The PayDirt Blog
Field Notes
Buying guides, inspection tips, and straight talk on financing and freight — for the people who run the iron.
Used Crawler Dozer Buying Guide: What to Check Before You Buy
What size to buy, what to inspect, the undercarriage wear to watch, and how to finance a used crawler dozer — so you buy with confidence.
Crawler Dozer Inspection Guide: What to Check Before You Buy
The six systems to inspect before you buy a used crawler dozer, from undercarriage to cab, plus the red flags that should stop the deal.
Crawler Dozer Maintenance That Actually Protects Resale Value
Which crawler dozer maintenance habits actually protect resale value at trade-in, and which barely move the price when you sell.
LGP vs. Standard Crawler Dozer: Which One Do You Actually Need?
LGP or standard crawler dozer? Compare ground pressure, cost, speed, and transport to pick the right machine for the ground you actually work.
Crawler Dozer vs. Wheel Dozer vs. Crawler Loader: What's the Difference?
Tracks or wheels, blade or bucket: the two cues that tell a crawler dozer, wheel dozer, and crawler loader apart so you buy the right machine.
Used Wheel Loader Buying Guide: What to Check Before You Buy
What size to buy, what to inspect, and how to finance a used wheel loader — so you buy the right machine with confidence.
Wheel Loader Inspection Guide: What to Check Before You Buy
The six systems to inspect before buying a used wheel loader, and the red flags that should stop the deal.
Used Hydraulic Excavator Buying Guide: What to Check Before You Buy
What to inspect, what to walk away from, and how to finance a used hydraulic excavator — so you buy with confidence.
Hydraulic Excavator Inspection Guide: What to Check Before You Buy
A plain-English checklist for buying a used hydraulic excavator — the six systems to inspect (hydraulics, undercarriage, engine, slewing ring, boom, cab) and the red flags that should stop the deal.
Types of Mobile Cranes: How They Work and Which One Fits Your Job
How a crane works and the main types — all terrain, rough terrain, truck mounted, crawler, and the smaller carry-deck, spider, and mini cranes — with a comparison table to match one to your job.
Used All Terrain Crane Buying Guide: What to Check Before You Buy
What to inspect, what to walk away from, and how to finance a used all terrain crane — so you buy with confidence.
All Terrain Crane Inspection Guide: What to Check Before You Buy
The six systems to inspect before you buy a used all terrain crane — engines, hydraulics, boom, outriggers, rigging, and the LMI — plus the red flags that should stop the deal.