When you buy a used machine from JCB (or any reputable brand), you benefit from lower cost, proven reliability and often good support. According to JCB themselves, used machines avoid the steep early depreciation that new machines face, and an approved used machine can still deliver strong return on investment.
But buying second-hand also means you must be thorough: the condition, service history, wear and tear, parts availability and legal documentation all matter.
1. Define your equipment needs
Begin by clearly determining what you need the machine for: digging trenches, loading, demolition, material handling, working in tight spaces, etc. The job type will determine size, power, reach and attachments required.
If you pick a machine that’s too big, too small or wrong type, you’ll either pay more than necessary or get inefficiencies.
2. Check machine age, usage hours and history
In a used machine the number of operating hours (or crushing cycles) tells you how much wear to expect.
Also check the service history: Was it maintained properly? Are records available? Machines with bad maintenance are riskier.
3. Inspect physical condition & key components
A full visual and operational inspection is essential. Some specific checks:
- Boom, stick (arm) and bucket: look for leaks, cracks, repairs, welds, missing bucket teeth.
- Hydraulic system: check cylinders, hoses, leaks, dents or bends — these can cause fluid ingress or failure.
- Undercarriage / tires / axles / transmission (for wheeled machines) or tracks / rollers (for tracked machines): wear here is expensive.
- General structure: look for rust, damage, welds, cracks.
- Take the machine for a test-run if possible: Does it run smoothly? Any unusual noise? How do hydraulics respond? Does it dig, lift and swing properly?
4. Verify documentation & legal status
Ensure you get all relevant documents: registration (if applicable), insurance, pollution control, ownership papers. Even for construction machines, legal clarity is important.
Check the seller’s credibility. Are they a trusted dealer? Are parts available for this machine? These matter particularly in the used market.
5. Check spare-parts availability & support
Even a well-used machine can work well if parts and service support exist. But older or obscure models may suffer from lack of spare parts, which results in high downtime or cost.
Also ask about any warranty or service plan offered with the used machine—it adds confidence.
6. Compare price, negotiate and evaluate total cost of ownership
Don’t just look at the purchase price — factor in expected repair costs, downtime, fuel consumption, attachments, transport to your site, etc. Compare similar machines in the market to get a benchmark.
Negotiate based on condition, documented issues, remaining useful life. If you find significant hidden wear (e.g., undercarriage near end-life), you should negotiate accordingly.
7. Ensure safety, compliance & suitability
Make sure the machine meets safety standards (ROPS/FOPS, correct attachments, operational safety features). If you are working in regulated zones, emissions compliance and operator safety matter.
Also check whether the machine’s size, reach and power suit your site conditions—too big might be unwieldy, too small may underperform.
8. After purchase: maintenance & monitoring
Once purchased, a used machine still needs proper maintenance. Follow scheduled servicing, keep records, monitor performance. A machine that’s looked after will retain value and perform better.
Also establish a plan for inspection, and if possible, telematics or usage logging (for JCB, some machines have “LiveLink” type systems) to monitor health and productivity.
Summary
In short: if you are considering a used JCB machine, it’s not just about the upfront price. It’s about matching the machine to your needs, inspecting condition thoroughly, verifying documentation, checking support and spare-parts availability, negotiating wisely, and committing to future maintenance. With the right approach you can get a machine that works hard for you and pays its way. But skip the due diligence and you may pick up a headache.