Category: International-Posts

Recommend Mevas-Inspection Services

We pay a commission for a successful lead

Do you know people in the construction industry? Leverage your connections and earn commissions by recommending our five-star heavy machinery inspection services! We help buyers in 25+ countries make smart purchases with expert pre-purchase inspections.

Just spread the word, help your contacts make informed decisions, and get paid for every referral. It’s that simple! 💰

Basic term: Your contact is not yet an existing customer of Mevas

Map of Mevas inspector network

How does it work to earn a commission?

  • Talk to your contacts about our pre-purchase inspections
  • Send us the name of the person/company that is interested
  • Get a confirmation about your referral
  • After they ordered and paid an inspection you will earn a commission

(Invoice or bill is required from you with banking details)

What commission do we pay?

  • Standard Earthmoving machinery, first lead: 200$
  • Road trucks, concrete pumps, tractors: 160$
  • Each additional inspection ordered by your customer / friend with your help: 50$
  • Caterpillar TA1-Plus inspection including oil analysis: 250$
  • Crane inspection (mobile or crawler cranes above 60 to capacity) 250$

Extending the Life of Your Tracked Machinery’s Undercarriage

Reduce replacing cost for undercarriage components

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When it comes to maintaining tracked construction machinery like excavators and bulldozers, the undercarriage is one of the most expensive and essential components. A well-maintained undercarriage not only ensures smooth operations but also significantly reduces costly downtime and repairs. In this newsletter, we delve into critical issues, from track adjustment failures to choosing the right track shoes and measuring undercarriage wear.

Measuring a track carrier roller of a bullozer

The Hidden Costs of Incorrect Track Adjustment

Improperly adjusted tracks are a common issue in tracked excavators, track-loaders and bulldozers, often overlooked by operators. Tracks that are too tight accelerate wear on bushings, sprockets, idlers, and even the bearings in final drives. This can lead to premature failure of components, despite other parts, like rollers and track links, still being in good condition.

For excavators in the 15–30-ton range, track sag is critical and should generally be set between 3-5 inches (7-10 cm). A track chain that is too tight not only shortens component life but also risks cracking bushings. Too lose chains can to jump over the idler centre rim or the sprocket during drive operation. On uneven ground track rollers are no longer guiding the chain in line.

Tip: Always refer to your machine’s manual for specific guidelines or consult your local dealer for advice.

Corrosion and Seized Track Links: A Costly Problem

A significant issue seen in hydraulic excavators is the seizing of track links due to water—especially saltwater—penetration. Damaged seals allow water to corrode internal components, locking bushings and pins in place. Attempts to restore mobility with oil or grease are rarely successful, as the damage is inside the pins and bushings, not the visible chain links.

For minor issues, riding the machine on hard surfaces may restore some mobility. However, in severe cases, replacement of the chain is unavoidable.

Finding the Right Track Shoe Width: Striking the Balance

Choosing the correct track shoe width is a balancing act. Narrow track shoes provide sometimes better traction but may cause the machine to sink into soft ground. Narrower machines are easier to transport. On the other hand, extra-wide track shoes (LGP) distribute ground pressure more evenly but introduce increased torsion forces on drive components when operating on uneven terrain, leading to faster wear.

For every application, it’s essential to select the track shoe width that minimizes both wear and operational inefficiencies. Consult an expert or dealer to determine the best fit for your machine’s typical working environment.

Caterpillar bulldozer with correct track sag of 1-2 inches

Precision Measurement: Know Your Undercarriage’s Remaining Life

The undercarriage accounts for a substantial portion of a machine’s value—take the Caterpillar D8T, for example, where the undercarriage value can reach €25,000. Misjudging the remaining life by even 30% can result in a financial loss of €7,500.

Proper measurement ensures accuracy. MEVAS-trained inspectors recommend using tools like:

  • Track Gauges: To ensure the correct track spacing.
  • Ultrasonic Gauges: For measuring track link and bushing thickness.
  • Track Roller Callipers: To assess roller diameter and wear.
  • Shoe Height Gauges: To check track shoe condition.
    By using these tools, operators can determine wear levels and predict replacement timelines accurately.

Avoiding Roller Sequence Errors

In Caterpillar or Komatsu XL bulldozers, proper track roller sequencing is crucial. These machines typically use a mix of single and double flange rollers, but inexperienced fitters sometimes install rollers in the wrong sequence—or worse, entirely single-flange rollers. Such errors can compromise performance and accelerate wear. Always cross-check roller configurations with manufacturer specifications.

Key Inspection Points for Used Machines

When inspecting a used bulldozer or excavator, pay special attention to:

  • Undercarriage Components: Measure track shoes, sprockets, track links, bushings, and idlers.
  • Equalizer Bar and Bearings: This component connects undercarriage frames and facilitates horizontal movement. Any excessive play in joints and pivots can indicate expensive repairs ahead.

Thorough inspections can save thousands in repair costs. If you’re unsure about measurements or need a detailed guide, MEVAS offers step-by-step instructions and video tutorials.

Maintaining Undercarriage Health: Best Practices
  1. Monitor Track Tension Regularly: Adjust sag based on manufacturer recommendations.
  2. Choose Track Shoes Wisely: Match the width to the terrain for optimal performance.
  3. Schedule Regular Measurements: Use proper tools to assess wear and address issues proactively.
Ready to Inspect Your Equipment?

Whether you’re maintaining your fleet or evaluating a used machine, focusing on the undercarriage will save you time and money. Need help? Contact our experts to get tailored advice and inspection services.

By taking these proactive measures, you’ll not only protect your investment but also ensure the long-term efficiency of your tracked machines.

Downlad this file as a PDF.

Follow our Newsletter about Used Machinery Inspection Topics

The Mevas Newsletter about Used Machinery Inspection Topics can also be found on the Plant & Equipment Website. If you are a LinkedIn user there is even more content about Used Equipment Inspections. But you must be logged in to read it.

How to Verify the Operating Hours of Construction Machinery

Uncovering the Real-Life History of Used Equipment

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When purchasing used construction equipment, especially machinery with multiple previous owners, accurately determining its operating hours can be challenging. Over time, machines may undergo component replacements, have their hour meters swapped out, or even be assembled from parts of other machines. The main components, such as engines, hydraulic pumps, and transmissions, typically have a lifespan of 10,000 to 20,000 operating hours, and replacing them can be costly. Knowing how many hours each component has operated is essential.

Inspector downloading info from machine ECM

Unfortunately, some machines may have had their hour meters replaced or even manipulated to show fewer hours than they’ve actually been used. This can mislead buyers and inflate the machine’s market value. So, how can you ensure that a machine’s recorded hours are accurate?

Verifying Operating Hours: What Are Your Options?

There are several ways to uncover a construction machine’s true history:

  • Consult Authorized Dealers: The simplest method is to contact an authorized dealer for the machine’s brand. Many manufacturers maintain detailed service records, often accessible through dealer databases. For example, Komatsu stores this data through the Komtrax system.
  • Access Product Status Reports: Some brands, like Caterpillar and Volvo-CE, offer downloadable product status reports, known as PSR or MATRIS reports. These reports provide insights into fuel consumption, historical temperature and pressure data, and other valuable metrics. Key operational events are time-stamped with specific operating hours, allowing you to verify if the displayed hours align with the machine’s actual usage. For Caterpillar, these reports can even include serial numbers for original components like the engine and transmission.
  • Send an Inspection Service to Check the Equipment: An experienced technician can perform a thorough inspection to determine the actual condition of the machine. They can determine whether the condition of the drives, the engine exhaust and the machine’s performance match the operating hours.

Who Can Help with This Verification?

If the machine remains in the same country where it was recently used, obtaining data from the local dealer is usually possible, although dealer cooperation can vary. If a dealer is uncooperative, you may need to get creative in finding alternative sources of information.

For larger machines, like quarry dump trucks or open-pit mining excavators, previous users often maintain component history logs. These documents record when major parts, such as engines, gearboxes, or axles, were replaced or overhauled, which can further verify the machine’s operational history.

What measures can you take yourself?

Before you buy a machine or hire an external inspector to carry out the inspection, it is advisable to clarify a few things yourself. Ask the seller for documents that prove the machine’s service history. Ask for pictures of the machine’s and engine’s serial number plates. Consider whether the stated operating hours match the machine’s age. Use Google to see if the machine’s serial number is known, e.g. from an auction. Be especially careful if the deal looks too good.

How MEVAS Can Assist in Verifying Operating Hours

When you choose MEVAS to inspect a used construction machine, you benefit from our industry connections and specialized knowledge. Our inspectors are equipped with diagnostic tools for Caterpillar machines and some Volvo CE models. In cases where we don’t have direct access to a brand’s diagnostic tools, we can reach out to local dealers on your behalf to inquire about available data.

With a MEVAS inspection, you’ll receive an assessment of whether the condition of key components aligns with the machine’s displayed operating hours. As independent inspectors since 2006, we bring both expertise and integrity to every inspection. We can also guide you toward trusted dealers with reputable equipment or, conversely, advise caution when a machine supplier requires extra scrutiny.

Read or Download the article as a PDF file here.

Follow our Newsletter about Used Machinery Inspection Topics

The Mevas Newsletter about Used Machinery Inspection Topics can also be found on the Plant & Equipment Website. If you are a LinkedIn user there is even more content about Used Equipment Inspections. But you must be logged in to read it.

Informations gratuites sur la technique des engins de chantier

Tu trouveras ici des informations sur les détails techniques lors du contrôle et du choix des matériel TP pour tes travaux. Des documents sont régulièrement ajoutés ici. N’hésite pas à revenir pour voir ce qu’il y a de nouveau.

Les liens renvoient à des documents PDF. Ceux-ci peuvent être téléchargés gratuitement. Il est également possible d’imprimer les documents. Notre français n’est peut-être pas parfait. Nous sommes plus à l’aise avec les machines TP qu’avec la traduction.

Il y a un sujet qui t’intéresse particulièrement ? Contacte-nous et nous écrirons un article sur ton thème.

Ne manquez aucun article grâce à notre newsletter

Sur notre page LinkedIn, nous publions toutes les deux semaines une newsletter technique sur un thème intéressant de la technique des machines de chantier (anglais). Veuillez vous inscrire ? LinkedIn t’aide aussi à traduire dans ta langue ! Tu peux te désabonner à tout moment.

Inspections at Ritchie Bros Auctions

Independent Inspectors available at RB Auction

Have used heavy machinery inspected before you place your bid. Our inspectors are on site and can inspect each lot on your behalf. You will receive a brief inspection report detailing the most serious problems and a series of pictures. Depending on the local situation, we may carry out a functional test.

How much does an inspection cost at those auctions?

A Mevas inspection at RB-Auction locations can be carried out from as little as €220 per machine. It all depends on the location, number and size of the machines. Send us your enquiry and you will receive a quote within a few hours.

Mevas inspectors at RB auctions

Risks of Buying Used Construction Machinery

Safety advice when buing used heavy equipment

Listen to the article or see a short video here

In many countries, there are no high-quality used construction machines available. Therefore, it is a good idea to import them. The question is: where can you find good machines? Many websites advertise construction machinery. One example is Middle-East Plant & Equipment.

Who Provides Machine Data?

What are the risks of buying used construction machinery? When looking for machines, remember that all information is provided by the seller. Sellers may only give information that helps them make a sale. Before making any purchase, verify the credentials of the seller. Check for reviews, ratings, and any complaints from previous buyers. Trusted sellers usually have a good track record.

Repainted and Incorrectly Labeled Machines

We often inspect machines in China for our customers. We have found many copied or mislabeled machines. For example, we found a CAT 966H wheel loader that was not a real Caterpillar. It had a Cummins engine and an old air brake system. Sometimes, smaller excavators are labeled as larger models, like a Volvo EC290 labeled as a Volvo EC360.

Recommended Machinery Portals

We do not recommend a specific portal. However, it is safest to use websites where the seller’s identity and location have been verified. However, a selection of portals is visible at www.used-equipment.de

Dangerous Places to Buy From

Creating a website and selling construction machinery can be easy and cheap. Some people create fake websites, copy photos from other sites, and offer machines at very low prices. They might ask for a deposit to reserve the machine. Be very careful if a deposit is required before you see the machine.

What to Check When Buying a Used Machine

If you do not know the seller or have not received a recommendation, always send someone to see the machine. Using a professional inspection service like Mevas is a good idea. They will confirm if the machine exists and provide a detailed inspection report with photos and videos. Ask the supplier for maintenance records of the machinery. These records can provide insights into how well the machine has been cared for and if it has had any major repairs.

What to Pay Attention to When Paying

Check the seller’s account number. It should be in the same country as the seller. Call the seller’s accounting department to verify the number. Avoid paying via Western Union or with cryptocurrencies. It is better to spend an hour checking the website and the offer than to lose $10,000.

Secure Transportation and Machine Certification

Ensure that the machinery is transported securely. Hire reputable logistics companies that specialize in transporting heavy equipment to avoid any damage during transit. If you are importing machinery, be aware of the import regulations in your country. This includes understanding any duties, taxes, or restrictions that may apply. In some countries it is required to have a CE certification or to comply with emission regulations.

Bleni makineri ndërtimi të përdorura nga Gjermania

Inspektimi para blerjes nga ekspertët tanë

Nëse dëshironi të blini makineri ndërtimi të përdorura në Gjermani ose në një vend fqinj, sigurisht që keni mundësinë të vozitni vetë atje. ose mund të dërgoni teknikun tuaj për të kontrolluar makinën. Por shpesh ndodh që njohuritë e detajuara për testimin e makinerive të ndërtimit nuk disponohen. Atëherë mund të jetë një ide e mirë të dërgoni një ekspert në makinë për të kryer një inspektim profesional për një çmim të drejtë. Ne në mevas kemi kontrolluar gjendjen e makinerive të përdorura të ndërtimit për blerësit nga e gjithë bota që nga viti 2006. Për një çmim të drejtë ju merrni një raport kuptimplotë inspektimi. Na kontaktoni sot nëse dëshironi të merrni një inspektim profesional për një makinë të përdorur. Performanca kushton më pak se një cilindër hidraulik me defekt.

Ku mund të gjeni pajisje të mira ndërtimi të përdorura?

Klientët tanë na pyesin gjithmonë se ku mund të gjejnë makineri të mira ose nëse ne mund t’ju rekomandojmë një makinë. Si vlerësues, na është bërë zakon të mos flasim për makineri dhe shitës makinerish ndërtimi. Ne nuk i tregojmë askujt kur kemi inspektuar një makinë të mirë diku. Për të ndihmuar klientët tanë të gjejnë makina, ne kemi krijuar një faqe interneti të veçantë. Ju mund të filloni kërkimin tuaj për makineri ndërtimi këtu.

Mos blini makineri ndërtimi të përdorura pa i kontrolluar nga ekspertët

Si funksionon inspektimi me inspektorët e Mevas?

Nëse dëshironi të kontrolloni një makinë, është më mirë të plotësoni formularin tonë të kërkesës. Aty mund të na dërgoni një lidhje me makinën dhe detajet tuaja të kontaktit dhe do të merrni një ofertë brenda pak orësh. Nëse jeni dakord me çmimin tonë, ne do t’ju dërgojmë një faturë proforma dhe ju do të paguani për shërbimin tonë. Dy ose tre ditë më vonë, tekniku ynë është në makinë dhe bën një inspektim. Një ditë më vonë do të merrni një raport të detajuar të inspektimit, foto dhe një video. Kështu që ju mund të vendosni nga shtëpia nëse kjo makinë ia vlen apo nëse shitësi nuk ju ka thënë të vërtetën. Ju mund të përdorni raportin tonë të inspektimit për të negociuar riparimet dhe një zbritje. Kjo do të thotë që ju do të fitoni më shumë para sesa keni paguar fillimisht për inspektimin.

Ne inspektojmë ekskavatorë, ngarkues me rrota, ngarkues skafoni, kamionë, buldozerë, shtrues asfalti, rula, gradues motorësh dhe të gjitha makineritë për kantieret e ndërtimit ose guroret. Ne jemi specialistë në makinat e ndërtimit të rrugëve. Ne inspektojmë vinçat dhe pajisjet e tjera ngritëse.

Ekziston një faqe interneti e veçantë për inspektimin e vinçave të lëvizshëm

Përsemtarët e blerjesë së makinerive të përdorura të ndërtimit nga një ekspert

Kur bleni makineri të përdorura ndërtimi, është thelbësore të bëni një inspektim të plotë nga një ekspert. Kjo do të ju ndihmojë të siguroni që makina të jetë në gjendje të mirë punë dhe të vlerë paratë tuaja.

Eksperti do të jetë në gjendje të identifikojë çdo problem potencial me makinën, siç janë:

  • Dëmet: Eksperti do të kërkojë çdo shenjë të dëmit, siç janë thyerje, vrima ose gërvishtje. Ata gjithashtu do të kontrollojnë për shkrirje të metaleve ose shenja të tjera të veshjes.
  • Problemet mekanike: Eksperti do të dëgjojë makinën për zhurma të çuditshme ose vibracione. Ata gjithashtu do të kontrollojnë nivelet e lëngjeve, presionin e gomave dhe funksionimin e të gjithave komponentëve.
  • Problemet elektrike: Eksperti do të kontrollojnë cablazhët elektrike për dëme dhe do të sigurohen që të gjithë sistemet elektrike të funksionojnë siç duhet.

Një inspektim ekspert do t’ju japë juve paqë mendore që bleni një makinë të përdorur ndërtimi që është në gjendje të mirë punë dhe që do të ju zgjasë për shumë vite. Gjithashtu mund të ju ndihmojë të negocioni një çmim më të mirë për makinën.

Në këtej vijë, këshillohet që të angazhoni një ekspert të pavarur për të kryer inspektimin. Kjo do të sigurojë që inspektimi të jetë objektiv dhe pa paragjyke.

Duke blerë një makinë të përdorur ndërtimi, është gjithmonë më mirë të jetë i sigurt se sa të jetë keq. Një inspektim ekspert është një investim i vogël që mund të ju kursejë shumë para në afat të gjatë.

Procurement of Heavy Machinery

Support for Construction and Heavy Equipment Procurement

An inspection company such as MEVAS can play a crucial role in supporting heavy equipment procurement by providing independent and professional evaluation of the equipment being considered for purchase. Here’s how our services can benefit the process:

  • Reduced Risk: Inspections help identify underlying issues with the equipment, such as hidden repairs, excessive wear and tear, or potential safety hazards. This knowledge empowers buyers to make informed decisions and avoid costly surprises after purchase.
  • Improved Negotiation: A detailed inspection report provides leverage during negotiations with sellers. By highlighting any problems or needed repairs, buyers can use this information to justify a lower purchase price or request concessions from the seller.
  • Ensuring Safety: Inspections pay particular attention to critical safety features of the equipment. Identifying potential safety hazards allows buyers to address them before the equipment is put to use, preventing accidents and injuries on the job site.
  • Verification of Condition: An inspection verifies the condition of the equipment against the seller’s description or any provided service records. This helps ensure the buyer is getting what they are paying for and avoids any discrepancies.
  • Peace of Mind: Having qualified inspectors evaluate the equipment provides peace of mind to the buyer. They can be confident they are making a sound investment in reliable machinery.

MEVAS can offer various services tailored to the specific needs of the procurement process, such as pre-purchase inspections, operational testing, and verification of compliance with safety regulations.

Specialized in mining machines and construction machinery

Mevas is operating as a valuation and inspection company for larger machines since 2006. Regardless of whether they are Komatsu dumpers, Volvo wheel loaders or Caterpillar bulldozers: We know our way around them. We can both check the technical condition and examine whether the price offered is reasonable. We have a proven track record in such tasks.

Heavy Machinery Trading support

We are your independent team for analyzing heavy machinery, cranes and trucks. Therefore we cannot offer you machines. Not even if you were to offer a commission. This ensures that our view of the true condition of the equipment is not clouded. Our service ensures that you find the most suitable equipment for your application needs or your customer. We are happy to help you find reliable suppliers.

What means Heavy Equipment Procurement?

Heavy equipment procurement is the process of acquiring the large machinery needed for industries like construction, mining, agriculture, and forestry. This involves identifying the specific equipment requirements, finding qualified suppliers, negotiating the best price and terms, and finally finalizing the purchase.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical heavy equipment procurement process:

  1. Identifying Needs: The first step involves understanding what kind of equipment is needed. This considers factors like project requirements, budget, and existing equipment inventory.
  2. Supplier Research: Once the needs are identified, potential suppliers who can provide the required equipment are researched. This may involve contacting manufacturers, distributors, or even used equipment sellers.
  3. Qualification and Selection: Suppliers are then evaluated based on factors like experience, reputation, pricing, and after-sales support. A shortlist of qualified suppliers is created for further negotiation.
  4. Negotiation and Contract: Negotiations with shortlisted suppliers are conducted to get the best possible price, financing terms, and delivery schedules. Once an agreement is reached, a formal contract is signed.

Obtaining heavy equipment can be a significant investment, so the procurement process aims to ensure efficient use of funds and the acquisition of equipment that meets the project’s needs.

Hvem kan vurdere brugte entreprenørmaskiner?

Der er flere måder at få vurderet brugte entreprenørmaskiner i Europa på. Her er nogle af mulighederne:

Erfarne maskininspektører:

Der findes specialiserede maskininspektører og inspektører i Europa, som kan foretage inspektioner og vurderinger af brugte entreprenørmaskiner. Disse inspektører kan på professionel vis vurdere maskinernes tilstand, værdi og eventuelle skader. I denne henseende er folk som Mevas mere fleksible og billigere end TÜV eller SGS.

Specialiserede maskinhandlere:

Nogle forhandlere af brugte entreprenørmaskiner er specialiseret i vurdering og salg af brugte maskiner. Disse forhandlere kan foretage en vurdering af maskinernes tilstand og værdi og kan også hjælpe med salget af maskinerne. Der er dog ikke tale om en uafhængig vurdering, da en forhandler altid er interesseret i at købe eller sælge!

Uafhængige vurderingsfirmaer:

Der findes virksomheder, der har erfaring med at vurdere større maskinparker eller alle mobile maskiner og køretøjer i bygge- og anlægsvirksomheder. Vurderingsfirmaer som MEVAS kan tilbyde denne service til gode priser.

Uafhængige rådgivere i forbindelse med salg af entreprenørmaskiner:

Der findes uafhængige rådgivere i Europa, som kan hjælpe med vurderingen af brugte entreprenørmaskiner. Disse konsulenter kan foretage en objektiv vurdering af maskinernes tilstand og værdi og kan også hjælpe med at finde købere eller sælgere til maskinerne. Sådanne rådgivere kan også arbejde i forbindelse med forsikringer eller ved salg af en virksomhed. En god måde er også at sælge maskiner gennem en begrænset auktion.

Det er vigtigt, at du vælger en pålidelig og erfaren ekspert til at vurdere dine brugte entreprenørmaskiner. Du kan undersøge forskellige muligheder og læse anmeldelser og referencer, inden du vælger en ekspert til at udføre arbejdet for dig. Desuden er det vigtigt at beslutte, om du ønsker at kende den aktuelle værdi eller genanskaffelsesværdien.

Mevas har fået mange gode anmeldelser og er vurderet til 5,0 stjerner på Google.

Mevas France – Expertise des Machines dans l’hexagone

Une société d’inspection de machines de construction

Mevas France est une société spécialisée dans l’inspection des engins de chantier d’occasion et le calcul de la valeur marchande actuelle de ces engins. Quel est le but de notre service ? Ils se spécialisent dans la construction de routes, de bâtiments et d’infrastructures. Cela vous tiendra probablement très occupé. Notre société a été fondée pour vous faciliter l’expertise des machines à vendre ou à acheter. Vous pouvez vous concentrer sur votre tâche principale et nous confier l’analyse de l’état des machines.

Inspection des machines d’occasion

Une petite partie de notre service concerne les rapports d’évaluation. La partie beaucoup plus importante, cependant, est l’inspection des machines d’occasion pour les acheteurs et les vendeurs. Vous pouvez juger de chez vous si une machine est en bon état. Vaut-il la peine d’acheter ou faut-il laisser la machine là où elle est ?

Prestations en France

Notre siège social se trouve en Allemagne, d’où la société est également gérée. Cependant, nous avons des techniciens disponibles sur différents sites en France pour évaluer les machines. Cela nous permet d’offrir aux clients en France l’inspection et la détermination de la valeur marchande actuelle de ces machines à des prix raisonnables. Un monsieur en France qui vend des machines d’occasion a pensé que ce serait une bonne idée d’utiliser notre nom Mevas-France pour annoncer ses services. C’est pourquoi nous tenons à souligner : Notre entreprise n’est pas impliquée dans le commerce, l’achat ou la vente de machines. Notre seul service est l’expertise.