Start With the Real Cost
Your max bid is not the hammer price. Add freight, first service, bucket/hitch adapters, and any overdue filters. If the total is still better than dealer inventory with similar hours, the auction is worth it.
Read the Multi-Point Report Like a Fitter
Photo package quality matters. Look for boom pin play indicators, track sag, oil film under the belly, and whether attachments in photos match the written list.
Plan the 10-Day Window
Book a local fitter before the machine lands. Warm it up, cycle all functions under light load, and oil-sample early if the money is large.
Freight Before FOMO
Get float quotes while you are still watching the lot. Oversized permits change the economics more than most first-time plant buyers expect.