Global Heavy Equipment Inspections

Ritchie Bros. UK auction is scheduled for next week and viewing days are Monday-Tuesday 25-26.09.2023. 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.

If you need an inspector elsewhere you can talk to us as well. Mevas Machinery Inspectors are present in more than 25 countries.

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.

Establishing a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) service for imported machinery and technical goods can be beneficial for developing countries and emerging economies for several reasons:

1. Quality control: PSI helps ensure that the imported machinery and technical goods meet the required quality standards. This can prevent the entry of substandard or faulty equipment, reducing the risk of accidents, and enhancing the safety and reliability of the machinery used in the country.

2. Buyer protection: A PSI service can protect contractors and traders from purchasing non-working or obsolete equipment. It helps avoid fraudulent practices where sellers may attempt to pass off faulty or outdated goods as functional and up-to-date.

3. Economic efficiency: By preventing the import of non-working and obsolete equipment, the country can avoid wasting resources on repairing or replacing faulty machinery. This can lead to cost savings and greater economic efficiency.

4. Environmental considerations: Importing obsolete or outdated equipment may lead to increased environmental impact due to higher energy consumption and higher emissions. PSI can help filter out such equipment, promoting more environmentally friendly practices.

5. Technological advancement: Importing modern and advanced machinery can contribute to the country’s technological progress, enhancing productivity and competitiveness in domestic and international markets.

Avoid the import of obsolete equipment to your country

To avoid importing non-working and obsolete equipment, the following steps can be undertaken in establishing a PSI service:

1. Develop clear regulations: The country should establish clear and comprehensive regulations specifying the quality standards, safety requirements, and technical specifications for the imported machinery and technical goods.

2. Accreditation of inspection agencies: The country should accredit competent and independent inspection agencies with expertise in the relevant industries to conduct pre-shipment inspections. These agencies should be neutral and free from any conflict of interest with importers or exporters.

3. Inspection procedures: Define the inspection procedures, including the types of tests, checks, and assessments to be performed on the machinery and goods before shipment. Inspections may include visual checks, functional tests, performance evaluations, and conformity assessments with relevant standards.

4. Documentation and labelling: Require importers to provide comprehensive documentation about the imported equipment, including specifications, technical manuals, and maintenance history. The packaging should also be appropriately labelled to indicate compliance with the country’s regulations.

5. Penalties for non-compliance: Establish penalties and consequences for importers who attempt to bypass the PSI process or provide false information. Strict enforcement of these penalties will act as a deterrent against fraudulent practices.

6. Rules for Emissions: Establish rules for emissions of engines and fuel consumption. Raise penalties for imported dirty and leaking machinery and vehicles.

7. Training and capacity building: Invest in training and capacity building for inspectors and relevant government officials to ensure they have the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct thorough inspections effectively.

8. Public awareness: Educate importers, exporters, and the general public about the importance of PSI and its benefits in ensuring the quality and safety of imported machinery and goods.

Quality Control Measures

By implementing a well-structured Pre-Shipment Inspection service and adhering to stringent quality control measures, a less developed country can significantly enhance its industrial capabilities, protect consumers, contractors, and contribute to sustainable economic development. The international operating inspection service Mevas-Germany is able to consult governmental institutions and support development of an inspection service in your country. Our services are affordable and professional.

Influence to the national economy

The import of obsolete or non-working equipment and machinery can have several negative influences on the economy of a country:

1. Economic inefficiency: Non-working or obsolete equipment can lead to inefficiencies in production processes. These machines may break down frequently, leading to costly downtime and reduced productivity. Inefficient production can hinder economic growth and competitiveness.
2. Wasted resources: Importing non-working or outdated machinery often leads to a waste of financial resources. The country spends money on purchasing such equipment, but it may not contribute effectively to the production process, resulting in a loss of investment.
3. Increased maintenance costs: Non-working or outdated machinery usually requires frequent repairs and maintenance, which can be expensive. The country may have to spend more on maintaining imported equipment, diverting funds from other essential development projects.
4. Reduced quality of output: Outdated equipment may not meet modern quality standards, leading to lower-quality products. This can affect the country’s ability to compete in international markets and result in decreased export opportunities.
5. Safety concerns: Non-working or faulty machinery can pose safety hazards to workers and the public. Workplace accidents and injuries can increase, leading to additional costs for healthcare and potential legal liabilities.
6. Environmental impact: Obsolete machinery tends to be less energy-efficient and may produce more emissions. This can contribute to environmental degradation, leading to increased environmental and health-related costs.
7. Hindered technological progress: Importing obsolete equipment can impede technological advancement within the country. Access to modern and advanced machinery is crucial for enhancing productivity and promoting innovation.
8. Dependence on foreign suppliers: Relying on imports of non-working or obsolete machinery may make the country overly dependent on foreign suppliers. This can create vulnerabilities in the supply chain and expose the country to external economic fluctuations and geopolitical risks.

To mitigate these negative influences, establishing a robust Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) service, as mentioned earlier, can play a significant role. By ensuring that imported machinery meets required quality standards and technical specifications, the country can reduce the risks associated with importing non-working and obsolete equipment. This, in turn, promotes economic efficiency, enhances productivity, and contributes to sustainable economic development. Additionally, investing in local industries and promoting domestic manufacturing capabilities can also help reduce dependence on imports of substandard equipment and foster economic growth.

Pre-delivery inspections for technical goods

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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.

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💡 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.

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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 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 €80 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. If you need a more detailed survey with analysis of residual values we recommend an on-site-inspection with valuation by an expert.