Mining Equipment Buyer Guide

• Typical used price ranges: Small equipment ($50,000 - $300,000), Medium ($300,000 - $1,500,000), Large (>$1,500,000 to $5,000,000+).
• Operating weight ranges from 20 tons for smaller excavators and dozers to over 400 tons for large haul trucks and 1000+ tons for draglines.
• Typical hours-of-life: 15,000-25,000+ hours for major components with proper maintenance; some frames can last much longer.
• Fuel usage is high, ranging from 10-50 gallons per hour for smaller units to 200-500+ gallons per hour for the largest haul trucks and excavators.
• Common attachments: Rock buckets, rippers, hydraulic hammers, grapples, crushers, screens, drills, blasthole bits, conveyors.
• Jobsite uses: Overburden removal, ore extraction, rock crushing and screening, material hauling, drilling and blasting, road building within mines.
• Maintenance cycles are critical and often measured in 250, 500, 1000, and 2000-hour intervals, impacting operational costs significantly.
• Most modern mining equipment incorporates advanced GPS, automation, and telematics for enhanced efficiency and safety.

• 1Inspect frame for cracks, especially around high-stress areas like boom mounts, kingpins, and suspension points on haul trucks.
• 2Check undercarriage components (rollers, idlers, sprockets, tracks) for wear beyond serviceable limits; look for uneven wear patterns.
• 3Examine all hydraulic cylinders for leaks, pitting on rods, and proper extension/retraction; listen for unusual noises from the pump.
• 4Assess the boom and stick for welds, distortions, and excessive pin/bushing play, indicating heavy use or abuse.
• 5Inspect the bucket or bed for structural integrity, excessive wear on cutting edges, liners, and floor plates.
• 6Review the engine compartment for oil leaks, unusual deposits, and signs of poor maintenance; check turbocharger for shaft play.
• 7Verify hour meter readings against service records and ECM data; inconsistencies can be a major red flag.
• 8Request detailed service history records to confirm adherence to OEM maintenance schedules and identify recurring issues.
• 9Evaluate tire condition (tread depth, sidewall integrity, repairs) on wheeled equipment, as replacement costs are substantial.
• 10Access telematics data (if available) for insights into operator performance, fault codes, fuel consumption trends, and idle time.

Commonly-reported issues from operators and technicians. Every machine varies — always inspect before you buy.