Three Steps to Inspecting a Used Tower Crane
Buying a used tower crane is like a blind date; first impressions are important, but details determine success or failure. We recommend checking it according to these steps:
Visual Inspection: Check the degree of rust on the steel structure, whether the welds are cracked, and whether there are any leaks in the hydraulic lines.
Dynamic Testing: Run each mechanism under no-load, listen for abnormal noises from the gearbox, and test the stability of the slewing brake.
Document Verification: The factory certificate of conformity, the most recent annual inspection report, and the user registration certificate are all indispensable.
Price Assessment Requires Expertise: Pricing a used tower crane is like auctioning antiques; it requires considering multiple factors:
Service Life: Equipment with a residual value of approximately 60% within 5 years may have a residual value of less than 30% after 8 years.
Brand Differences: Mainstream brands typically command a 15%-20% higher resale value than generic brands.
Operating Condition Records: Equipment used for wind power installation depreciates faster.
Spare Parts Inventory: The presence of spare wire ropes, limit switches, etc., can increase the valuation by 5%-8%.
Trading Pitfalls Guide
These hidden traps can turn your used equipment into a "hot potato":
Assembled Equipment: Mixing different tower crane parts may cause compatibility issues.
Over-Refurbishment: New paint may cover up fatal defects such as structural cracks.
Regional Restrictions: Some regions have environmental restrictions on equipment from specific years.
After-Sales Service Gap: Repair costs for equipment without original manufacturer support can double.
