Equip Place

Equipment Buying Guide

How to buy used heavy equipment with confidence.

Step 1

Define the job first

Match the machine to the work, not the other way around. Know your lift height, dig depth, capacity, and terrain before you shop.

Step 2

Set a real budget

Include purchase price, transport, taxes, insurance, and first-year maintenance. Use our financing calculator to see monthly payments.

Step 3

Search by location

Filter by miles from your zip code. Local machines save thousands in freight and let you inspect before you buy.

Step 4

Inspect photos & video

Look for cold-start videos, undercarriage shots, hydraulic leaks, and hour meter photos. Ask the seller for a walk-around video.

Step 5

Verify hours & history

Low hours for the year are a green flag. Ask for service records, ownership history, and whether it came from a rental fleet.

Step 6

Message the dealer

Ask specific questions. A responsive, transparent seller is usually a trustworthy seller. Use our in-app messaging to keep a record.

Step 7

Make an offer or buy

Submit a fair offer based on the AI Price Score. Agree on payment terms, get a bill of sale, and arrange insured shipping.

Step 8

Arrange shipping & delivery

Get an instant shipping quote from the listing page. Confirm insurance coverage, delivery date, and inspect the machine on arrival before signing off.

Step 9

Service & put it to work

Change fluids and filters, grease all pivot points, and run a full function check before the first job. Log hours from day one to protect resale value.