When purchasing tools you need to ensure that they are of high quality so as to serve their intended purposes. The same principle applies when searching for construction equipment, only the consequences of using low quality construction equipment are greater than using poor quality hand tools. Low grade building materials can lead to large unexpected costs later on in the project which you will have no choice but to pay out of your pocket. This being said it is especially important that you buy top-quality heavy machinery if you are serious about running a profitable business/construction site. It is also good business practice not to skimp on new work vehicles and equipment; this way new customers know that they will be receiving new (or at least well) products after purchase, which does wonders for your service’s reputation.

With so many brands and models of construction equipment it can be difficult to determine which product is of high quality and which is junk-bond material. With this article I will provide you with some tips on how to weed out low grade products from truly top-notch pieces of heavy machinery:

Look for a Seal

The first step in choosing quality heavy equipment is to look for a seal. If the manufacturer has gone through the trouble and expense of applying and maintaining a safety/certification seal then that shows that they stand by their workmanship and overall product performance. The most prevalent seals you should be looking for are ISO, CSA, DEMKO, TUV Rheinland, CE, UL/ETL, and FM Approvals. These seals go to show that the equipment has been rigorously tested for safety purposes as well as to measure performance of certain components such as motors and engines.

High Quality Materials

The next step is to ensure that high quality materials have been used in the construction of the product. Top-of-the-line heavy machinery will almost always be manufactured with top-quality steel, stainless steel, or titanium and other renowned metals such as aluminum and magnesium alloys. The metal components should also be thoroughly rust resistant and corrosion free. Look for words like “high strength,” “heat treated,” and “grade 5” when describing the metal build.

Look at the Country of Origin

Another tip is to look at where the equipment was manufactured. For small, low quality tools such as screwdrivers this may not matter much but if you’re looking at buying a new backhoe/excavator then you want to purchase one that has been made in the United States. Construction equipment made overseas is usually of lower quality and lacks the same safety features as those manufactured in America.

Use a Trusted Supplier

Finally, it is important to choose a supplier that has no qualms about standing by their products after they have been sold. If you’re buying your product from a company such as Harbor Freight then there is an incredibly good chance that you will be dealing with sub-par machinery that breaks down frequently and requires lots of expensive repairs. Choose a reputable brand such as Volvo or John Deere if possible; these companies are known for their top-notch customer service which includes quick fixes on faulty components within warranty periods.