A used equipment buying checklist, with advice from Finning and Ritchie Bros.
Buying guide · Published October 16, 2026 · By the Machinery One team · How we count
Buying used can be a smart move. The machine is cheaper, and it's available now, not after a six-month wait.
But a good deal on paper can turn into a bad deal in the yard. So here's a checklist. We pulled together advice from a few sources that know used iron well, and we link to each one below.
1. Know who you're buying from
Finning, the Cat dealer in Western Canada, puts this first. Used equipment can be stolen or have a lien against it. If you don't know the seller, check the title and confirm they've paid for the machine in full.
Their other tips are simple and smart.
- Leave a paper trail. Avoid paying in cash.
- Get a receipt that names you as the new owner.
Buying from a dealer you can look up, with a real address and a phone number, takes a lot of this risk off the table. That's one reason every listing on Machinery One goes to a dealer's own site.
2. Match the machine to the job
A used machine has to work for you first. Ask yourself:
- Is it the right size?
- Can it run the attachments you need?
- Is there a better option for the money?
A cheaper machine that can't do the job isn't cheaper.
3. Read the fluids, hours and records
This is where Finning's advice is worth remembering. Check the fluids, operating hours and maintenance record.
- Fluids. Hydraulic fluid, transmission fluid, engine oil and coolant should be clean and topped up. If they aren't, maintenance may be an issue. Water in the engine oil is a red flag.
- Hours only mean something with records. High hours on a well-maintained machine can still be a good buy. Low hours on a machine nobody serviced aren't a bargain.
- Rust and damage. A machine that needs repairs soon means downtime, and downtime costs money.
4. Use a checklist for the specific type
Different machines wear in different places. Ritchie Bros. publishes inspection checklists by machine type, for example a mobile crane inspection checklist for used crane buyers. If you're buying something specialized, look for one that fits.
5. Check the price against the market
Asking prices are a starting point. See what similar machines are listed for in your province on the market page, then ask the dealer what they can do. Our post on asking price versus selling price covers how to make the offer. And a free value range for the exact unit is available from Fair Market Valuations (our sister site).
Ready to look?
Search all listings or browse by machine type. Every machine links to the dealer, where you can see photos and ask for the service records.
Sources
- Finning, Tips from Finning: buying used equipment, March 4, 2021. Paraphrased; read again October 17, 2026.
- Ritchie Bros., Mobile crane inspection checklist for used crane buyers, September 2026.