Tag: mevas

Overhead Crane Inspections

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.

Mining Plant inspection

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.

Used wheel loader inspection

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

16+ Years of Experience

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

Third Party Heavy Machinery Inspection

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

16+ Years of Experience

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

Independent and reliable

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

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

Clients around the globe

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

UK Heavy machinery inspections

You want to purchase used heavy equipment but you don’t know the seller? The machine is in the United Kingdom or Ireland and too far for you to inspect yourself? Send a specialized engineer to inspect it on your behalf for a fair price. It pays off. Our engineers inspect excavators, tractors, dozers, trucks, concrete pumps, wheel loaders, cranes and other heavy equipment.

Local technicians

MEVAS is based in Germany but we have a local engineers in the United Kingdom and Ireland for machinery and crane inspections. We are specialized in Caterpillar, Komatsu, Hitachi, JCB, Volvo and some other brands.

Pre Purchase machinery inspection

Is a pre-purchase inspection for used heavy machinery profitable? In most cases it is. MEVAS engineers often find problems the seller did not mention. The inspection report allows you to negotiate repairs or a better price. In some cases, we simply protect the buyer from paying a lot of money for a bad machine.

Our engineers in the UK and in Ireland have years of experience with heavy machinery. They have been approved by our management to meet MEVAS inspection standards.

Contact us

Feel free to ask for a quotation. Please send us a description of items, tell us the day you need the inspections and how flexible the inspection date is. More info is available also on our website www.mevas.co.uk

What to check before starting an excavator or wheel loader?

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?

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?

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.

Truck and concrete equipment inspections

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.

Why inspect used equipment before buying?

Be carefully when you purchase from unknown suppliers

Searching for dependable used equipment can be a challenging endeavor. It’s crucial to thoroughly assess the condition of any secondhand machinery before making a purchase, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the seller.

What should you consider and investigate?

  1. Evaluate the Seller: If you’re unfamiliar with the seller, exercise extra caution. We’ll delve deeper into this aspect in the following section.
  2. Working Hours Analysis: Scrutinize the machine’s working hours. Do they align with the machine’s overall condition and its year of manufacture? Try to gather information about the machine’s history from the seller to gain a clearer picture.
  3. Inspect for Wear and Tear: Examine the machine for any signs of wear and tear. Check the condition of essential components such as the ROPS, chassis, boom/stick for dents, bends, re-welded areas, or small cracks. Avoid purchasing equipment that might lead to costly issues down the road.
  4. Hydraulic System Assessment: Take a close look at the hydraulic system. Are the hydraulic oil levels within the normal range or too high? In the case of excess hydraulic oil, investigate for potential leaks.
  5. Tire and Undercarriage Examination: Tires and undercarriage components can represent a substantial cost. Assess the remaining service life of the tires and drive components to gauge potential future expenses.
  6. Functional Test/Test Drive: After scrutinizing the above aspects, conduct a function test or a test drive. Start the machine to observe its performance, and listen for any unusual noises or exhaust emissions. This step is vital in ensuring the equipment’s functionality.
  7. Attachments Inspection: If attachments are included in the sale, perform a thorough visual inspection to verify their condition and compatibility.

By paying careful attention to these seven critical factors, you can make a more informed decision when considering the purchase of used equipment.

More technical details:

Check used equipment carefully

Another important note

We want to remind you to be carefully when negotiating heavy equipment which is offered on the Internet. A few of those sites have just been created for fraud.

Be attentive if: 

  1. Machine price is far lower than for comparable units
  2. The seller makes pressure to decide very quickly: He pretends other people are interested in the same machine.
  3. The seller has just a mobile phone number and no landline.
  4. The seller requests a down-payment to reserve the machine.

We are Mevas – die Heavy Equipment Inspectors

Hopefully our list has been helpful to you. If you are unsure about any of the points, just get in touch with us. This is our WhatsApp. We inspect machines like excavators, wheel loaders, dumpers, graders, rollers, material handlers and dozers every day and know these machines very well.