{"id":322,"date":"2012-09-27T14:57:11","date_gmt":"2012-09-27T14:57:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.attachmart.com\/blog\/?p=322"},"modified":"2026-01-27T18:17:59","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T18:17:59","slug":"tips-on-buying-a-new-or-used-attachment-for-construction-equipment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.attachmart.com\/blog\/tips-on-buying-a-new-or-used-attachment-for-construction-equipment\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Tips On Buying A New Or Used Attachment"},"content":{"rendered":"

Attachments are at the business end of all construction equipment and they are crucial to machine performance.\u00a0\u00a0 Replacement becomes necessary when the attachment wears out or when job requirements change.\u00a0 Buying a used attachment often makes good economic sense especially when the cost of a new attachment approaches or exceeds the value of the host machine.\u00a0\u00a0 However, selecting a used attachment can be tricky and you certainly don\u2019t want to end up with someone else\u2019s headache.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Here are\u00a0six common sense suggestions to consider when purchasing any attachment, new or used:.<\/p>\n

1. Compatibility with your machine<\/strong>. To function properly, the attachment must be compatible with your machine. There are several aspects to compatibility: a) The attachment must have sufficient strength to withstand the forces exerted by the host machine.\u00a0\u00a0 b) The attachment must be within a size and weight range that will allow the machine to operate at its full capability.\u00a0 For example, a bucket that is too large and\/or too heavy may cause your machine to be unstable and slow down cycle times. c) The attachment\u2019s hydraulic system, if so equipped, must be compatible with the machine\u2019s hydraulic output. If your machine is not equipped with a control package includi\"\"<\/a>ng pumps, valves and lines to the attachment, these items will need to be purchased and installed. d) The lugging on the attachment, whether set up for a pin-on connection or quick coupler, must match your machine.\u00a0\u00a0 Most attachment manufacturers or their local distributors can provide information about machine compatibility.<\/p>\n

2. Jobsite requirements<\/strong>. To ensure that your new attachment will meet the needs of your jobsite, be sure to check out overall physical dimensions of the attachment and\u00a0of your jobsite including reach requirements.\u00a0\u00a0Also\u00a0consider the\u00a0capacity and robustness of the attachment.\u00a0\u00a0 For example, if you\u2019re buying an excavator grapple for handling rock, here are a few questions to ask:\u00a0\u00a0 a)\u00a0 Will the grapple fit into confined spaces such as truck beds and hoppers?\u00a0\u00a0 b)\u00a0 Does the excavator\u2019s working envelope provide the vertical and horizontal reach needed to grab and discharge the load?\u00a0\u00a0 c) Will the grapple\u2019s capacity meet your production targets?\u00a0 d)\u00a0\u00a0 Is the grapple durable enough to last the lifetime of the project?\u00a0\u00a0 You may also want to consider transportability and the affect the attachment will have on machine weight and overall transport dimensions.<\/p>\n

3. Quality<\/strong>. Some brands of equipment are household names while others may be completely foreign to you. Does your prospective brand have a reputation for quality? Quality attachments use higher grade materials that may include the use of castings or forgings. They also exhibit good workmanship especially in the areas of welding, heat treating and precision machining. And finally, they incorporate wear parts that offer superior service life.\u00a0\u00a0 If your livelihood depends on the continued operation of your machine \u2013 the quality of your attachment is no place to skimp.<\/p>\n

4. Condition <\/strong>is a key factor in the selection of a used attachment. It\u2019s not uncommon to find attachments that are in \u201clike new\u201d condition or ones that have been refurbished or completely rebuilt. At the other end of the spectrum are those that are ready for the scrap pile;\u00a0 most, however, fall somewhere in between. Whenever possible inspect the attachment personally or have it inspected by an trusted source.\u00a0\u00a0 Ask the seller for maintenance records or a description of any recent repairs. Responsible sellers are happy to answer your questions and provide digital photos of critical wear areas.<\/p>\n

5. Safety<\/strong>. Some attachments, in the course of normal operation, may pose a risk to the operator or anyone in close proximity to the machine.\u00a0 For example machines engaged in logging and demolition are equipped with guarding for the cab and\u00a0other vulnerable parts of the machine.\u00a0\u00a0 Other modifications may also be necessary such\u00a0as adding extra counterweight or a gauge widener\u00a0for better stability;\u00a0 installing a cab riser for improved operator visibility; or adding warning decals.\u00a0 If you have questions, contact the manufacturer for recommendations.<\/p>\n

6. After-Sale Support<\/strong>.\u00a0 The more complex the attachment, the greater the need for after-sale support.\u00a0 Be sure to check out the availability of parts. \u00a0 Find out if you can get the attachment serviced in your area.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Is a warranty being offered?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Get the details.<\/p>\n

Some final thoughts:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Your attachment may represent only a small percentage of the total machine cost, but it\u2019s 100% of the action.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If the attachment goes down \u2013 your machine is down.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Whenever possible, make sure that the attachment you select matches the quality and durability\u00a0of your machine.<\/p>\n

Finally, there is no substitute for dealing with people and companies you know and trust.\u00a0\u00a0 Bargains abound on the internet, but a bargain quickly evaporates if the purchase doesn\u2019t meet your expectations.\u00a0\u00a0 Approach internet sales with caution and common sense.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Check out the product and<\/em> the seller.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Attachments are at the business end of all construction equipment and they are crucial to machine performance.\u00a0\u00a0 Replacement becomes necessary when the attachment wears out or when job requirements change.\u00a0 Buying a used attachment often makes good economic sense especially when the cost of a new attachment approaches or exceeds the value of the host […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"title":"6 Tips On Buying A New Or Used Attachment - Attachment News & Announcements - Attachmart.com's Blog","description":"Attachments are at the business end of all construction equipment and they are crucial to machine performance.\u00a0\u00a0 Replacement becomes necessary when the attachme"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-322","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.attachmart.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/322","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.attachmart.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.attachmart.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.attachmart.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.attachmart.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=322"}],"version-history":[{"count":53,"href":"https:\/\/www.attachmart.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/322\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4703,"href":"https:\/\/www.attachmart.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/322\/revisions\/4703"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.attachmart.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=322"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.attachmart.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=322"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.attachmart.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=322"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}