You don’t just shop for a wheel loader or excavator — you shop for the whole dealership. This equipment dealer guide will help you understand why.
Construction and industrial equipment dealers now play bigger roles in their customers’ businesses. Look at it as a partnership for equipment sales, service, parts, rental and telematics support.
That means there’s more to consider than just specs when you buy a machine. A new machine can spark a years-long relationship. Find a dealer who delivers on parts and regular maintenance to protect your uptime and your bottom line.
It’s a decision that can matter just as much as the brand behind your machine. So how do you size ‘em up? Here’s a buyer’s guide to finding an equipment dealer.
Types of Heavy Equipment Dealers
Heavy equipment dealers vary in size and scope. Some dealers have multiple locations or branches that operate in one or more states. Other dealers may have a single store and serve a dedicated group of customers in one area. Both are capable of serving customers and their sales, parts and service needs.
It’s also worth noting that some dealers may have a dedicated rental department stocked with a variety of heavy construction equipment like excavators, wheel loaders, dozers and attachments. These items are often available for daily, weekly, monthly or long-term rentals for a construction project. Ask the dealer for its rental rate sheet and compare prices.
A growing trend among dealers, particularly those serving large metropolitan areas, is to offer parts-only locations. This strategy enhances the accessibility of genuine parts for customers and minimizes their travel time from job sites to the dealer for parts purchases.
Evaluating Dealer Inventory and Equipment Options
Consider the dealer’s inventory. Check their website for a list of new and used machines, or visit the dealer and review the inventory firsthand.
In addition to looking at machines, examine the availability of attachments for purchase or rent. Does the dealer keep an inventory of common excavator and wheel loader buckets? What about specialty attachments like hydraulic breakers and thumbs?
If you’re serious about purchasing a machine, ask the dealer staff about trade-in options for both new and used heavy machinery and industrial equipment.
How Equipment Buyers Should Gauge Area Dealers
Compare the locations where you work to those of equipment dealers in your city or region. If you work statewide, or in a multistate area, look for a multisite dealer across that same area.
Next, ask around. Your industry peers in the area will likely know about the dealers on your short list. Reviews exist online, too — just take them with a grain of salt.
Now it’s time to reach out and contact an equipment dealer. Write down every single question you may have — not just about the machine, but about service capacities, too. Consider these to start:
- How long does it take the dealer to dispatch technicians to the field?
- How many technicians are there, and what are their experience levels?
- How might fleet management tools like telematics work into the dealer’s
- support strategy, and can the dealer measure operational costs?
- How long does the dealer keep its maintenance records?
- How many parts does the dealer keep in stock?
Then, once you’re speaking directly with a dealer, fire away. Remember: every detail — even the way you’re greeted on the phone — can offer a hint at that dealer’s level of quality and service.
Dealer Support and Additional Services
Your dealer is more than an equipment supplier — it’s your business partner for success. If you’re ready to purchase a piece of equipment, it’s time to find out about financing options.
- What financing options does the dealer offer? What are the interest rates for each option?
- Can you get preapproved for financing?
- What are the down payment requirements?
- Does the dealer offer lease options? If so, what are the terms?
- Is a rental purchase option available?
- Who is the actual lender? Is it the dealer or a third-party finance company?
A warranty is a critical part of purchasing high-quality heavy construction equipment. Ask the dealer what warranty options are available. Are there extended warranties to further protect your purchase? How does the dealer’s warranty compare to those of other dealers in the area?
Once you’ve purchased your equipment, does the dealer offer operator training and onboarding for new customers? Some dealers provide operator training, which can be a big advantage. During slower times of the year, dealers may offer continuing education on how to properly maintain construction equipment.
Common Mistakes When Purchasing Equipment
These are some of the common mistakes construction equipment buyers often make and can be avoided if you work with a quality dealer.
- Not properly assessing needs and applications. This may lead to buying equipment that is too large, too small or not suited for the specific tasks it will perform.
- Considering only the initial purchase price and failing to look at the big picture. Keep total cost of ownership in mind. This includes fuel consumption, maintenance costs, repair costs, insurance, depreciation and potential downtime.
- Overlooking service contracts for new construction equipment.
Skipping a dealer visit and shopping strictly online. - Neglecting to ask the dealer about machine specs for specialty excavators or wheel loader attachments.
- Choosing a dealer without considering its warranty options.
A great way to gather feedback about a dealer and avoid making these mistakes is to talk to other contractors. Get their honest opinions about dealers in your area. Have they done business with the dealer? If so, how was the dealer’s customer service before and after the sale?
A Final Word: Trust Your Gut
After you’ve done all your homework to survey, research and question construction equipment dealers in your area, go with the facts and, ultimately, your gut. It’s not just about the dealer’s capabilities, but how your personalities match up, too. Make sure you feel that you connect with the dealer and that your skill sets align.
In the end, a new machine will mean a business relationship with that dealer for the foreseeable future. Doing the right homework ahead of time can lead to years of reliable support for your business.
Looking for construction equipment dealers near you? Discover your local DEVELON dealer and get to know the company serving your area.
By DEVELON
DEVELON North America is a leading manufacturer of construction equipment with an ambition to relentlessly move forward to change the world with innovative solutions.
