Trading in your compact excavator is a simple process. We’ve put together this easy guide to highlight the primary machine components to inspect that can effect the trade in value. To get top dollar on your trade in, follow the list below.

Overall, the loader should fully function, including moving forward and backwards, and lifting the boom up and down. The unit should not have damaged ROPS and the door, wipers, and safety bar should operate as intended. There should be no noticeable impact damage and all customer identification must be removed from the unit before trading it in. For best results, the unit should be steam cleaned prior to returning to avoid any potential inspection misdiagnosis. Also, any agreed upon attachments need to be with the machine when trading it in.

Important Unit Inspection Criteria

1. Glass Inspection

ACCEPTABLE: There should be no broken glass, missing glass, or cracks or chips in the glass.
UNACCEPTABLE: Any broken, cracked, chipped or missing glass must be repaired prior to returning the equipment.

2. Seat Inspection

ACCEPTABLE: The seat should be free of cuts, tears or burn holes. There shall be no broken or missing interior components or panels. Normal wear and tear to the interior cabin is expected.
Unacceptable seat trade in
UNACCEPTABLE: Any seat with cuts, tears or burn holes. Any seat with broken or missing interior components or panels.

3. Engine Inspection

ACCEPTABLE: The engine must be maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. It should operate as intended and be free of leaks. It should be free of any fault codes and the machine should start without difficulty.
Unacceptable engine trade in
UNACCEPTABLE: Any engine leaks, engine fault codes, blown cylinders, or other obvious mechanical deficiencies with the engine must be repaired prior to returning the equipment.

4. Sprocket Inspection

ACCEPTABLE: The undercarriage, including sprockets, links, idlers, carrier, bogies, pins & bushings, track rollers and track shoes/pads, should have at least 50% wear remaining.
UNACCEPTABLE: Any undercarriage components with failing functionality or excessive wear must be repaired prior to returning the equipment.

5. Cylinder Inspection

Acceptable cylinder trade in
ACCEPTABLE: All hydraulic pumps, hoses and cylinders must be fully operational at rated capacity with no leaks. This applies to all hydraulic cylinders and hoses on the machine, including attachments.
Unacceptable cylinder trade in
UNACCEPTABLE: Any cylinder or hoses with signs of leaking must be repaired prior to returning the equipment.

6. Track Inspection

ACCEPTABLE: All tracks should be of the same pattern and type as originally delivered. Tracks should have no tears or gouges. and have a minimum of 50% remaining wear.
UNACCEPTABLE: Any tracks with excessive wear or damage must be replaced with matching tracks that have greater than 50% tread wear remaining.

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Inspection Definition Table

Attribute NameInspection DefinitionDefinition
Track ConditionGood Condition, Gouge, Cut– Chunk measuring ½ inches by 3 inches = Gouge
– Cut measuring ½ inches by 3 inches = Cut
SeatGood Condition, Cut, Tear, Burn, Broken– A cut or tear less than 6 inches with no internal materials exposed = Cut
– A cut or tear longer than 6 inches with no internal materials exposed or a cut or tear shorter than 6 inches with internal material exposed = Tear
– A burn hole with internal material exposed = Burn
– Broken welds = Broken
Tailgate LightsGood Condition, Broken, Missing, Non-Operational– Missing pieces of plastic/glass = Broken
– Not working = Non-Operational
Working LightsGood Condition, Broken, Missing, Non-Operational– Missing pieces of plastic/glass = Broken
– Not working = Non-Operational
Front DoorNo Damages, Missing, Cracked, Broken– A chip or crack shorter than 6 inches = Crack
– Longer than 6 inches = Broken
– Missing piece of glass = Missing
Rear and Top WindowNo Damages, Missing, Cracked, Broken– A chip or crack shorter than 6 inches = Crack
– Longer than 6 inches = Broken
– Missing piece of glass = Missing
Side Glass CompleteNo Damages, Missing, Cracked, Broken– A chip or crack shorter than 6 inches = Crack
– Longer than 6 inches = Broken
– Missing piece of glass = Missing