Buyer's Guide to Used Front End Loaders: 7 Things to Inspect Before You Buy

If you are in the market for a used front end loader, you need to know what you are buying even more! We know that purchasing a used front end loader is cost-effective, yet if you're not careful, you can end up with pretty worn-down equipment. Unlike newer equipment that comes with a warranty, here you have to be the judge of its quality. However, if you know your way around, you will be able to spot a well-maintained loader, which will be capable of providing reliable service and a fantastic return on investment. 

But remember, to get that investment back, you have to inspect the loaders thoroughly. After all, knowing what to look for means the difference between a workhorse that boosts your productivity and a money pit that cripples your operations with unexpected repairs. In this blog, we will help you know the 7 little details to look for in identifying the best used front end loader.

What is a front end loader in the first place?

A front-end loader is also known as a bucket loader, wheel loader or simply scoop loader in the industry. It is a powerful and heavy equipment attached to an excavator that is highly used in various sectors like construction, agriculture, and mining. It is operated by the hydraulic arm of the excavator that lifts, tilts and dumps various materials. 

As for its functionalities, as mentioned before, the equipment helps lift materials like soil, gravel, sand, snow, or debris. On the other hand, it can also be fitted with attachments like forks, grapplers, snowploughs, or clamshell buckets for specialised tasks. Their dumbing functionality is useful, especially for demolition and debris removal. Moreover, the equipment is also useful for road construction, material transport, landscaping and site maintenance.

What To Consider when Choosing an Used Front End Loader

1. First Thing to Look for is the Condition of the Front End Loader’s Engine

You could say the engine is the literal lifeblood of the front end loader, whether new or used. However, if you encounter a problem with this, you might run into a serious problem. Therefore, there are a few things you need to look for, starting with checking the machine when the engine is completely cold. Remember, a cold engine start usually reveals hidden problems that are masked by a warm engine. Try to spot oddities like hard starts, excessive smoke, or strange noises. When you find the engine idle, try to listen for sounds such as unusual knocking, clanging, or grinding. A healthy engine demonstrates a smooth and consistent purr. 

2. Check the Exhaust Performance of the Loader

Another thing you must look into is the exhaust performance, especially the smoke. If the smoke is a little white smoke on a cold start, it is normal. However, if the white in the smock is excessive, this indicates that the coolant is burning. Other anomalies you can encounter are a blue smock, indicating the oil is burning or a black smock, a result of unburnt fuel. All of these are major red flags about the quality of the machine.

3. Look Out for Fluid Leaks in the Machine

Look for any potential fluid leaks that can be found in the engine, transmission, and final drives. Check oil, coolant, or fuel leaks as well as under the machine for puddles or recent drip marks. For a used front end loader, it is always under constant pressure and heavy load. Thus, there is always a chance of reduced performance and abnormally high power fuel consumption that will lead to costly breakdowns.

4. Ensure the Hydraulic System is in Top Condition of the Front End Loader

The real star of the show when it comes to front end loaders is their hydraulic system. It is responsible for all the 

• Heavy lifting, 

• Dumping, 

• Steering and 

• Earth-moving work. 

Thus, if you end up with a compromised hydraulic system, not only will it affect your machine’s performance, but you will also end up with very expensive repair costs. So, to avoid all that, test all the functionalities like running the engine, operating all the hydraulic functions like lowering the bucket, tilting it forward and back, and testing the steering.

5. Thoroughly Inspect the Other Parts Like Hydraulic Hoses, Cylinders and Fluids

Inspect all the hydraulic hoses to spot any cracks, scuff marks, or bulges. Also, inspect hydraulic cylinders for any scratches, pitting, or leaks; after all, such small things do not take time to escalate quickly. Next, look for the hydraulic fluid; the colour itself should tell a couple of things, like if it is clean and amber-colored, then it is in optimal condition. However, if it's milky, it may indicate water contamination, and if it's dark or has a burnt smell, it could signal excessive heat or wear on the pump.

6. Try to Pick Up on Any Odd Sounds

Make sure to check for any odd noises, such as high-pitched whines or grinding sounds, when operating them. These sounds indicate that either the pump is failing or there is some air inside the system. After all, a front end loader is as good as its hydraulic system is. If you end up using a faulty or highly damaged hydraulic system, you may end up in a hazardous situation.

7. Other Important Things You Should Keep in Mind about Front End Loader

Ensure the tires are in top condition and free from any wear, cuts and bulges. Also, inspect for rollers, idlers, and sprockets for signs of heavy wear or damage. Check the edge of the bucket for signs like excessive wear, bends, or cracks. Look out for any signs of poor weld repairs on the bucket and load arms, as they might be hiding massive rust on the frame. Furthermore, if you encounter excessive movement at the connection between the arm and bucker, it means that the part is heavily worn.

That's not all; you should also make sure that the seat, seatbelt, and protective structures (ROPS/FOPS) are in good condition. After all, ensuring the safety of the operator is extremely important. To make sure the machine is in a fully operational state, test all levers, joysticks, pedals and ensure that all gauges and lights are working smoothly. Then, check the frame of the machine to ensure it is free of any cracks and stress.

Conclusion

As you can see, purchasing a used front end loader is no simple task. Here, you need to know what you are looking for, and you are the sole judge of deeming a machine worthy of your purchase. Apart from all the points of inspection we mentioned, also ensure that the paperwork of the machine is legitimate. Ask for a detailed record of the history of regular maintenance.  

The VIN or Vehicle Identification Number of the machine should also match the paperwork. Also, match the running hours of the machine in the records with the hour meter to verify the machine's usage. With all these precautions, you should be more than ready to make the purchase that is worthy of your time and effort.

FAQs

1. How to check the actual hours of a used machine?

   Ask for the machine’s maintenance record, which will contain the correct hours and should correlate with the hours shown on its meter. 

2. Who should I purchase from, a dealer or a private seller?

   Each has its own advantages; a private seller can provide you with steep discounts, whereas a dealer can provide better security with a limited time warranty.

3. What are the most expensive parts to repair?

   Parts like the engine, transmission, and hydraulic pump cost the most. So, ensure during purchase that these parts are in top condition.