A used MEWP can be a sound investment, but the purchase price is only part of the picture. What matters is the condition of the machine and the completeness of its records. This checklist covers what to look at before committing to a used access machine.
Start with the paperwork
Before inspecting the machine physically, review its documentation. The records tell you whether the equipment has been maintained to the standard and where it sits in the inspection cycle.
- Logbook and complete service history — is maintenance recorded and up to date?
- Date of manufacture — this determines when the 10-year major inspection falls due, regardless of when you buy.
- Evidence of routine (three-monthly) and periodic (twelve-monthly) inspections by a competent person.
- Major inspection certification, if the machine has already passed the 10-year mark.
- Operator and service manuals for the specific model.
Structural indicators
- Cracks, previous weld repairs or deformation in the boom, chassis and structural members.
- Condition of pins, bushes, slew rings and pivot points for wear and play.
- Corrosion, particularly on machines that have worked in coastal or marine environments.
- Condition of the platform, guardrails, and anchor points.
Mechanical and functional indicators
- Hydraulic system — leaks, hose condition, cylinder drift and fluid condition.
- Emergency and safety devices, including interlocks and the emergency lowering function.
- Ground controls, including the ability to override the platform controls.
- Tyres and wheel rims for wear and damage.
- Smoothness of operation, speed and limits of motion across all functions.
Factor the inspection cycle into the price
A machine approaching its 10-year major inspection carries a known, significant future cost and a period of downtime. That does not make it a poor purchase, but it should be reflected in the price you pay and your plan for the asset. Where the machine's condition or records leave any doubt, an independent pre-purchase inspection by a competent person is a low-cost way to avoid an expensive mistake.
This guide is general information prepared by EWP Australia and is grounded in publicly available Australian Standards and Safe Work Australia material. It is not a substitute for the current published edition of the relevant standard or for site-specific engineering advice. Always work from the current standard and consult a competent person for your specific equipment and application.