While a second-life grader may not be the precision machine required on some jobs, a well-maintained machine still has years of useful life ahead of it.
By Marcia Gruver Doyle
“I’ve taught all my guys to go through a machine’s power train first and then go on to the working tools, which on a grader is primarily the blade,” says Max Miller, used equipment manager and branch manager, Murphy Tractor & Equipment, Gering, Nebraska. And with 30 years of experience, Miller has taught a number of people the fine points of how to thoroughly inspect used machines.
And so we head first to the engine compartment on our inspection machine, a 1997 John Deere 770CH. Miller pulls the engine oil dipstick and notes there are no problems that can be seen with the naked eye with either the oil cleanliness or level. (In addition to the visual inspection, always get an oil analysis report.) If there is discoloration, it could mean the machine has engine issues. A milky substance would indicate the presence of water in the crankcase, which could be the sign of a blown head gasket.
Next Miller checks for leaks. “Everywhere there’s a gasket there’s an opportunity for a leak,” he says, so there are a number of areas to be checked, including between the valve cover and the head, the head and the block, the block and the intercooler and the block and the turbocharger. Other places for potential leaks in the engine compartment include the oil pan, transfer pump, fuel injection pump, around fuel supply lines, water pump and exhaust manifold. While in the compartment, also look at the engine belts to determine if they need replacing.
Also check coolant, transmission and hydraulic fluids and take note of all fluid levels, Miller says. “If they are all low or overfull, that’s suspicious,” he says. Coolant should be clear and clean of any corrosion or oil.
While the radiator is cold, examine the condition of the upper and lower mounts on the radiator and whether there any leaks in the top and lower tanks. Make sure the fins are clean and intact, the core is in good condition and note any hose leaks. Look for any signs of coolant leaks in frame. Coolant leaks can also show up as chalky deposits on the radiator seams.
