The images that really reveal the condition of a used machine — and that many buyers forget to ask for
“The photos looked perfect.”
If you have ever searched for used machinery, you have probably thought exactly that.
You open the listing. The machine is clean. The photos look great. The seller assures you that everything works perfectly.
You start doing the numbers and think:
“This one is worth looking at.”
But there is a problem.
The photos in an advert are designed to sell a machine. They are not necessarily designed to help you assess its real condition.
That is where many buyers make the same mistake: they make decisions based on the photos they receive instead of asking for the ones they actually need.
Not All Photos Have the Same Value
Most listings show the same things:
- A front view.
- A side view.
- A rear view.
- The cab.
- The machine freshly cleaned.
These photos are useful for getting a general impression.
But they rarely show the areas where wear, repairs or costly problems are most likely to appear.
Before taking a serious interest in a machine, it is worth asking for a few additional photos.
1. A Photo of the Hour Meter
It sounds obvious, but it is often missing from the advert.
Besides confirming the advertised hours, it helps you determine whether the overall wear of the machine matches what the meter shows.
Hours are not everything, but they are still important.
2. Photos of Pins and Pivot Points
Major wear is rarely visible in general photos.
A close-up image of the main pivot points can reveal wear that may later become expensive to repair.
This is one of the first photos we usually request.
3. Tyres or Tracks
Imagine finding an attractively priced machine only to discover it needs a full set of tyres.
That can easily cost several thousand euros.
For this reason, detailed photos of tyres, tracks, rollers and guide wheels are always worth requesting.
4. The Engine Compartment
A clear photo of the engine can tell you much more than you might expect.
Leaks, improvised repairs, damaged hoses or signs of poor maintenance often become obvious when viewed closely.
5. Hydraulic Cylinders
Hydraulic repairs are rarely cheap.
Ask for photos of rods, seals and hydraulic connections.
Small scratches, dents or oil leaks can indicate future repairs that are worth knowing about before making a decision.
6. The Cab Interior
Some machines tell a very different story once you step inside the cab.
The condition of the seat, pedals, joysticks and controls often provides a good indication of how the machine has really been used.
In many cases, it is one of the most revealing areas.
7. Weld Repairs
A repaired machine is not necessarily a bad machine.
The important thing is knowing about it.
Ask for photos of the boom, chassis, stabilisers and structural areas to identify any previous repairs.
A professional repair is usually not a problem. A poorly executed one deserves closer attention.
8. The Underside of the Machine
It is one of the least requested photos and one of the most useful.
From underneath, it is often easier to spot impacts, structural damage, leaks and previous repairs that are hidden elsewhere.
9. The Manufacturer’s Plate and Serial Number
Before moving forward with any negotiation, ask for photos of the manufacturer’s plate and serial number.
This helps confirm the exact model and verify that the documentation matches the machine being offered.
10. If You Can Choose, Ask for a Video
If we had to choose between ten photos and a complete operating video, we would choose the video every time.
In just a few minutes you can see:
- How the machine starts.
- How the hydraulic system responds.
- Whether unusual noises are present.
- How the machine performs under normal operation.
Many doubts disappear once you see the machine working.
Conclusion
General photos help sell a machine.
Detailed photos help buy one.
Before seriously considering any machine, spend a few extra minutes requesting images of the areas that truly determine its condition.
It may seem like a small step, but it often makes the difference between finding a good machine and discovering costly problems too late.
At BANERAI, we believe transparency is essential when selling used machinery. That is why we provide detailed photographs, videos and technical information so our customers can evaluate each machine with confidence before making a decision.
