What do you have to check while sourcing a used crane from China?
Here are the most important points:
1.Vehicle License
Vehicle License is the sole certificate issued by the government authorities and cannot be changed the seller. On the Vehicle License, you can find out the owner details, address, model number, registration date and VIN number etc. Here is an example:
For some refurbished used cranes, this document is very important for the customer as the seller can change everything but they cannot change the vehicle license.
2.Nameplate, Dash Board/ Instrument Panel and Appearance
From the crane nameplate, you can find out the basic crane information, covering the manufacturing date, brand, lifting capacity, model, crane weight and size etc. Here is an example:
Please note that some refurbished used crane sellers, they can make a new nameplate upon request in China.
From the dash board, you can mainly check the mileage and working hours. Here is an example:
It says the mileage is 7482 km and the working hour is 1902 hours only, indicating that this is a perfect used crane in China.
As for the appearance checking, you shall mainly check the paint, check if the paint on the exterior has peeled off, if the components are damaged, check the wear of the main pin of the boom, whether the boom is deformed whether the swing motor is stable. The key to a crawler crane is to check the degree of wear on the track shoes, the condition during start-up and operation, whether there is loud noise, and whether the arm length is long enough
3. Power system: To check whether the engine is running normally, the power take-off is reset normally, the acceleration is normal, the suspension of the car crane is normal, and the crawler crane is walking normally or not;
4.Transmission system:
To check the power take-off, high-speed transmission, low-speed transmission
5. Control system: To check the four-bar two step, control press board, light control, brake disc etc
6. Guidance system:To check whether the four legs retract and extend normally or not
7. Hydraulic system: To check whether it is evenly distributed and leak free
8. Steel wire rope: It is recommended to replace it completely
9. Auxiliary boom: To check whether the screw mouth is free from rust, deformation, and distortion or not.
Pay attention to the appearance and operation of the engine. Check the appearance of the engine carefully for any signs of oil or water leakage. Ignite the engine and observe the color of the exhaust gas. If the exhaust gas appears semi transparent light gray, it indicates that the engine is in good working condition. If it is blue, the engine is very fatigued. White indicates that the cylinder head gasket is about to fail. Additionally, you can smell the exhaust gas. If there is an unpleasant odor, it indicates poor engine condition.
Pay attention to the brakes and do not start the engine. Press the brake a few times, then continue to press the brake pedal in neutral to start the car. If there is a suction feeling on the brake pedal, it means that the vacuum assist system of this car is normal. Be sure to test drive, focusing on checking the engine's sound and acceleration performance, whether there is any abnormal noise from the chassis, the shock absorption effect, whether the direction and clutch are heavy, and the reliability of the brakes.
How to determine if the second-hand crane has been involved in an accident?
When inspecting a used crane, the first thing to check is whether there are any traces of correction on the main beam and arm. If there are cracks on the paint marks, it can be determined that these two areas have been repaired and corrected. (The corrected ones have burn marks, and if they have been burned, there will definitely be marks when repainted.)
Patiently rotate around the body of the crane a few more times, carefully observe the edges of the mudguard and the axle, and observe the degree of wear and corrosion of the components. Alternatively, inspect the outer end of the exhaust pipe to check for any signs of aging or rust.
Then, the welding points of the frame under the hood should be checked. The original welding points were smooth and small, while the repaired welding points were generally rougher than the original ones. Comparing the left and right sides, if this phenomenon exists, it indicates that the vehicle has had a serious accident in the past.
Even if conditions permit, the chassis can be inspected to see the degree of aging or damage to its components. Check if the angle iron is deformed again. If it is deformed, it indicates frequent overloading operations!
The most important parts of a used crane are the body, boom, and engine. The appearance has more or less flaws. When you pick up the crane, don't be surprised by some small scratches on its appearance. The working condition of the engine, the condition of the boom, and the accident situation are the most important factors for you to purchase a second-hand crane.
If you are sourcing used cranes and other used construction machinery and equipment from China, please feel free to ask us any question related. Our mission is to save you more time and cost, reducing the risks in your business in China ! www.usedcranes.cn
