When buying used special equipment, one of the key parameters is the number of engine hours accumulated. This is the equivalent of a car’s “mileage,” but with a much more complex specific nature. Incorrectly interpreted mileage data can lead to tens of thousands of Hryvnias in repairs in the very first season of operation. Let’s break down how to correctly read counter readings, what affects actual wear, and how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

Why Engine Hours Are Not Always an Objective Indicator

Engine hours reflect the total operating time of the engine. However, what matters is not just the number, but also the conditions in which the equipment was used. For example, 5,000 engine hours worked under light load in the municipal sector is not the same as the same hours spent on intensive work in a quarry or on a construction site.

Factors that are important to consider alongside engine hours:

  • type of work the machine was used for;
  • operating conditions (dust, humidity, temperature);
  • usage mode (cyclicity, idle times, peak loads);
  • regularity of maintenance and availability of supporting documentation.

Even with low mileage, equipment can be worn out—especially if it was serviced irregularly or used with overloading.

How Mileage is Falsified and What to Look Out For

Many buyers of used special automotive equipment focus solely on the numbers on the dashboard. This is a mistake: modern counters are easily reset, especially if the equipment comes from countries with opaque accounting systems.

Here are signs of possible “mileage rollback”:

  • worn or replaced control panel;
  • discrepancy between the overall condition of the equipment and the declared mileage (wear of the bucket, bearings, bushings);
  • absence of service history or scattered documents;
  • sharp contrast between the external appearance and “young” figures.

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How to Read Technical Mileage Correctly

Reading mileage is not just looking at the display. It’s important to approach the assessment comprehensively:

1. Analyze external elements.

Assess the wear of tires, levers, high-pressure hoses. These are real indicators of usage intensity.

2. Check the preservation of original stickers and markings.

Factory plates often contain information about the manufacturing date and mileage at the time of the last maintenance.

3. Compare dashboard readings with service documentation.

If the equipment is imported, especially if it’s used special equipment from Europe, check for original inspection acts and service history. European dealers typically meticulously record data.

4. Use diagnostic equipment.

Some models allow connection to the ECU (electronic control unit) to check the actual engine operating hours.

Specifics When Buying Through Leasing

When purchasing used special equipment through leasing, it’s important to consider that the responsibility for the technical condition and future costs may be divided between the lessee and the supplier. Therefore, it’s especially critical to:

  • demand full diagnostic results;
  • insist on stating the mileage in the contract;
  • verify the origin of the equipment and the history of the previous owner.

This will help avoid situations where the equipment turns out to be in worse condition than stated, and repair costs are not covered by the contract.

Correct interpretation of technical mileage is not just about saving money, but also a guarantee that the equipment will indeed serve its intended lifespan. The main thing is not to take anyone’s word for it and not to chase the lowest numbers on the display. It’s better to spend a little more time on verification than later on restoration.

If you want to be confident in the readings and technical condition of the machine, entrust the selection to professionals. At TAD Group, we select used special equipment with a verified history, documents, and full technical diagnostics—so you know what you’re paying for and can plan your business without unpleasant surprises.