may have restrictions on the age or condition of imported used machinery.
  3. Find a Reliable Supplier:
    Look for reputable suppliers in the U.A.E. who deal with used bulldozers. You can check online marketplaces, industry directories, or work with a local agent or broker to help you find a reliable source.
  4. Inspect the Bulldozer:
    Before finalizing the purchase, arrange for an inspection of the bulldozer to ensure it’s in the condition as described. You may want to hire a third-party inspector or work with a trusted local contact in the U.A.E. to examine the equipment.
  5. Negotiate the Terms:
    Negotiate the purchase price, payment terms, and delivery arrangements with the seller. Be clear on who is responsible for shipping, insurance, and any necessary modifications to meet your country’s requirements.
  6. Obtain Documentation:
    Ensure that you have all the necessary documentation for the import process, including the bulldozer’s title, bill of sale, and any certificates of compliance. You may also need to provide identification and import licenses.
  7. Arrange Shipping:
    Decide on the shipping method (e.g., containerized shipping, roll-on/roll-off, or flat rack) and choose a reputable freight forwarder or shipping company experienced in heavy machinery transportation. Make sure the bulldozer is properly secured for transportation.
  8. Customs Clearance:
    Work with a customs broker or handle the customs clearance process yourself. Provide all required documents, pay any applicable customs duties, taxes, and fees, and follow the customs clearance procedures of your country.
  9. Pay Import Duties and Taxes:
    Be prepared to pay import duties and taxes, which can vary depending on the bulldozer’s value and your country’s import regulations. Consult with your country’s customs authority to determine the exact amount.
  10. Safety and Environmental Compliance:
    Ensure that the bulldozer meets safety and environmental standards in your country. You may need to make modifications or adjustments to comply with local regulations.
  11. Transport and Delivery:
    Arrange for the transportation of the bulldozer from the port of entry to your desired location, such as a construction site or storage facility.
  12. Register and Insure:
    Once the bulldozer is in your possession, register it with the relevant authorities and obtain insurance coverage as required in your country.

Keep in mind that the specific requirements and regulations can vary greatly depending on your country, so it’s essential to consult with local customs authorities, import experts, and legal professionals who specialize in import/export regulations to ensure a smooth and compliant import process.