Buying Guide: How To Verify Heavy Equipment’s Serial Number?

  • Editorial Team
  • Heavy Construction Equipment
  • 2 January 2024

The increasing demand for contractors with the upgraded fleet is seen all over the globe. It may provoke the buyer inside you to have eyes on a used motor grader for sale or any other equipment your fleet lacks.

Have you ever found a machine that is relatively cheap despite having a famous manufacturer like Caterpillar at some local equipment-selling shop? Do the pricing and equipment details appear too good to be true? Well, in that case, we have a secret to reveal on how you can find out if the equipment is authentic.

Some scammers post the heavy equipment pictures at every angle. However, each angle is wisely placed, and one common feature is that you won’t be able to read the serial number of the equipment. Or there will be no number plate attached to the heavy equipment at all.

In this article, we will tell you how to identify the serial number of heavy construction equipment and save yourself from fraud. 

Why To Verify The Serial Number Of Heavy Construction Equipment?

The smartest way to invest and upgrade your business is to buy used heavy construction equipment.

But before you pay, make sure you are aware of the serial number to avoid scammy headaches.

Heavy construction equipment without a verified serial number can put you in the following scenarios;

  • A fake serial number increases the chances of you buying stolen equipment 
  • Unregistered equipment with no serial number can jeopardize your crew by masking major repairs or missing parts 
  • Heavy equipment without serial numbers can put you under legal issues and financial losses as the repercussions of irresponsible buying.

Step-By-Step Guide To Verify The Serial Number Of Heavy Construction Equipment

Until now you may be thinking about how to verify the serial number of the equipment waiting on your wishlist. Do not worry; the steps to verify the serial number of the construction equipment are mentioned below.

1. Manufacturer Directory

All the renowned heavy equipment manufacturers supply their buyers with online databases. Here, you can enter the serial number and search the history of that particular equipment in terms of specifications. Sometimes you can even find the ownership history.

2. Third-Party Registries

The National Equipment Register (NER) is the United States registry that helps in the tracking and identification of heavy construction equipment through its serial number.

With a few bucks, you can conduct paid research, maintenance records as well as theft reports.

3. Visual Evaluation

Check out the inconsistency between the equipment and its listing by matching the serial number. Watch out for the signs of alterations.

4. Consulting Professionals

You may think you have mastered it all. Getting help from a professional, like a reliable used heavy equipment supplier, will save you from buying fraudulent machinery.

MY-Equipment, a U.S.-based used heavy equipment trader, offers a website where you can access quality used heavy equipment without worrying about authenticity and quality. Moreover, feel free to ask questions personally.

The Final Thoughts

By following all the above-mentioned steps you can easily verify the serial number of heavy construction equipment. Moreover, it will give you the confidence to make an informed decision.

Always remember that knowledge serves as the greatest power. With verified serial numbers you can fully cherish the world of heavy equipment and buy from authentic buyers.

Be vigilant about your needs to the salesperson and make sure you don’t fall into the trap or ignore red flags of them not answering your queries properly.

To make sure your investment is in safer hands, contact MY-Equipment and experience a smooth and safe used heavy equipment purchasing experience today!

About MY-Equipment 

MY-Equipment is a Houston-based used heavy equipment supplier. Known for its vast inventory of reputable construction brands, MY-Equipment is a leading supplier globally, trusted for fair dealing and reasonable rates.