Experience Sharing--6 Heavy Equipment Accessories You Should be Buying Used

Being in the construction business is hard work. This is especially true if a crew is presented with a task and doesn't have the proper equipment to carry it out. After all, digging, lifting, and drilling all require very specialized tools.
If you find your heavy equipment is going to require an extra accessory in order to finish a particular job, the cost of purchasing the new part will cut into your profits. This pill becomes even more difficult to swallow if you have the proper accessories and attachments but something breaks down during the job.
Luckily, you can reduce the cost of any necessary-but-pricey attachments by buying them secondhand. Below are 6 of the accessories we recommend purchasing used whenever possible.
#1: Buckets
Digging and moving without the right bucket can be a frustrating experience, to say the least. Therefore, it's a good idea to invest in the proper bucket lineup for whatever jobs you specialize in. For instance, if you're working with an excavator, you probably already have a digging bucket but might be in need of a rock bucket.
Fortunately, used buckets are generally easy to find and they tend to be in good condition, considering their durable build.
#2: Forks
Loaders that support many attachments have a variety of uses. For instance, a set of forks attached to the front end of your machine can help your crew lift and move heavy loads. Forks like these can be found in great used condition fairly easily.
#3: Drills
Having a broken drill can put a real damper on a project. It's important to keep in mind that these accessories should be thoroughly checked for damage before you buy.
When inspecting the drill, be sure the mechanical components are sound by listening carefully for unusual noises and testing each control setting.
#4: Augers
An auger can be an incredibly handy tool to have around if you foresee your crew drilling into the ground in the future. When inspecting a used auger, check for a straight frame that is free of damage. Damaged and misaligned frames can cause excessive wear on components.
#5: Booms
Useful when lifting and moving trees, large equipment, and other heavy loads, booms are nice to have available whether or not you need them right away. Start watching for a used option and you will almost certainly find one before the need arises. Keeping it on hand will save you money and headaches in the long run.
#6: Grapples
Moving large bunches of trees or brush is a difficult thing to do without the proper equipment. The same can be said of site cleanup. Fortunately, grapples can help with both of these tasks and more.
When choosing a used grapple, ensure you're buying an attachment of the proper yield strength and type. Additionally, ask if you can see the grapple in action to be certain the internal mechanisms are in good working order.
By shopping for these accessories via auctions and used-item sales, you can save yourself a lot of money while still providing your crew with quality equipment.