Mar. 03, 2026
Buying heavy equipment is a significant decision, whether you’re a farmer in Texas, a construction worker in Oklahoma, or a miner in New Mexico. It’s more than just picking out a machine; it’s about investing in the backbone of your operations.
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At ASCO Equipment, we understand that choosing the right heavy equipment can be tough. That’s why we’re here to help you every step of the way. Our team is dedicated to providing the support and guidance you need to make the best decision for your specific needs.
As a family-owned and operated company, we know what’s on the line for our customers. Supporting the people who build, fuel, and feed our communities is our number one priority. Here are ten crucial points to consider, designed to help you navigate the process with confidence and clarity.
Start by clearly defining what you need the equipment for. Are you looking to handle heavy loads on a construction site, or do you need machinery for agricultural tasks like plowing and harvesting?
The type of work you’ll be doing will dictate the kind of equipment you need. For example, farmers might prioritize versatility and ease of maintenance, while construction workers might look for durability and power. Understanding your specific requirements is the first step in narrowing down your options.
For construction workers, consider the CASE CE 621G Wheel Loader, known for its power and durability, ideal for heavy lifting and loading. The CASE CE 580SV Backhoe Loader is versatile and perfect for digging and material handling.
For farmers, the CASE IH Farmall 120A Pro offers versatility for various tasks, from tilling to planting. The CASE IH RB456A Standard Round Baler is excellent for efficiently baling hay, ensuring a productive harvest season. Understanding your specific requirements is the first step in narrowing down your options.
Once you know what you need, delve into the specific features of the equipment. Look at things like horsepower, load capacity, fuel efficiency, and technology integration. For instance, modern heavy equipment often comes with GPS systems and telematics, which can help track the machine’s location and performance. Consider how these features can improve your workflow and productivity.
The sticker price is just one part of the equation. The total cost of ownership includes fuel, maintenance, insurance, and possible downtime. When comparing different machines, think about how much it will cost to keep them running. For instance, an older model might have higher fuel consumption, leading to higher operating costs over time. A new model may be more fuel-efficient and more cost-effective in the end. Make sure to factor in these costs to get a realistic picture of what you’ll be spending and to fully understand the value of your investment.
Construction and farming machinery are big investments, and most folks will want to explore all of their options. Look into various heavy equipment financing options, such as loans, leases, and rent-to-own agreements. Each option has its pros and cons. Leasing might offer lower monthly payments and maintenance packages, while purchasing might give you more control over the equipment.
ASCO offers a flexible rent-to-own program, allowing you to apply a portion of your rental payments toward the purchase price if you decide to buy the equipment, making it a practical option for testing equipment before committing. Consider what works best for your financial situation and long-term goals.
If you’re considering used equipment, it’s crucial to inspect its history and current condition. Look for signs of wear and tear, check the maintenance records, and, if possible, get a third-party inspection. Knowing the equipment’s history can help you avoid costly repairs down the line. Also, consider the availability of parts and services for the equipment you’re buying, as this will affect maintenance costs and downtime.
Even if you plan to use the equipment for a long time, it’s smart to consider its resale value. Some brands and models hold their value better than others, which can be beneficial if you decide to sell or trade in the future. Research the market trends for the type of equipment you’re buying to get an idea of how well it retains value. ASCO’s in-house experts are here to help—call us any time at (800) 687-.
Safety should never be an afterthought. Modern heavy equipment comes with various safety features, such as backup cameras, seat belts, and automatic shutdown systems. These features not only protect the operators but also reduce the risk of costly accidents. Make sure the equipment you choose meets all safety regulations and standards.
A good warranty can save you a lot of money and hassle if something goes wrong. Look for equipment that comes with a comprehensive warranty covering parts and labor. Additionally, consider the level of customer support offered by the dealer or manufacturer.
Having reliable support can make a big difference, especially during peak seasons when downtime can be costly. At ASCO, we’re available around the clock, providing award-winning service and support. We are here to help you maximize uptime and keep your projects on track.
Before making a final decision, try to test the equipment. Many dealers offer demo models or rental options, allowing you to get hands-on experience. This can give you a better understanding of how the machine handles and whether it meets your needs. Testing the equipment can also help you identify any issues or concerns before making a significant investment.
Finally, consider the long-term maintenance and upkeep of the equipment. Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your machinery in good working order and extending its lifespan. Make sure you have a plan for regular inspections, servicing, and repairs. Our planned maintenance packages are designed with one thing in mind—to keep you up and running.
Buying heavy equipment is a major decision that requires careful consideration and planning. By focusing on these ten key areas, you can make an informed choice that supports your business for years to come. Remember, this investment isn’t just about buying a machine; it’s about building the foundation for your operations’ success and longevity.
As a family-owned and operated company with over 60 years of experience, ASCO understands the importance of trust and reliability in the equipment industry. Our core values—honor God, develop people, pursue excellence, and grow profitably—guide everything we do. We are passionate about providing industry-leading equipment and exceptional customer service.
If you haven’t purchased used equipment before, you likely have some questions about the process. While used machinery is often more affordable than new equipment, it may have damaged or worn parts from previous use. Thankfully, many dealers rigorously inspect pre-owned equipment before selling it.
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For your peace of mind and to verify the equipment is in good shape, you should ask plenty of questions and carefully assess the used machinery before buying it. Use this guide to cover your bases and ensure you’re comfortable before buying pre-owned equipment. Here’s what to ask when purchasing used equipment.
As soon as equipment is purchased and leaves the warehouse, it’s considered used. While some used equipment is in almost new condition, other used machinery may need serious repairs. Before you purchase used heavy equipment, you must evaluate its condition to determine its value.
Use this checklist for buying used heavy equipment to guide your search. Although purchasing used equipment takes research and patience, it can help you save significantly on equipment costs. Because it’s more affordable, buying used can help you access the equipment you need to increase productivity on the jobsite.
Dealers should have a record of a machine’s hours of use. Equipment can only be expected to run well for so long without needing part replacements and maintenance. If equipment has already been used for many hours, it will likely require more repairs over the rest of its useful lifetime. Purchasing equipment with high hours of use isn’t necessarily a bad decision, but you should be aware that it may be costly to maintain.
Maintenance records can give you a glimpse of a machine’s health and how soon it may need work. Regular maintenance and care will keep parts running properly for much longer. Equipment that hasn’t been regularly maintained may need more work and part replacements in the near future. If there is no maintenance record, consider it a red flag.
In addition to records for hours of use and maintenance history, heavy equipment has other essential documentation. These records give you a full picture of equipment condition and can increase your confidence in purchasing used machinery. Here’s a list of documents you need to have in your possession before buying used heavy equipment:
After you purchase equipment, you should receive a proof of purchase and payment receipt. You should also be given the title once the equipment is completely paid for. If this documentation is unavailable for used equipment, think twice about purchasing it. These documents protect you and ensure pre-owned equipment is in good condition, so you won’t have any surprises later.
Used equipment may need more maintenance than new machinery, so it’s important that you can easily access replacement parts and services. It’s better to work with a local dealer if you can, since they often provide parts and maintenance service for the equipment they sell. Even if used equipment is in excellent condition, it will need preventive maintenance and replacement parts eventually.
Every type of equipment has certain parts and systems that tend to break down first. Just because a part tends to break doesn’t mean it will, but it’s good to be aware of what could go wrong. If you research the specific equipment you need, you can check it for the weaknesses common to that type of equipment. You can also assess whether certain replacement parts fit into your budget.
You should only purchase used equipment from a reliable dealer with a good track record. Check for local dealers who’ve worked with other businesses in your community. You can determine their reliability by reading reviews and talking to past customers. The longer they’ve been in business, the more information you have to work with to decide if they’re a good partner for you.
Before purchasing used equipment, research whether it’s possible to resell it. You may only need pre-owned equipment for a specific project and not want to make a long-term investment in it. If that’s the case, you shouldn’t purchase machinery that will depreciate quickly. Understanding the machine’s resale value can help you price how much it’s worth for your business.
After you find used equipment you’re interested in, you should personally assess it before making the final purchase. Follow these three steps so you can buy used equipment with confidence.
Go look at heavy equipment in person. Walk around it and examine the exterior for cracks, rust and other types of damage. You should check structural components like the frame, boom and stick for damage. Visually examine the tires and tracks to see how deep their treads are.
The undercarriage is one of the most expensive things to fix on heavy equipment, so pay special attention to the sprockets, rollers and track links. Look carefully for rust or missing parts. While it can’t answer all your questions, a careful visual inspection can give you an accurate overview of a used machine’s condition.
You should also look over specific components like the engine, hydraulic system, electrical system, cab and controls. These systems are critical to a machine’s working capacity. The best way to test each system is to turn the machine on. Operate the hydraulic system, listen to the engine and test the lights and gauges. Look at the battery and electrical wiring and check hydraulic hoses for leaks.
Look for starting fluid in the toolbox or under the operator seat. If heavy equipment needs starting fluid to start when it’s cold outside, there’s something wrong with the machine. Equipment that’s in top condition shouldn’t require starting fluid, even when the temperatures drop.
After you’ve looked at specific components, sit in the cab and try moving the equipment like you would at a jobsite. Pay attention to how it feels as you move it around. Are there any strange noises or vibrations? Used equipment will tell you if something is wrong — you just need to listen. If a dealer won’t allow you to personally test equipment, that’s not a good sign.
Thompson Machinery is the exclusive Cat® dealer for Middle Tennessee, West Tennessee and North Mississippi. Since , we’ve been serving industries like mining, construction, forestry and agriculture with the best in heavy equipment. We can match you with the perfect option to meet your needs, whether you’re looking for new or used heavy equipment.
Our certified used equipment is carefully inspected and qualified before we offer it for sale. We’re confident in each machine’s reliability and offer a one-year or 1,000-hour powertrain warranty for pre-owned equipment so you can have additional peace of mind. In addition to high-quality used equipment, we also offer 24/7 parts and service support.
For more information, please visit Heavy Equipment Spare Parts Suppliers.
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