ZE485E‑10‑5145 — Manufactured Dec 2020 | 3,060 hours | Parked in Wuhu, Anhui | Bucket assembly missing

Brief summary

• Model/ID: ZE485E‑10‑5145
• Manufacture date: Dec 2020
• Hours: 3,060 (moderate)
• Location: Wuhu, Anhui (humid climate — watch corrosion/electrical issues)
• Configuration: no bucket assembly — cannot fully load‑test boom/arm/hydraulics without it

Main concerns

• Missing bucket: confirm whether removed for sale/repair, sold separately, or lost/stolen. Check if mounting pins, quick‑coupler, hoses, brackets and any adapter plates are included.
• Moderate hours: possible wear on hydraulics, pumps, swing/travel gearboxes, final drives and undercarriage depending on duty and maintenance.
• Parked condition: long idle storage risks — battery flat, stale/contaminated diesel, seal/hoses aging, corrosion in humid Wuhu environment.
• Cannot perform full load test unless seller demonstrates with a bucket/temporary attachment.

Recommended pre‑purchase inspection checklist

1. Documentation & IDs

   • VIN/engine/serial numbers, full service and repair records, accident history, liens, proof of hours continuity.

2. Ask seller (immediately)

   • Reason bucket is missing and whether any bucket‑related parts are included (pins, coupler, hoses).
   • Last run date and how long it has been parked.
   • Recent maintenance: hydraulic pump/boom seals/undercarriage work, any welds or major repairs.

3. Photos & videos to request

   • High‑res photos: engine bay, hydraulic tank fill, boom/arm pin joints, bucket interface area, undercarriage (sprockets, rollers, idlers, shoes), swing bearing area, cab/controls, ID plates, any welds/repairs.
   • Videos: cold start, idle, and demonstration of boom/arm/swing/travel operation. If no bucket, seller should show operation with a temporary weight/attachment to demonstrate hydraulics under some load.

4. Functional checks (on‑site)

   • Start cold and warm: check smoke, idling, noises.
   • Operate boom/arm/rotation/travel; listen for abnormal noises, sluggishness, or vibration.
   • Inspect for external hydraulic leaks and cylinder rod condition.

5. Hydraulic & engine fluids

   • Visual check of hydraulic oil color/foam/odor and engine oil. Strongly recommend lab oil analysis (engine, hydraulic, final drives).

6. Undercarriage, pins & structure

   • Measure wear of shoes/links/sprockets/rollers; check pin/bushing play; inspect boom/arm/frame for cracks or weld repairs.

7. Gearboxes & final drives

   • Check for play, noise and oil leaks in swing and travel gearboxes.

Red flags (walk away or large discount)

• Heavy smoke on start/load, metal in oil samples, severe pin/bushing play, structural welds/cracks in stressed areas, persistent gearbox/final drive noise or leaks, heavily worn or seized undercarriage parts, no reasonable explanation for missing bucket or missing mounting hardware.

Recommended next steps (short)

• Request from seller now: reason bucket missing, photos & videos listed above, service records, last run date, and confirmation of included bucket hardware (if any).
• Arrange third‑party on‑site inspection including hydraulic pressure/flow tests and oil sampling sent to a lab.
• Get quotes for sourcing/fitting a replacement bucket and for any repairs found on inspection.