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Used heavy machinery from China

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Hey brother, have you found any used construction machines in China that catch your interest? Maybe in Shanghai? See the inspection price info for Shanghai and Hefei on bottom of this page.

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.

Freshly painted bulldozer in China. Technical inspection, PSI
Freshly painted dozer
Dump truck Caterpillar 740 in bad condition in Shanghai, China
Dump truck
Repainted excavator CAT 336D in China, Hefei and Shanghai
Excavator in Shanghai

Machinery inspection service

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. They also look 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.

How much does a pre-shipping inspection in Shanghai cost?

In most cases we can inspect a single excavator or wheel loader in Shanghai for a fee of 800 Euro. If you have more than one machine in the same location a discount applies. Each additional machine in same location costs 300 Euro. Our inspectors there can inspect any construction machine such as motor-grader, bulldozer, excavator, wheel loader, truck, asphalt roller and any kind of mobile crane.

For inspections in Hefei area we need at least two units to go. Inspection for two units in Hefei would cost 1.700 Euro.

Used Machinery Inspections in Africa

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Who can inspect used mining and construction equipment on the African continent?

Mevas is based in Germany and having a large network of independent machinery inspectors. Most technicians are based in Europe. However, we know engineers and technicians from the industry in so many countries. It is very likely that we can support with inspections in many areas in Africa. For sure we have inspection partners in South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and in some Arabic countries.

Mining and Plant engineers

Since we are an inspection company, offering this service since 2006 and because Wolfgang is in the industry sine 1982 we have many connections and we know many engineers. We have been inspecting machines in Botswana, Gabun, Tunisia, Nigeria and Ghana. No problem for our technicians to travel to many other countries.

Mining fleet inspection in Congo DRC
Mining Fleet inspection
Bulldozer inspection in Africa
Inspection of larger bulldozers
Quarry excavator in Tanzania
Loading shovel for mining

Which inspection level is offered?

Depending on location and who we can send the level of inspection ranges from TA-1 to TA-2 which are Caterpillar descriptions for heavy machinery inspections. get in touch with us for more details and a specific offer.

What kind of equipment can we inspect in Africa?

  • bulldozers and tracked loaders
  • wheel loaders and backhoe loaders
  • earthmoving and mining excavators
  • quarry and mining trucks
  • road construction machinery
  • crushing and screen plant

The inspection fee for machinery in Africa depends very much on location. If you send us a machine list with location, machine types and info about local circumstances in regard of safety we can raise an offer within a few hours.

Where do you find out about used machinery, mining machinery?

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Do you have half a minute to answer a question?

We are interested in where decision makers and technicians from the construction and mining sectors look for information. Main reason is to decide where to spend our limited marketing budget.

What is your first choice if you search for knowledge about specific technical (machinery & equipment) topics for mining & construction? Please click on this Linkedin link and indicate which answer applies. Thank you for your participation – it is very much appreciated.

Inspected tracked excavator by Mevas

Meanwhile the poll on Linkedin has been closed. Thank you for participating. The result was:

How to change the hour meter on a Caterpillar excavator?

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Changing the hour meter reading at Caterpillar

How is it possible to edit the hour meter on my CAT machine? Is there a possibility to change hour reading on the ECM or ECU of the machine? Can I do this with the CAT Electronic Technician? Will it be possible to see the attempt to change the hours? 

Do I need a factory passkey?

Some interesting questions, do you agree? I wonder why someone is asking Google for it. Does he want to betray a potential buyer? Some forums are full of those questions. Obviously many people have an interest to reduce the hour meter reading.

If you go to Google and start a search Google-Instant will show you the most relevant entries. It means Google proposes what many others are looking for. The screenshots I made are shoing there is a high interest in this issue. Most relevant search is Caterpillar Hour Meter Reset 🙁

How can you avoid to become a victim of hour meter fraud?

The answer is easy. Send a professional inspector to check the machine on your behalf before you purchase it. I will keep this post updated how many clicks it got from the Google search. It will show how many people are looking for this topic.

Hour meter of a Caterpillar wheel loader

Is it possible and legal to change the hour meter reading?

Yes, it is technically possible to change the service hour meter reading on a used heavy machine. However, it is illegal in many jurisdictions as it involves tampering with the machine’s records, which could be considered as fraud or misrepresentation.

In some countries, tampering with hour meter readings is a serious violation of the law and can result in heavy fines or even imprisonment.

It is always recommended to buy used heavy equipment from a reputable source and have a thorough inspection performed by a professional inspector to ensure accurate hour meter readings and the overall condition of the machine.

What to check before starting an excavator or wheel loader?

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Free pre-operational checklist for machinery operators

Do you know what to check at the machine before you start working? We have a free checklist for heavy equipment operators. You can use it to make sure, that you do not forget to check important items. You can download it here.

Mevas free daily checklist for machinery operators

What should the operator of an excavator or wheel loader check before he starts machine at begin of his shift?

Before starting an excavator or wheel loader at the beginning of a shift, the operator should perform a pre-operational inspection to ensure the machine’s safety and readiness for work. The following is a general guideline of the items to be checked:

  1. Fuel and oil levels – Check that there is enough fuel and oil to run the machine for the shift and top up if necessary.
  2. Engine performance – Start the engine and check that it runs smoothly, with no unusual sounds or vibrations.
  3. Hydraulic system – Check for any leaks in the hydraulic system and verify that all hydraulic components are functioning properly.
  4. Tires – Check the tire pressure and inspect for any damage or excessive wear.
  5. Lights and alarms – Check the machine’s lights, alarms, and warning signals to ensure that they are functioning properly.
  6. Control systems – Ensure that all control systems are working correctly and that the operator has full control of the machine.
  7. Attachments – Inspect all attachments, such as buckets or hammers, to ensure that they are properly secured and free of any cracks or damage.
  8. Safety features – Check the seatbelt, rollover protection system, and other safety features to ensure that they are working correctly.

By performing a pre-operational inspection, the operator can identify any potential issues with the machine before starting work, which helps to prevent accidents, equipment damage, and costly downtime.

How to measure the undercarriage on used machines?

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Is this service included in an Mevas inspection?

Yes, on request and for larger machines this service is included for tracked machines from Caterpillar. We do measure all components. Remaining life values will be calculated with the CAT CTS Undercarriage Handbook. When inspecting machines of other brands, we assess the remaining service life based on our experience. Click here for our video explaining the measurement of the undercarriage step by step.

Since the undercarriage is one of the most expensive components on these machines and can be very expensive to replace, we recommend special attention to inspection here. If you are looking to buy a second hand machine in Europe – get the remaining life of the U/C confirmed by MEVAS.

Meassurement of the carrier rollers on a dozer

Which tools can be used to measure U/C components?

To measure undercarriage components of a track type tractor or an excavator, the following tools can be used:

  1. Track Gauge or meter – It is used to measure the track gauge, or the distance between the tracks, to ensure that it is within the manufacturer’s specifications.
  2. Track Roller Caliper – It is used to measure the diameter of the track rollers and the wear on the bottom of the track roller.
  3. Idler Pin Gauge – It is used to measure the idler’s diameter and the wear on the idler’s bearing surfaces.
  4. Ultrasonic Gauge – It is used to measure the thickness of the track links and the wear on the bushings.
  5. Chain Wear Gauge – It is used to measure the wear on the track chain and to determine if the chain needs to be replaced.
  6. Shoe Height Gauge – It is used to measure the wear on the track shoe and to determine if the shoe needs to be replaced.

By using these tools, it is possible to accurately measure the wear on the undercarriage components and determine when they need to be replaced or repaired, which helps to extend the life of the track type tractor and reduce maintenance costs.

Who can inspect used heavy construction machinery?

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Where can I find a professional inspector?

We would like to introduce ourselves briefly: Mevas has been testing the condition of heavy used machinery for over 16 years. The idea came about because the owner of the company, in his previous job, had to realise when buying used machines that the machines sold were often in worse condition than stated by the seller.

So the idea was born to check the machines carefully before purchasing them. We do this for a growing clientele from all over the world. In the same way, we offer this service to sellers to make it easier to sell the machines with an inspection by an independent third party.

Used machines inspected by Mevas

What does an Mevas inspection report contain?

We have structured inspection report for each type of used construction machinery or construction vehicles. First, the inspector notes the equipment of the construction machine or crane. He pays attention, for example, to whether the machine has air conditioning, additional hydraulic lines, if the excavator has a dozer blade, a CE certificate or whether it has a quick coupling. Now the actual inspection begins. The technician checks the condition of the cab, seat, switches, display instruments, air conditioning, windows, mirrors and windscreen wipers. 

Now it is time to inspect the engine. After checking the operating fluids such as coolant and oil condition, the engine is started. The inspector checks if the engine smokes unusually, makes noises or shows other signs of increased wear. 
After checking the engine, an inspection of the machine’s external components is done. This involves checking the frame, boom or lift arm and, of course, all doors, hatches, storage compartments, lighting and paintwork. After this inspection, we focus on the hydraulic system. We inspect the hoses, look for leaks in the cylinders, listen for noises from the hydraulic pump and check for leaks in the pump or valve block. Now the functional test starts. During this, the inspector checks whether there is play in the joints, whether the drive functions properly, whether there are any unusual noises, whether all functions work normally? Depending on the type of machine, of course, different things are checked. The attachments, such as buckets or shovels, are also checked and their data recorded. Then the tyres or undercarriages are checked for wear and analysed. In the last section of our inspection report, any problems that do not fit into the previous sections are noted. Finally, the inspector leaves a comment on the general condition of the machine. At the end, the transport dimensions are usually given.

Which used heavy machines can be inspected?

Mevas inspectors can perform inspections for:

  1. Excavators (track excavators, mobile excavators, min diggers, quarry shovels)
  2. Bulldozers and Tracked Loaders
  3. Loaders (Wheel Loaders, Skid Steer Loaders, Backhoe Loaders)
  4. Graders and Wheel dozers
  5. Dump Trucks
  6. Compactors for Soil and Waste
  7. Rollers (Vibratory Rollers, Pneumatic Rollers, Tandem Rollers)
  8. Scrapers and Bucket Dozers
  9. Off-Highway Trucks and on the Road Trucks
  10. Drilling Rigs, Pile Drivers, Surface Drills, Civil Engineering Machinery
  11. Concrete Mixers, concrete pumps and readymix trucks
  12. Pavers for Asphalt and Concrete
  13. Telehandlers, Telescopic Forklifts
  14. Trenchers, Milling Machines, Reclaimer and Recycler
  15. Reach Stackers and Container Handlers
  16. Agricultural Tractors, Combines, Harvester

This list is not exhaustive, but covers the most commonly used earthmoving and construction machines. The specific machines used for a construction project depends on the type and scope of the work, as well as the local conditions and regulations.

Mevas service – Oil analysis on used machines

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There is a more recent version of the info about oil sampling available!

Why take oil samples from heavy used machinery?

Analyzing the oils used in construction machinery can be useful to get information about wear from the contents of the used oil. 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.

Oil sampling for heavy construction and mining machinery
Inspector taking an oil sample

How to take an oil sample from heavy used machinery?

For meaningful results, it is necessary to warm up the machine first. Otherwise there will be many particles 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. Then use a very clean container and a pump to remove the oil, e.g. from the engine/the hydraulic circuit or from the gearbox. The extracted oils need to be 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.

4 minute video about heavy equipment oil analysis

What can I read from the results?

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.

Mevas offers oil sampling as additional service during inspections. 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. Do you have any questions? Feel free to comment below the blog or send us a message.

What is an oil analysis useful for on excavators and wheel loaders?

Oil analysis, also known as fluid analysis or lubricant analysis, is a valuable diagnostic tool used in the maintenance and management of excavators and wheel loaders, as well as other heavy equipment. Here are some of the key benefits and purposes of oil analysis for these machines:

  1. Condition Monitoring: Oil analysis provides a way to monitor the overall condition of the equipment. By analyzing oil samples regularly, maintenance personnel can detect early signs of wear, contamination, and potential issues, allowing for proactive maintenance.
  2. Component Health Assessment: Oil analysis can reveal the health of critical components such as engines, hydraulic systems, and transmissions. It can help identify wear and tear on internal parts like bearings, gears, and seals.
  3. Early Problem Detection: Detecting problems at an early stage can prevent costly breakdowns and major repairs. Oil analysis can identify issues such as abnormal wear, contamination, and fluid degradation before they lead to major failures.
  4. Fluid Quality Assessment: It assesses the quality and condition of the lubricating oils, hydraulic fluids, and other fluids used in the machine. This information helps ensure that the fluids are within the manufacturer’s specifications, promoting optimal performance.
  5. Contamination Detection: Oil analysis can identify the presence of contaminants, such as dirt, water, and other foreign materials in the lubricants. Contaminants can cause damage and reduce the efficiency of critical components.
  6. Fluid Change Intervals: By monitoring the condition of the oils and fluids, equipment operators can determine the optimal time to change or replace them, reducing unnecessary maintenance costs.
  7. Extended Component Life: Effective oil analysis and timely maintenance can extend the life of key components, such as engines, hydraulic systems, and transmissions, resulting in cost savings over the long term.
  8. Performance Optimization: Oil analysis can help ensure that the machine operates at its peak performance by maintaining clean, properly lubricated components.
  9. Environmental Impact Reduction: Proper maintenance, guided by oil analysis, reduces the risk of fluid leaks and component failures, minimizing the environmental impact of equipment operation.
  10. Cost Savings: Regular oil analysis can lead to cost savings through reduced downtime, lower repair and replacement costs, and improved equipment reliability.
  11. Warranty Compliance: For equipment under warranty, oil analysis can help ensure that maintenance practices comply with the manufacturer’s requirements, preserving warranty coverage.

In summary, oil analysis is a valuable tool for excavators and wheel loaders, as it aids in the early detection of problems, extends the life of components, optimizes performance, reduces maintenance costs, and contributes to efficient equipment management. It is an essential part of a comprehensive maintenance and reliability program for heavy equipment.

Truck and concrete equipment inspections

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When is a pre-delivery inspection recommended?

Beside our core business of used machine inspections for earthmoving machinery we have qualified within the last years also for inspection of used mixer trucks, tractor heads and concrete pumps.
The service can help buyers to find the right equipment in good quality for a fair price.

Concrete equipment is constantly in use and subject to high wear. If you want to buy a mixer or a concrete pump in used condition, it is therefore recommended to check the visual condition and the functioning carefully. Because you do not want to have a machine on the construction site, which doesn’t work. With a pre-delivery technical inspection you can plan possible repairs and check if the purchase price is ok. If you want, we can do that for you. We have been inspecting and evaluating used heavy machinery throughout Europe since 2006.

What kind of used equipment do we inspect?

  • Concrete pumps
  • Ready mix trucks
  • Used (tipper) trucks and tractor heads

MEVAS is performing inspections on used concrete pumps and mixer trucks of various brands. So far we have done pre-delivery inspections on machines of Schwing, Stetter, Liebherr, Sanny, Putzmeister and some others, mounted on Mercedes, Scania and MAN trucks. Depending on the machine, we have a detailed checklist on which all components are listed. In the case of a mixer, we look at the mixer drum and whether it contains hard concrete residues or whether the drum has holes. When inspecting a concrete pump, we carry out a water test and, of course, also check whether the remote control works. Our service is to helped our customers to select the best equipment.

Renault Kerax chassis with concrete pump during Mevas inspection

What advantages do I have when I order this service from Mevas?

We are well connected with technicians all over Europe, which means we are quickly on site. You will receive an all-round inspection in which everything is documented in pictures and a report. Even if you are not familiar with the technology, you can use our documentation to understand any weak points. For mixers and concrete pumps, we also create a video. An inspection costs you less than you can lose. Either you get confirmation that the machine is in good condition or the actual condition shows that buying it is not a good idea.

Where are Mevas Truck Inspectors available?

The service for inspection of used trucks is available in all countries in Europe. Additionally we have inspectors in the U.A.E., the USA, in some countries in Africa and in Turkey.

Used Caterpillar for sale?

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Who can inspect heavy equipment in Europe, Middle-East and Africa?

Mevas can! We help buyers with independent valuations of used construction machinery. Our inspection service helps selecting reasonable machinery. Leave the bad equipment for others and just buy equipment in good condition. We check used machinery from all brands, such as Volvo, Komatsu, Liebherr, Doosan and several more. For Caterpillar machines we download of the ECM-report (PSR). This is very useful to get information about the machine history and to check if the displayed working hours correspond to reality. Unfortunately, there are some dealers who install “matching” hour meters in order to get a better selling price.

What does a Mevas inspection include?

In addition, we also measure the Undercarriage on tracked Caterpillar machines. Since we have reference values, we can determine the remaining service life. Our engineers perform a machine test, take photos & video and write a detailed inspection report. The inspection is adapted to the needs of our customers, if necessary we measure hydraulic pressures or take oil samples.

In addition to construction machinery such as tracked excavators, wheeled excavators, wheel loaders, track loaders, motor graders, rollers and pavers, we also test material handling and recycling machines.

CAT D8 inspected by Mevas

We regularly post some impressions of our inspections on our Youtube channel. If you are interested, please take a look. Here, for example, you can see the inspection of a CAT 990F wheel loader.

Where can we find used CAT machines?

If you are looking for used Caterpillar equipment have a look at www.used-equipment.de. It is an independent selection of used machinery websites. There is not only CAT machinery but many other brands.