Asking how long your dealer has been operating gives you a sense of their place in your community and the depth of their heavy equipment knowledge.

As in most industries, talking to past customers can give you valuable insight into what it’s like purchasing equipment from this source.

When considering a specific piece of equipment, it’s wise to ask about the machine’s age, previous owners, and major repairs.

Though you may assume the dealer is the owner of the equipment for sale, you should always check. A trustworthy dealer will tell you who owns the equipment and produce proof that it’s fully paid and not reported stolen.

Knowing how many hours of operation the equipment has seen can help you determine its remaining life span.

If you’re buying a machine that is several years old, you might want to ask how its features compare to a newer model. Technology changes quickly, so if you value being on the cutting-edge, you might want to take the equipment’s age into account.

Ask your dealer to share the results of their initial used equipment inspection to save time during the shopping process.

Though some pieces of used equipment won’t come to the dealer with maintenance and service logs, it’s worth asking for them — a well-maintained machine can last longer and retain higher value than a poorly maintained one.

Before purchasing, you need to know that the machine will perform to your expectations.

If you have experience with the type of equipment you’re purchasing, you know how it should handle when functioning properly.

Asking about the total cost of ownership can help you decide whether this piece of equipment is a realistic choice for your budget.

Different construction equipment financing options could impact your purchasing decision.

Some used heavy equipment dealers, like Thompson Tractor, sell equipment with warranties, though warranties may vary from machine to machine.

Getting parts and service from the business that sold you your equipment can save you time and stress.

Ultimately, the most important question to ask when buying used heavy equipment is “Will this machine work for me?” Consider your budget, project requirements, and personal preferences when answering this question.