Your 2025 Guide to Buying Used Construction Equipment

Buying used construction equipment is not just about saving a few bucks; it is often the smartest move a contractor can make. With the steep price tags on brand-new machinery, going the pre-owned route frees up serious cash that can be reinvested into other parts of your business.

There was a boom in used construction equipment sales after 2020 when the supply of new equipment was quite low. Even now that supply levels for new equipment have risen, it still often makes more sense to invest in used machines, since buying solid, reliable machinery without the hefty price tag can make a real difference.

Plus, new equipment does depreciate, sometimes losing around 20%+ of its value within the first year alone. By choosing used, you avoid that potential drop and stretch your investment much further. This can be especially important if you are a small to midsize contractor trying to scale your operation or diversify your fleet without overextending yourself financially.

With the money you save purchasing used construction equipment, you can afford to buy multiple machines or reinvest in other critical areas like skilled labour, maintenance, or new technology upgrades. This creates more flexibility and breathing room in your overall business strategy.

There is also the bonus of proven reliability, as machines that have already been field-tested under real working conditions are less of a mystery. When bought from reputable equipment dealers, used equipment can often come with detailed maintenance records, inspection reports, and even limited warranties, giving you peace of mind. In the end, it is all about matching the right machine to the right job without overextending your budget.

Essential Tips for Purchasing Used Construction Equipment

Before diving into the used equipment market, it is important to approach the process with a clear strategy and an informed mindset. While buying used can offer major savings and flexibility, doing your homework upfront can make all the difference between a smart investment and a costly mistake.

The following are some important tips to keep in mind when you are looking to purchase used construction equipment:

1. Define What You Actually Need

Before you even think about browsing listings, it is vital to take a step back and clearly define what you are looking for. This goes beyond just saying, “I need an excavator”; you need to consider the nature of your projects, the environment you will be working in, and the types of materials you will be handling.

For instance, are you digging in soft soil or cutting through rock? Will the machine be used daily or only for occasional jobs? And, are there specific attachments you will need, like a breaker, auger, or grapple?

Choosing the right size class for your current jobs, plus considering what types of jobs you want to tackle in the future, should help dictate your purchase.

Getting specific about your needs will help you avoid overpaying for extra features or buying something that does not quite fit the job. It also makes your search process much more efficient—you will know what to filter for, what specs matter most, and what you can ignore.

2. Set A Realistic, All-In Budget

Establishing a budget is one of the most crucial steps in the process when it comes to buying used construction equipment, but it is also one that many buyers rush through. It is easy to focus solely on the purchase price, but the total cost of ownership can vary significantly depending on the machine’s condition, age, and how you plan to use it.

Beyond the initial price, you should also consider regular maintenance, potential repairs, fuel consumption, insurance premiums, and the cost of storing the equipment when it is not in use.

Do not overlook transportation fees either, as getting a machine to your site is not always simple or cheap. A good rule of thumb is to leave room in your budget for surprises. That way, you are not scrambling when unexpected expenses pop up, and you will not have to compromise on quality or safety because the numbers got tight.

3. Inspect The Machine In Person

Photos and descriptions only show so much; there is no substitute for seeing the machine up close. When looking at used construction equipment for sale, a visual inspection allows you to catch things that might have been glossed over or completely missed in an online listing. Look for obvious issues like dents, rust, oil leaks, and worn-out parts, but also take note of more subtle signs of neglect, like loose components or poor repairs.

If you are not confident in your ability to assess the condition, bring along a trusted mechanic or operator who knows what to look for. Pay close attention to high-wear areas, such as the undercarriage, joints, hoses, and electrical systems. Start the machine up if possible to check how it runs, listen for strange noises, observe smoke levels, and test hydraulic responsiveness. These details can give you a much clearer sense of how the machine was used and how much it might have left.

4. Request & Review Maintenance Records

Maintenance records are like a medical history for a machine—they tell you how well it has been cared for and what kind of shape it is likely in. A machine that has had regular oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, and timely part repairs is generally a safer bet than one with a spotty or nonexistent service history. When reviewing records, pay attention to consistency and try to verify whether the service intervals are in line with manufacturer recommendations.

Additionally, pay attention to whether or not the machine has had any major breakdowns or major part replacements. A machine that has been properly maintained is less likely to surprise you with major issues, and having those records can also help with resale value down the line. Keep in mind, this equipment is designed to work in tough conditions, breaking stone, digging, pushing, etc. Any piece of used equipment is going to show signs of wear and tear – it’s the nature of the equipment. But, if the seller is reluctant or unable to provide documentation, consider it a warning sign; a lack of maintenance history often means a lack of maintenance, period.

Why Oaken Equipment Is a Fantastic Source for Top-Quality Used Construction Equipment for Sale

If you want to save your business a huge amount of money while still expanding your construction fleet, you can count on Oaken Equipment for top-notch used construction equipment.

As Canada’s largest Bobcat dealer network, we have a serious footprint in Ontario, with locations in Toronto, Windsor, Barrie, and Muskoka. Each location is fully equipped to support contractors, landscapers, and builders with the tools they need to get the job done right. Our pre-owned inventory is packed with hard-working machines that still have plenty of life left in them.

We offer an impressive and constantly evolving selection of top-tier Bobcat machines, from compact track loaders and skid-steers to mini excavators and utility vehicles. So, no matter what kind of projects you are working on, we are sure that we can provide exactly what you need.

Every one of our used machines is inspected and backed by the same commitment to quality that defines the Bobcat name. Plus, if you are looking for extra peace of mind, our Bobcat Certified Pre-Owned lineup includes added warranty coverage, so you can buy used without sacrificing reliability.
For more information about our assortment of used construction equipment, or to learn more about why we are among the most reliable equipment dealers, call Oaken Equipment at 1-888-861-1447 or contact us here.