At Purple Wave Auction, we want our buyers to feel confident in their equipment purchases. We've created this comprehensive inspection checklist, for your own use, to help you evaluate equipment during the buying process and beyond. Feel free to print this checklist and use it as you please - it's one of the many ways we're working to make your buying experience better.
(Mark: ✓=Pass, X=Fail, N/A=Not Applicable, R=Repair Needed)
Complete Heavy Equipment Inspection Checklist
Basic Equipment Identification & Documentation
- Lot Number: _______ Notes: _____________________
- Make/Manufacturer: _______ Notes: _____________________
- Model/Series: _______ Notes: _____________________
- Year: _______ Notes: _____________________
- Serial/VIN Number: _______ Notes: _____________________
- Hour Meter/Odometer Reading: _______ Notes: _____________________
- Engine Make/Model: _______ Notes: _____________________
- Transmission Type: _______ Notes: _____________________
Heavy Equipment Start-Up Inspection Guide
Cold start behavior _____ Notes: _____________________
Smoke color on startup _____ Notes: _____________________
Abnormal noises _____ Notes: _____________________
Low idle stability _____ Notes: _____________________
High idle stability _____ Notes: _____________________
Blowby present _____ Notes: _____________________
Equipment Fluid Inspection Checklist
Engine oil condition & level _____ Notes: _____________________ Last change: _______
Trans fluid condition & level _____ Notes: _____________________ Last change: _______
Hydraulic oil condition & level _____ Notes: _____________________ Last change: _______
Coolant condition & level _____ Notes: _____________________ Last change: _______
Fuel/water separator condition _____ Notes: _____________________
DEF level & condition (if equipped) _____ Notes: _____________________
Evidence of fluid contamination _____ Notes: _____________________
Visible leaks (location/severity) _____ Notes: _____________________
Heavy Machinery Powertrain Inspection
Engine compression (if tested) _____ Notes: _____________________
Boost pressure (if applicable) _____ Notes: _____________________
Transmission shift quality _____ Notes: _____________________
PTO engagement (if equipped) _____ Notes: _____________________
Differential operation _____ Notes: _____________________
Transfer case operation _____ Notes: _____________________
Drive shaft/U-joint condition _____ Notes: _____________________
Final drive condition _____ Notes: _____________________
Construction Equipment Electrical System Check
Battery load test results _____ Notes: _____________________
Alternator output voltage _____ Notes: _____________________
Starter operation _____ Notes: _____________________
ECM fault codes present _____ Notes: _____________________
Wiring harness condition _____ Notes: _____________________
Electronic controls function _____ Notes: _____________________
Industrial Equipment Hydraulic System Inspection
Main pump pressure reading _____ Notes: _____________________
Cycle times (up/down) _____ Notes: _____________________
Cylinder drift test results _____ Notes: _____________________
Relief valve operation _____ Notes: _____________________
Hose ratings/condition _____ Notes: _____________________
Quick coupler condition _____ Notes: _____________________
Control valve operation _____ Notes: _____________________
Oil temperature under load _____ Notes: _____________________
Equipment Structural Inspection Guide
Frame integrity/cracks _____ Notes: _____________________
Stress points/welds _____ Notes: _____________________
Boom/stick condition _____ Notes: _____________________
Mounting points _____ Notes: _____________________
Pin and bushing wear _____ Notes: _____________________
Rust/corrosion severity _____ Notes: _____________________
Specialized Equipment Inspection Checklists
Farm Equipment & Agricultural Machinery Inspection
3-point lift capacity test _____ Notes: _____________________
Remote hydraulic flow _____ Notes: _____________________
Draft control operation _____ Notes: _____________________
GPS/precision systems _____ Notes: _____________________
ISOBUS functionality _____ Notes: _____________________
Ballast configuration _____ Notes: _____________________
Front-end loader specs _____ Notes: _____________________
Drawbar/hitch condition _____ Notes: _____________________
Construction Equipment & Heavy Machinery Check
Undercarriage wear % _____ Notes: _____________________
- Track/chain wear: _____%
- Sprocket wear: _____%
- Roller wear: _____%
- Idler wear: _____%
Bucket measurements _____ Notes: _____________________
- Cutting edge wear: _____"
- Bottom wear: _____%
- Side wear: _____%
Stick/boom play (mm) _____ Notes: _____________________
Auxiliary hydraulic flow _____ Notes: _____________________
Load-holding capability _____ Notes: _____________________
Grade control systems _____ Notes: _____________________
Commercial Truck Inspection Guidelines
DOT certification status _____ Notes: _____________________
Brake pad/drum % remaining _____ Notes: _____________________
Air system (psi) _____ Notes: _____________________
- Cut-in pressure: _____psi
- Cut-out pressure: _____psi
- Air leak rate: _____psi/min
Engine brake performance _____ Notes: _____________________
DPF/emissions system status _____ Notes: _____________________
Fifth wheel wear/movement _____ Notes: _____________________
Frame rail condition _____ Notes: _____________________
APU condition (if equipped) _____ Notes: _____________________
Vehicle Inspection Checklist
OBD scan results _____ Notes: _____________________
Transmission temp under load _____ Notes: _____________________
Brake rotor/pad thickness _____ Notes: _____________________
Tire tread depth (32nds) _____ Notes: _____________________
- LF:____ RF:____
- LR:____ RR:____
Alignment check _____ Notes: _____________________
4WD engagement (if equipped) _____ Notes: _____________________
Safety system operation _____ Notes: _____________________
Equipment Performance Testing & Evaluation
Operating Condition Assessment
Cold start rating (1-5): _____ Notes: _____________________
Hot start rating (1-5): _____ Notes: _____________________
Idle quality rating (1-5): _____ Notes: _____________________
Under load rating (1-5): _____ Notes: _____________________
Control response (1-5): _____ Notes: _____________________
Equipment Documentation & Service History Review
Service records completeness _____ Notes: _____________________
Maintenance intervals followed _____ Notes: _____________________
Major repairs documented _____ Notes: _____________________
Component rebuild history _____ Notes: _____________________
Warranty status/transfers _____ Notes: _____________________
Emissions compliance docs _____ Notes: _____________________
Market Value & Condition Analysis
Overall Condition Rating (1-5): _____ Notes: _____________________
Estimated Hours/Life Remaining: _____ Notes: _____________________
Comparable Recent Sales: $- Notes: _____________________
Est. Repairs Needed:
- _________________________ Est. Cost: $_______ Priority: High/Med/Low
- _________________________ Est. Cost: $_______ Priority: High/Med/Low
- _________________________ Est. Cost: $_______ Priority: High/Med/Low
Professional Equipment Inspector Information
Inspector Name: _______________________________ Credentials/Certification: _______________________
Date: _______________ Time: _______________
Photos Taken: ______ (attach photo log if applicable)
This comprehensive equipment inspection checklist is provided by Purple Wave Auction as an inspection guide for heavy equipment, construction machinery, farm equipment, and commercial vehicles. While thorough, buyers are encouraged to conduct additional inspection points specific to their needs or engage a certified equipment inspector for detailed evaluation.