When you own a construction business in Arizona, a huge part of your focus is investing in, and maintaining, quality machinery. Buying second-hand equipment can save you a significant amount of money on the front end, but is it worth it?

At Davis Metals, while we can’t tell you for certain whether used machinery is a wise purchase, we can offer an idea for how long construction equipment will likely last. This information can help you make decisions about what Arizona industrial equipment you’d like to buy new, which you might consider buying used, and other factors to consider.

• Wheel loaders may last up to 10 years, or 12,000 hours. Their lifespan, however, is impacted by operator errors such as overloading or overuse of brakes.
• Bulldozers typically operate 7-10 years, depending largely on the state of its undercarriage and what it was used for, and whether it performed under extreme conditions.
• Excavators can last 12-20 years, or up to 10,000 hours, if properly maintained. And even at the 10,000-hour mark, some excavators can continue to serve after worn-out components are replaced.
• Motor graders get the top “grade” for longevity, with many still going strong after 20,000 hours. This stamina comes at a price, with motor graders being among the more costly items to purchase and maintain. 
• Backhoe loaders remain among the equipment with the lowest lifespan. Constructionequipment.com reports that half of backhoe loader engines may fail by 8,500 hours, with the second half failing within another 3,500 hours.
• Forklifts can be expected to operate 5 years, or 10,000 hours. Higher-quality brands can last longer – up to 50,000 hours. Their longevity can also depend on operator behavior, operating conditions, and type of fuel used.

In addition to these average lifespans, there are many factors that determine how long industrial machinery in Phoenix is likely to last. Here are a few things to find out before purchasing your second-hand equipment: 

• How long was it used?
• Was it regularly maintained, and can you review the maintenance records?
• What was it used for?
• Was it stored inside or outside?
• What were the weather conditions where it was used and stored?
• What is the expertise of its operators?
• What was the surface of the job sites?
• Were the job sites flat or sloped?
• Have any parts been replaced?

No matter how long it lasts, it’s a difficult day when your heavy equipment reaches the end of its life, or when equipment parts need to be replaced. Construction equipment in Phoenix is an important commodity, especially given the booming Arizona construction industry. When you do have to dispose of your equipment or certain components of your equipment, come to us. Davis Metals is your trusted source for machinery collection in Arizona and industrial equipment recycling in Arizona. We will work with you on your schedule, collecting your equipment when it’s convenient for you. We’ll also provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your machinery is being recycled rather than deposited in a landfill. Even better – partnering with Davis Metals helps offset the huge financial investment of purchasing equipment by allowing you to get paid for the material we recycle. When your construction equipment kicks the (excavator) bucket, let Davis Metals take care of the old machines, so you can focus on future jobs, future equipment, and future growth.