How to actually buy a used machine
Operator-written, no fluff. Checklists you can print, decision trees you can argue with, and a few opinions we hold because we see the same mistakes every month.
How to inspect a second-hand excavator before you buy
A 42-point physical + paperwork checklist for excavators 15–40t, used by our yard team on every machine. Printable at the bottom.
EU export: EUR1, CMR, CE — what every document actually does
The paperwork chain that moves a machine from Altrip to any EU destination, decoded in plain language.
Operating hours vs. machine condition — which number should you trust?
Two excavators, 6,500 hours each. One is a bargain, one is a black hole. Here is how we tell the difference.
Financing a used machine: leasing, operational, cash — picking the right path
Tax deductibility, cash-flow impact, residual value risk, and what works best for a 3–5 year holding period.
Caterpillar, Komatsu, Volvo — honest trade-offs between the big three
Parts availability, resale ceilings, service network density, operator comfort. No favouritism, just operational data.