5 Things you need to know before buying a used Excavator or heavy equipment for beginners

[@Daddyjohn1971]

Glad you pointed out the idlers in front. Almost no one knows their is a front, back, left, right,boom , orstick

[@michaelsawyer8313]

Man you saved me a ton of money professor, glad I saw your class yesterday, looking for a used mini-ex, first one I checked out this morning had serious blow-by, had to write to you this morning to thank you so much.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Wow I'm so glad it helped out I appreciate you watching and glad you did !

[@ferguson20diesel49]

Okay you missed a few thing. 1 major thing you need to check is the slew ring it’s self. Check if there’s play in that. The digger will have a little rocking motion in it. Put boom to the ground and slowly lift your self up. Have some else look at slew ring to see if there play. An experienced person the can feel this in 2 seconds. That thing your calling a swivel motor isn’t a motor at all. It’s called a distributor barrel here or rotary joint. Opinion oils leaks from that it usually leave a puddle on the ground on older machines. When checking the slew motor you should also check if it loose. When checking the final drives you also beware that’s it not full to the top. This indicates that there’s a seal gone internally from hydraulic motor to gear box. In this case it will usually leak oil out onto the tracks. Also when track the machine in a straight line and see if it pulls to one side. Check for welds or cracks on boom/undercarriage. And if your looking for an old machine and little blow by outs you off. You will never find a machine that suits you. Also check for bubbles in radiator.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

All good points and thanks for your input.. but this video was for an inexperienced person just to check five things obviously we could get super technical and go through the whole machine but the average person wouldn't even know where to start.. And I said excessive blow by of course they all got a little blow by. Again thanks for your input ! 👍🏼

[@ferguson20diesel49]

@@DIRT-BOSS no problem. But the slew ring is a must check. Not a fun or easy job to replace. It's easy check

[@DIRT-BOSS]

8:35 meant to say swivel manifold not swing motor! LOL 😁

[@arnoldromppai5395]

its not a swivel motor, its a swivel manifold

[@DIRT-BOSS]

@@arnoldromppai5395 lol ..No I know after watching it back in the video I go what the heck.. good call!

[@arnoldromppai5395]

@@DIRT-BOSS haa lol

[@genecoppedge5972]

You had me going with the swivel motor. I’ve never heard that name before, I know it as a rotary joint. Since it’s not a motor, it just has passages with slip rings and just a joint to get the hydraulic fluid to travel between the bottom and upper sections of the machine.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes I corrected myself at some point there maybe in the comments and I pinned it it's a swivel manifold

[@genecoppedge5972]

@@DIRT-BOSS good video on what to look for on used equipment. Sometimes you have to buy unseen and most times it will work out.

[@HamiltonvilleFarm]

I’m in the market in Jan, this helped tremendously! Thank you

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Your welcome Hank!

[@Valient6]

This is the greatest recap of engineering and how to buy something. Great job!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks man

[@Valient6]

@@DIRT-BOSS only reason i say is because i looked up diagrams and operation for like an hour and couldnt find the motor lol

[@sk00t3r8]

im so glad i found this vid.. THANK YOU for making this quality money saving video, very much appreciated

[@sonnyblazer5504]

You've shown a lot on maintenance along with lots of words of advice on the jobs based on your experience. You're a great 'mentor' for the many in the world and it's great we all learn from each other if we merely LISTEN. Buying the equipment people like you have to purchase is like buying cars on steroids. Oh and my first words to a car salesperson are, "I'll accept the fact that you lie, as long as you accept the fact that I don't believe you!" (Gets the stage set properly). Hey, 'big guy', thank you for another one that will help many people out. Stay safe You & Yours! Sonny (CT)

[@DIRT-BOSS]

You are so correct! Thanks Sonny!

[@louistirendi346]

This is a great video of a simple and easy run down. I didn’t know all of this stuff, definitely appreciate it thank you!!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Welcome

[@makerspace533]

My question is, how do you determine that the seller owns the equipment? Are there any leans or other encumbrances on the machine?

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

I would never had thought of the swivel motor. Thanks for that! Glad to see you back hope everything works out with the dozer. 👍🏻

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes tommorow hopefully i get it back! Thanks bud👍🏼

[@DanielBelzil]

Is there one brand of machine that is better than the next? Bobcats seem to be common used ones around where I live but I wonder if they are any good.

[@phillippearson2596]

Nice one Mike, You and the family stay safe.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Phil you too!

[@tomb8564]

Thanks for your generosity!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Welcome

[@carlbryan8289]

Watched it twice, thank you!

[@johnbower5732]

That's a pretty informative video my friend.👍👍 I'm glad I saw this before I'm about to start looking at equipment.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks good luck

[@johnbower5732]

@@DIRT-BOSS thank you

[@outbackwanker]

Always good to hear different opinions on machinery checks.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@rodneystewart8958]

Good information and great content

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Rodney!

[@lujuandablade5178]

This was very helpful to me thanks. i can purchase with confidence now...

[@DIRT-BOSS]

You are welcome!

[@MyTractorGuy]

Nice!! Useful info and will come in handy as I'm currently in the market for a ”new to me” excavator.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Awesome glad I can help!

[@zsozso411]

I usually check the engine first, don’t even start it up before I check the oil level. Bearings or anything relating to the undercarriage cost less then a new engine.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Got ya

[@KUBBI7488]

Great advices for newbie’s like me ! Looking to buy an X soon !!!

[@williamgosnell9491]

I purchased a used unit before I saw your video but then went back and checked the 5 things you pointed out. I did need to rebuild 2 leaking cylinders but its running good and digging well. Thanks for the heads up, especially to us novice equipment owners.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Great to hear!

[@martinkoche4375]

Nice video thanks sir

[@DaleDirt]

Thanks Boss , This helps alot , never heard of the swivel motor .

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes it's a swivel manifold correct termination It acts like a gyro on a bicycle so you could spinthe handlebars around and around

[@gurpreetmundi4344]

You are the MAN !!! Thank you 🙏 so much for the information

[@DIRT-BOSS]

You're welcome Please subscribe thank you

[@blackknight22w]

Just bought a machine and wishing I paid a little closer attention to this video. The swing motor dip stick was dry, thankfully not white, but I am having issues with it tracking... Hope it doesn't get too expensive!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Good luck

[@mrs.dirtboss]

Nice job Big Guy! 🥰

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks I learned all that from you! Hahaha 😁

[@sonnyblazer5504]

@@DIRT-BOSSI would guess she paid lots of attention listening to you around the supper table when ALL she said was, "how was your day, Mike?" Keep her over all your equipment! Carry on! Sonny (CT)

[@DIRT-BOSS]

@@sonnyblazer5504 lol so true!

[@calebmiller3251]

What Wod you say is most reliable brand of 12k ib min ex machine , An also small dozer around 80hp

[@DIRT-BOSS]

It's hard to say there's a lot of good equipment out there it all depends on how it was taken care of

[@EdgarRodriguez-yh9kq]

I’ve been following your videos which is the most realistic when it comes to working and heavy machinery. I’ve been dealing with dirt bags for the last 30 years and I’m looking into an excavator and dozer. But who can u trust. Ur up north and I’m down south.but dealers r like divorce lawyers. Any one up north that can be trusted with sale of heavy equipment up there please let me know. And sure hope komatsu didn’t hit you hard God bless and stay safe

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Edgar I hear ya there buddy! Im in real deep on that Komatsu now.. There is a big used/new dealer here they got mega machine's.. I drove through the yard In the video when I was shopping for a dozer.. check it out if you didn't. Here's there link. www.abeletractor.com/ Thanks

[@EdgarRodriguez-yh9kq]

Dirt Boss Masonry & Excavating down here in Pine Bush there. Is a Komatsu dealer I did here from them is take it as is then it’s up to you. And I know as you know they ain’t cheap there is a place in NJ called Durable Undercarriage and there logo is just serviced but in the photos you can still see all the dirt in the under carriage. And you can use the sprockets as tooth pick

[@DIRT-BOSS]

@@EdgarRodriguez-yh9kq i hear ya there.. yeah i bought my Hydrema from Pine Bush equipment..

[@mikeembrey9176]

Good video, be glad to see dozer back and working you and family stay safe 👍

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Mike!

[@warrenfipp1856]

Hey Mike, Excellent tips for buying used equipment, since most of us can't afford new. Also excellent video on septic system installation. Learned a ton on that one too. Would appreciate any others on septic installation, especially one with the dosing/gravity fed system, since I have to install one shortly. Keep 'em coming! Outstanding quality and information.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Warren will do!

[@daleclark9121]

Hey i got 45 yesrs in the seat plus when you buy a used excavator you just as well buy and replace is all the hoses or put em in the shop for that day when one pops get a set of correct thread grease rerks komatsu is british thread pitch cat is cat and oil sample all the fluids and machine records hope he is not a driver make bells ring i work for a fortune 500 company as an operator

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Oh then you shouldn't be buying used equipment at all

[@j.c.smithprojects]

nice to see you mike. i would love to buy a 14,000lb mini. i have a lot of work to do with it. waiting for just the right deal. this video reinforces some of the things i was looking for. thanks for you time and efforts making this video. hope you can get back to work soon!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Awesome glad I could help you out! Take care

[@victorramirez7343]

Hey dude hope all is well , but in regards to your business I can help you obtain funding in order to potentially expand and purchase any heavy duty equipment you desire

[@iamthemoss]

Thanks Dirt Boss, great video. I would love to have a mini-excavator but for now just renting. I love me some excavators, they are very handy.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes they are Thanks for watching!

[@josemigueljr]

Just another day at KZbin university. Learning new information everyday haha but seriously thank u don't know when ill need this but interesting nonetheless

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks my buddy !

[@เสี่ยเหมา]

I have plan to buy small excavator pc70-75 What brand the best for second hand?

[@Mrkhan-dg9dt]

Very informative

[@JaneGraeSmithy]

GREAT video! Thanks for the detailed tips!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

You're welcome please subscribe !

[@tylerpittmon7936]

Another awesome video bro beans! 3 of those things I never would have thought to look at nor did I know how to access their status. It would be cool if you did some more of these vids on some other pieces of equipment as you get time.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks bud will do!

[@rp1645]

Thank you for the basics. Very good points. If the cab looks like a PIG operated it. Left all there trash all over another RED flag. Have seen cabs like the owner stored every little bit of garbage they had. Just used the cab like a garbage dump.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

10/4

[@Yellowiron24]

Might want to adjust those tracks

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yup

[@bennyc4337]

Just found the channel, loving it! Thank you!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@mikeholland8968]

Good info! Thanks for sharing!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

You're welcome Thanks for watching

[@manuelorellana1189]

thanks very much for sharing you acknowledge, I'm looking at a one used mini exc. tomorrow they say it has only 650 hrs. but still very important thinks to check . thanks again. i did subscribed

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Manuel and good luck tomorrow !

[@weekendhomeprojects]

What advice do you have for someone with zero experience to get into this?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

It is hard to do without zero experience and compete with quality and efficiency.. but see time is everything so if you do get one just start digging holes! Get hooked up with general contractors they find the work for you

[@Nudnik1]

No one beat s CAT service parts resale... Other machine s good but service terrible. Slewing ring wear cracks in boom from side loads. Welding repairs on boom. Metal in hydraulic oil bronze or steel iron a sign of main pump failures avoid a machine that had a pump failure since metal filings get sent all into everything and it is impossible to clean out. .Hydraulic swivel manifold leaking. Blow by out of breather on engine and noises. Check final drives for silver oil metal chips noises when traveling. Always Have hyd oil tested by Lab! Also run machine hard digging traveling for at least half an hour and have charge pressure checked before buying. Auction machines are a gamble$$$$$ Excellent video.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks for adding to it appreciate it !

[@kvajeblostari]

Nice and u need to check power when u try maschine

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes that's for sure Thanks for watching

[@eddielam3379]

Very informative. Thanks.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Your welcome

[@nbragtop]

Great helpful video. Novice question, what is difference between the swing motor and swivel motor? Thank you.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Swing motor spins the excavator around in circles swivel manifold allows the excavator to spin in circles without getting the hydraulic lines tangled

[@rogervedvig4478]

It's not really a motor...it's a swivel hydraulic coupling that connects the upper hydraulic to the lower hydraulic and lets them turn and still have a seal. With that coupling the upper part of the machine can go round and round and not have hoses twisting up

[@DIRT-BOSS]

💯

[@bhermon265]

Hey mike good video 👍

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks!

[@AP-xq3jm]

What year is that machine? How much should that model 160 cost with similar hours. I'm looking to purchase a used small excavator and that model the perfect size.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

I'll sell you this one

[@AP-xq3jm]

Ok, what's the weight. I'm see between 37K Lbs and 30K Lbs in online specs. I need something around 26K Lbs for transport purposes.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

@@AP-xq3jm yes it's 37k LBS

[@steviechalmers1218]

You’ve forgot one , check the boom and the Jib arm down to the quick hitch !!!!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Can't cover it all five basic steps

[@lakesideranch]

Hey Mike! Nice review presentation brother. Hope you and yours are healthy and staying safe. Looking forward to the new "normal" here, hopefully soon. Work safe, enjoy your week! Doug@ the "ranch"

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Hey thanks Doug! You too!

[@agdesignfabrication1009]

#6 pins and bushings on boom and stick

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes That's all part of it

[@jusellz]

Thank for this vid

[@1jnova]

Thanks a million bud..

[@nbookie]

Well done

[@Viktorg35]

nice video Thx!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@tedohio3038]

Nice video, glad your back. Do you get fluids tested?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Ted no i never have at this point..

[@somecooney5304]

awesome video!!!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks I appreciate it

[@jasvan4359]

What is considered excessive hours ?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

10K Plus but if it was taking care of and maintain who's to say

[@handsomesheriff5658]

Thanks, Boss you did extremely well posting this video, you saved more people from creating great mistakes. I make sure to subscribe and follow you. I may need one machine in a short time. Thanks again bro

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks buddy Good luck

[@scotabot7826]

Great video Boss. Thanks for taking the time to make it. Are you going to do a video on the Komatsu, and let us know what happened to the drive unit, and what it took to get it fixed.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

No video but I'll mention it in the next one.. thanks 👍🏼

[@Deeplysorry4u]

What would you consider for a lot of hours?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

10k plus

[@danlinnane6745]

Great video Mike, thanks for the info. How about one for a dump truck?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks bud

[@mrandrewdennis1]

Nicely done great information!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Dennis!

[@evtoilnj]

Dude when you making/posting a vid about replacing the dozers final drive

[@DIRT-BOSS]

I did not make a video of the repair

[@BENLINUZ]

Thank you

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Your welcome I only asked in return is to subscribe!! 👍🏼

[@hey_youtubeim_back2159]

I've always wondered how a digger can rotate continuously without damage

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yup

[@nawayaanku975]

Tq for your awesome explanation BOSS

[@DIRT-BOSS]

You're welcome Thanks for watching

[@wolfeislandexcavating5426]

Thanks for sharing I put new final drives in my identical machine last summer My screen is telling me air cleaner is restricted but it’s got new air filters,does yours ever give you that code

[@DIRT-BOSS]

No I haven't seen that code yet.. up behind the swing motor on the right side just unplug it and see if it changes anything.

[@wolfeislandexcavating5426]

I’ll do that thanks

[@4170-d3e]

Great video!! Another thing is the operators seat ... if it’s ripped and torn and the arm rests are all worn 🤔 the operator doesn’t care about the machine but if the cab is clean and the seat is good chances are the rest of the machine will be looked after too.... (having said that you must thoroughly check the rest of the machine too )

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes sir everything counts

[@robertd3508]

Great videos we just need more of them. lol

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Robert!

[@dancarlin5434]

One question, how do you figure out what size of machine to buy? Just starting out, companies in my area won't hire anyone with less than 10 years verified experience in the seat (they will not budge on this, i have asked) so they have made a competitor out of me. I know I will need a hammer as this area has a stupid amount of huge borders and entire hillsides that are almost solid rock, planning to dig foundations and septic tanks mostly.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

It all depends on what you have to tow it with.. No lower than a 120 no higher than a 160

[@dancarlin5434]

@@DIRT-BOSS intending to hire local lowboys if need be, more concerned with avoiding crippling job options by getting a 15-20k lb mini

[@DIRT-BOSS]

@@dancarlin5434 well a 160 is a great size machine gets in the tight spots and has the same reach as big boys..

[@jimodermann6445]

Thanks 👍👆🙏

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Welcome

[@black_dog_barks]

Life was easier when Tony Soprno just cared about the ducks on his pool...this new life seems complicated

[@DIRT-BOSS]

LOL thanks for the laugh! 😄

[@ayubamalami6384]

Please how can I know the weight of excavator?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Google the make and model and say specs

[@michaeldunagan8268]

Nice tips. But...uhm.... ....exactly how is one supposed to "lift up the machine" to check the lower rollers..???

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Lift the machine with the boom from the side

[@woodscontractinginc]

@@DIRT-BOSS 😂😂👌🏾

[@DIRT-BOSS]

@@woodscontractinginc 💯

[@TERRORoftheLORD]

Thanks!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

You're welcome buddy

[@gobangexpress]

Nice info, auto subscribe 👍

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks!

[@estecjapan]

Great work!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks buddy Thanks for watching

[@ferenzi7741]

Love your video! Curious to ask, I started working and fixing on tractors the past year and I'm now looking at buying a komatsu p220 lc3 model the guy said he replaced the swivel bearing and then the machine has a few hydraulic leaks on the cylinders which I understand is normal but I cannot find any information on this machine on the internet on if it is reliable or not I don't feel like buying a lemon that big and I am curious how much it goes for and if there are any more specific things to look for with that series thank you and hope for your reply thanks

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Andrew go on machinerytrader.com you will see that machine and what they're going for..

[@michaelruprecht2355]

Great video, what’s happing with the dozer?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

How to put a reman on it hopefully she'll be back tomorrow!

[@dalepremo3695]

Good tips, Dirt Boss and good to see you out. Hope you get your dozer back tomorrow - how much did it set you back?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Well not sure on the total bill yet but the drive it self cost me 10k.. just as figured 🙄 big hit.. thanks Dale!

[@DieselRamcharger]

swivel joint.

[@gimpy8349]

Any word on when the dozer will be up and running?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Hopefully tomorrow!

[@neomalperera6449]

Thanks bro.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

You're welcome buddy please subscribe !

[@MichaelJones1527]

That Mitsubishi motor is used in a lot of large excavators. I had that engine in a Kato 550. Great video Keep up the good work. Very informative.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Mike!

[@JimmySal1]

How did you like the Kato? Any issues getting parts? I'm looking at an older big Kato that SEEMS like a good deal, but I don't want to get stuck needing seals, filters, etc.

[@MichaelJones1527]

@@JimmySal1 Parts were a little bit harder to get for some had to be imported from overseas. It did have a Mitsubishi motor which was used on a lot of excavators which made that part easier.

[@Valient6]

It's a swivel joint. Not a swivel motor. Just to help everyone understand what it actually is. Just a pathway for another hydraulic motor to reach the final drives.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes I understand that I spoke wrong when the camera was running but I pinned a comment correcting myself

[@mike86mike]

Any updates on the shed?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Mike i haven't anything with it since last video.. gotta get back on it.

[@mike86mike]

No problem, I was just curious about the end result.

[@KUBBI7488]

great info!!!!!!!!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Glad I can help

[@jaxchambers7652]

thank u!!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

You're welcome

[@scottparrish2422]

I’m new here Mike

[@DIRT-BOSS]

@@scottparrish2422 Thanks

[@77patsfan64]

Hows studio DBM&E coming out.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

To tell you the truth I have not worked on it since the last video.. 🙄 I have to get it done it done!

[@เสี่ยเหมา]

Good info thanks a lot

[@DIRT-BOSS]

👍🏼

[@Generalofthexianzhoualliance]

When I get enough money I’m getting one just. Because

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yeah man

[@1hydrostatic]

You didt tell them the # 1 problem 🙄with a Excavator is a kobelco! 😆

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Haha Nope 💪🏼💯💪🏼

[@1hydrostatic]

Great video!

[@patriciovarela6704]

is buying a used caterpillar excavator from china a good idea?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

They are all good ideas just make sure you look it over