--- title: Tips when shopping used equipment description: We chatted with our in-house expert Phil Lacey to find out what a customer need to check prior to purchasing an equipment. image: https://blog.toromontcat.com/hubfs/Blog_banner_puchase-tips.jpg --- [![Logo_building_tomorrow-1](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo_building_tomorrow-1.png?width=200&height=51&name=Logo_building_tomorrow-1.png "Logo_building_tomorrow-1")](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en) - [EN](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en) - [FR](https://blog.toromontcat.com/fr) - [Toromont Cat website](https://www.toromontcat.com/) - - - # Tips when shopping used equipment [By Toromont Cat](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/author/toromont-cat) July 12, 2024 [NEWS](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/topic/news), [HEAVY EQUIPMENT](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/topic/heavy-equipment) 1 minute read - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![5 things you should verify when buying used equipment](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hubfs/Blog_banner_puchase-tips.jpg) You’re ready to buy used. Great!  How can you be sure you’re not only getting the deal you want, but also the right machine for the job? We get this question a lot. That’s why we asked one of our in-house experts, Phil Lacey, to give us tips on shopping used.   # **5 things you should verify when buying used equipment** ## **![blue_arrow](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blue_arrow.png?width=123&height=125&name=blue_arrow.png)** ## **Who is selling the equipment?** Anyone who’s bought a used car or a house knows that not all owners put the same effort into maintenance.    The good news: by buying from a trusted dealer like Toromont, you get complete transparency for sellers AND buyers.   ### **How is the general appearance of the machine?** Looks matter! A dented machine that hasn’t been cleaned since the Stone Age could indicate that its previous owner hasn’t taken great care of it.   Having high resolution photos, like those on Toromont Equip, can help. So can videos - when possible, we include those, too.   #### **Check the main components** - Look for cracks in the frame, boom, stick, cab, and ROPS. - Are there welds and repairs? Both can be a sign of abuse.   ##### **Verify the anti-pollution system** - Is it working properly? - Has it been tampered with or modified? - Having an anti-pollution system that works isn’t just convenient - it’s the law. Pay particular attention to machines 2017 or newer.   ##### **Find out what applications the machine was used for** Was it on a jack hammer breaking cement for the last 10,000 hours, experiencing ongoing, significant vibration and wear? Or was it on a farm digging ditches in the summer?   Buying used can be a nerve-wracking experience. At Toromont Equip, our mission is to make the experience as painless - and productive - as possible.   ###### ToromontEquip.com Search. Click. Buy. It’s that simple.   [![Shop on Toromont Equip](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/8131032/ab63c614-266f-4f25-80dc-d67d85e80aba.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/8131032/ab63c614-266f-4f25-80dc-d67d85e80aba)   ###### About Company ![](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hubfs/BG_landing.jpg) [Toromont Cat](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/author/toromont-cat) Toromont Cat is your Cat Dealer in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, P.E.I., Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nunavut. We are dedicated to supplying and servicing new and used equipment, delivering a superior customer experience and exceptional product support to the markets we serve. ##### You might also like ![From First Time Cat Equipment Owner to Big Time Advocate](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hubfs/001%202000x1050%20B.jpg) [From First Time Cat Equipment Owner to Big Time Advocate](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/from-first-time-cat-equipment-owner-to-big-time-advocate) July 12, 2024 ![The Cat 305 Mini Excavator: Paul Hamel’s go-to machine for every job](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hubfs/Blog-banner.jpg) [The Cat 305 Mini Excavator: Paul Hamel’s go-to machine for every job](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/the-cat-305-mini-excavator-paul-hamel-go-to-machine-for-every-job) July 12, 2024 ![From Snow to Rocks: How the Cat 938 Delivers for Excavation Pierre Daoust](https://blog.toromontcat.com/hubfs/V1-0024_DSCF%5B8716-8717%5D00000000.jpg) [From Snow to Rocks: How the Cat 938 Delivers for Excavation Pierre Daoust](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/from-snow-to-rocks-how-the-cat-938-delivers) July 12, 2024 ### Subscribe to Our Blog We want to hear from you! 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