Year on year, the increase in popularity of wheel loaders, telehandlers and pivot steer loaders on Irish farms is evident. New registrations across these types of machines are nearing 1,100 units annually, representing a major jump over the past decade.

This, in addition to the large number of imports from the UK and further afield, means that the number of machines on the used market has also increased significantly.

Farmers who do not require or maybe cannot justify a new machine tend to look to the secondhand market to satisfy their needs and budget. In this article, we focus in particular on pivot steer loaders, what to look out for, what to be aware of and what to avoid.

Do the hours match the wear?

A first glance at the general condition of any machine will tell you a lot about how it has been treated. Large body panels such as bonnets are very expensive to replace, so any damage should be taken into account. The machine should be started and allowed to run for five to 10 minutes before test driving. Keep an eye out while examining the machine for plates and labels on components checking that the date stamped matches the age of the machine.

For example, a 2012 machine with a component such as a hydraulic pump that has a plate stamped 2017 would indicate that it has been replaced at some point.

Rule number one for me when it comes to buying used tractors or loaders is whether the hours match the wear. Down through the years farmers have told us horror stories of used machines they purchased which seemed genuine, only to come across a ‘next service due’ sticker or card in the cab or under the bonnet several months later with far more hours than they were led to believe upon purchasing.

Without diagnostic software, even an experienced person may find it difficult to prove whether the hours on a machine are genuine, despite carrying out a rigorous inspection. What’s more is that it might not be the seller who actually clocked the machine, but a previous owner.

This is where it pays to purchase machines off a genuine dealer where you have a comeback.

Also, potential buyers should check that the serial numbers on the vehicle identification number (VIN) plate match the serial numbers displayed elsewhere. Alert the dealer if there are any discrepancies.

Wearing points expensive to replace

Regular service intervals and consistent greasing will determine the lifespan of any machine. The main points of wear and tear to watch out for on articulated loaders are the central pivot point, steering rams, bushes and pins. Such machines can be costly to re-bush, so take this into consideration. If worn pins and bushes are left too long without being replaced, damage to the housing or frame can occur, resulting in a larger problem that will likely require specialist attention.

To check wear within the main pivot point, apply downwards pressure on the implement against the ground until it begins lifting the front wheels.

Have someone closely watch the pivot point for looseness. If the boom frame edges closer to the windscreen (more than 20mm) this is an indication of significant wear – approach with caution and inform the seller.

Wear and tear on pins usually tells you one of two things. That the machine was poorly greased over its working life or that it has been subject to quite a bit of hard work. A fresh machine with low hours shouldn’t need pins and bushes replaced if it has been well maintained. That said, don’t be afraid of a machine that has had this work carried out if it is otherwise in good condition and the hours justify it.

Tyre condition will have a bearing on the valuation of the machine and will give a potential buyer a good indication of the hours the machine has clocked up.

The headstock on any type of loader usually ends up subject to the most wear and tear as a result of bucket shaking and constant movement – a lack of grease will always speed up the wear process that should take a number of years if well-greased. Ensure the hydraulic locking pins are moving freely with no oil leaks.

The boom should be extended and inspected for any cracks, bends or any sideways or lateral movement. Ideally, there should also be grease on the walls. A screeching noise when extending the boom will indicate a lack of grease. Most booms are fitted with wear pads so check their condition.

Cab

Similar to exterior condition, the condition inside the cab gives a good indication of how well the machine was maintained by the previous owner(s). It is vital that the load monitor indicator (LMI) is working. This is a safety device that is present in all telehandlers.

All joystick functions, along with switch gear, should be tested, making sure everything does what is intended, including boom suspension and lights, etc.

The dash should be checked, ensuring there are no warning lights illuminated. The temperature gauge should be monitored and unless being worked very hard, it should not pass the halfway mark. If fitted with a reversible fan, check that it is working.

Engine

Most importantly, the engine should be clean and dry, run well and not be too smoky. Potential buyers should ask about service intervals and check the oil by pulling the dipstick (when cold). Most dealers tend to carry out an oil and fuel filter service before the machine is sold. If not, oil should have a good viscosity and not be overly black in colour. Gloopy, dark black oil indicates the engine has gone past its service interval. Our advice, if buying a machine, is to have it fully serviced if you are unsure when it was last done.

The breather pipe on the underbody of the machine should be free of dripping oil or smoke. If smoke is coming out, it may indicate a number of possible problems including head gasket issues.

The radiator should be inspected for damage. Coolant should be at the recommended level in the expansion bottle and not leaking – open the bottle and inspect the coolant. Coolant should show no signs of contaminants, such as oil, or be rusty in colour. A machine with signs of oil present in its coolant should be avoided, as this is generally a sign of head gasket failure.

The air filter should be checked to see if it is full of dust; another indication of how well the machine was looked after. A blocked air breather will put a serious strain on both the turbo and the engine. Again, most reputable dealers will replace this as part of a pre-sale service.

Transmission and axles

The handiest way to check a powershift transmission is to drive the machine forwards and in reverse in each gear. It should move smoothly and without slippage. Generally, if well maintained, a transmission should see a loader through its lifetime.

Depending on how many hours the machine has clocked up and the work it has carried out, the brakes may need to be done. The brakes should react to force being applied to the pedal. Non-responsive brakes pose a serious safety hazard and will leave the buyer with a costly repair bill. Axle hubs should be checked for any leakages.

Hydraulics

The easiest way to check the hydraulics is to test all functions and ensure they are responsive at the same time. The boom should be extended while lifting and tilting it at the same time. These functions should work comfortably together. While test driving, test out the boom suspension to check that it works and engages and disengages as it should.

The hydraulic system should be checked for leaks and/or perished hoses. Ram seals should be checked for leaks too. If an internal seal is damaged, it can be a costly job to replace and will leave the machine out of action for a period of time.

An overdue hydraulic oil and filter service can slow the hydraulic system and indicate how well the machine has been cared for. Most machines will have a sight glass where you can check the hydraulic oil level. The condition of the oil should also be checked. Milky-looking oil is usually a sign that water has managed to get into the system.