EN
There are a number of different things which must be considered when purchasing a used cherry picker. Cherry pickers are most commonly used in construction for lifting staff or equipment to height, or they are widely used within the landscaping and maintenance trade; to help trim trees or to carry out various maintenance work. Luchang are all too aware that these cherry pickers are vital for jobs to be carried out efficiently and safely. Prior to purchasing a second-hand cherry picker it is important that you are able to inspect it properly to avoid any potential risks or to ensure you can purchase at the right price.
Used Cherry Pickers to Consider Buying:
When purchasing a second-hand cherry picker there are few things which you must pay particular attention to, such as general condition, for example, does it look to be well looked after? Or have you noticed signs of damage or rust on the framework? These factors will significantly weaken the structure of the cherry picker over time and are indicative of a machine which has not been cared for, the parts to which you should pay most attention are the hydraulic system, which helps the cherry picker to telescope, extend and reach heights as needed. Any oil leakages or difficult control movement will demonstrate a system which needs work or even replacement parts.
Check the tires; are they severely worn?
Do they appear to have any noticeable wear and tear or cracks? Uneven or worn tires could pose a health and safety risk by not allowing the platform to stand on a level surface. Last to consider are the safety parts, for example are the rails in good working order? Are they clearly visible and easy to access? Is the emergency stop button in the correct place for immediate operation and can it be accessed by a worker at all times? Think about when the machine was last serviced, how many hours does the cherry picker have on the clock? These aspects can give you an idea as to its longevity over the next few years, if possible try to see as many service records as you can to know just how it was maintained, by who and how often.
Cherry Pickers, the Check:
To really analyze the used cherry picker you must check it to a certain extent. Begin by examining the engine as an unreliable one will cost time and money through breakdowns. Test to see how it runs and listen to any sounds it makes and whether they seem out of the ordinary. Number of hours are also a critical point as the more a machine has been used the more likely it will have been exposed to high pressures and stresses. Examine the basket of the towable cherry picker rental carefully, people stand in these for extended amounts of time and they must be in pristine condition with no cracks.
Check all of the buttons on the controls within the basket are all in perfect working order and that when one is pressed the associated mechanism activates with immediate speed; if buttons are stiff then they could possibly be replaced or a more substantial problem. Now examine the boom and what it does to the lift of the cherry picker. Are there any dents or signs of it being broken or bent as this may mean it is extremely weak and not as strong as it needs to be; these issues are of paramount importance due to the dangers of working at height.
Consider the weight capacity of the machine at all times, more efficiency is greater than less, so if a better rated cherry picker is within your budget it will carry more weight to fulfill the requirements of your job. Remember to consider what brands and models will perform the most efficiently for what you are requiring it for, some models are made a lot more sturdily than others and some are known for their reliability. It is important not to be impulsive when looking at used machines and it may be worthwhile taking the time to consult with another worker or specialist before committing to a purchase.
Safety:
Safety has always been and will always be the primary aspect when looking for used cherry pickers not only for the operator's welfare, but also the individuals below who's safety cannot be guaranteed. Working with cherry pickers requires the machine and any associated machinery such as safety harnesses to be working at optimal level. When inspecting a harness check it for any fraying of the rope/strap and ensure all fastenings can secure an individual firmly.
Test all of the levers, buttons and switches to guarantee any function the cherry picker has can be smoothly activated at a controlled speed without becoming too stiff or delayed. If the harness does not appear to be adequate then a new one may be needed which will take away from the affordability. Safety at height also relates to the stability and maneuverability of the machine. Four equal, intact, puncture and crack-free wheels are important to keep the vehicle on level ground and ensure balance when raised at significant heights. Rust, cracked paint, dented framework, and even minor signs of damage must be identified and rectified as these could cause fatal failures.
Price:
Having covered safety, it is time to analyze the costs. Bargaining is certainly key when purchasing a second-hand cherry picker rental and should begin before the negotiation process with researching the price of a second hand machine which is the same as the one you're about to buy. As you are evaluating it, consider its value and question the seller thoroughly concerning how old it is and how many hours the machine has on the clock and whether it has any defects or issues, the more information you can find on the machine, the more likely you are to be able to persuade the seller to lower the cost of the machine.
Negotiating the price may involve pointing out the cost of repairs needed due to defects as this represents an increased cost to you which may prompt them to be more reasonable. If the seller refuses to compromise on price and you believe that the cost is unreasonable, don't be afraid to turn around and look elsewhere as you may well find a better deal on another machine that perfectly meets your requirements, and don't ever purchase if you aren't entirely sure!