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EQUIPMENT DIRECT,
INC
ABOUT OUR USED EQUIPMENT.
Where do these machines come from?
The majority (95%) of the equipment we purchase for resale in Alaska originate in Japan. In Japan there are many farms and construction contractors that have a small dozer or excavator. The dozers are
common on many construction sites. It is also common to have 3 or more
excavators of various sizes on a construction site. In the past over 6,000 excavators
were sold new each year in Japan, this is slowing down with the economy dragging
and used equipment redirected to earthquake rehabilitation work. What is "gray
market"?
The term "Gray Market" was coined to give a name to a machine that was manufactured for sale
as a new machine in
one market country and then resold in another market as a used machine. There is little difference in the
model sold in Japan and that in the USA. There are literally thousands of these
used machines in the USA. Some people claim that the gray market units are inferior. It would be ridiculous to think that a manufacturer like Komatsu or Hitachi would build a dozer
or excavator for their home market with inferior parts. In Japan we see American buyers from Komatsu-America purchasing machines which they bring to the USA market and label "remanufactured
or remarketed". Same
thing as gray market /different name. It is true that there are models that are sold in Japan that are not sold
new in the
USA. For example they have heavy duty "K" models for demolition,
deluxe "HG" models with power windows and auto greasers, "Z" models without
computer controls, some tight radius models. We know about these models
and go out of our way to make sure that we purchase machines that are
like products to those sold in USA and/or models for which parts are available. We also will
not import any machines that do not meet strict EPA standards. All machines are thoroughly
customs inspected upon arrival to the USA and we have a bond to back up our
imports. We have been doing this for years and
know the business.
Why do they sell, low hour, late model equipment?
The equipment used on the Japanese work sites has not been used very much as
there has been a general economic recession in Japan for the last 20 years with
bad debt problems then deflation and a current recession which seems to be
continuing due to global economic factors. Due to cultural and financial/tax incentives,
Japanese users, that are working the machines, tend to get new machines well
before their current machines are really used very much. Machines that are
considered used in Japan have little value in the Japanese market. Used is
not considered a good buy and they want to sell them out of the country.
Contrary to this culture U.S. buyers many times prefer to purchase a good used
machine. We warned in 2005 that this situation is unique and will not last forever. Starting in 2006, Japanese machines have become increasingly more attractive to Chinese buyers
and most machines are now going to China at increased prices. This is the same
situation as fuel and precious metals. Some models are
impossible to buy now at usual prices. Japan has also been tossed back into
recession because of the USA market slowdown & the weak US dollar and now there are less machines sold on the domestic
market. The end result is
that the prices will go up (inflation is a given over the long term). If you
want a good used machine, they are still available but at premium pricing.
Why are they in good condition.
The engine and drive train are operated at a constant rpm and constant load hence these tractors have been used well within their design capabilities. Typically the only signs of age are cosmetic from sun and
weather. The Japanese are meticulous regarding maintenance there are strict
environmental inspections that require no leaking fluids. Machines are typically
inspected yearly by the dealer under a pre-purchase arrangement. Working conditions are much easier than Alaska
conditions.
We purchase only equipment with low usage hours requiring only minor repairs and
some cosmetic help. If repainted they are like new and should provide many years
of use under typical owner/operator conditions. Typically the undercarriage on
bulldozers has 80% or better remaining with no pins turned. Japanese do not turn
their pins and bushings so most tracks are able to be turned back to 100% when
that time comes. We also sell replacement link assemblies so it is economical to
replace the entire track assembly. All dozers have a rear draw bar hitch and
power take off. We personally inspect machines
prior to purchasing.
Parts
Parts are readily available. We can help you find parts and can provide parts
books for our machines. We stock some track and wear parts, keys, filters,
etc. We have lists of
cross references for filters so you can purchase at the auto supply store. Email or call on any
parts questions. Unfortunately the local Alaska Komatsu dealer does not share our enthusiasm
for D20/21/31 dozers or gray market machines in general and will make claims that parts are not available for these
units. We have national dealers who enjoy supplying parts and we can direct you to them and you can have
the parts 2nd day air freighted to your door. We can also get the parts for you. BOTTOM LINE = WE CAN GET PARTS
Are there any drawbacks?
The climate in Japan is very hot and humid during the summer months and
therefore it is common to have rust pitting on the frame and condensate and algae in the fuel
tank.
Typically the rust is surface type and the fuel problem clears up after running
a few tanks of fuel thru the machine and treating the tank and changing filters.
If you are having a lack of power or the engine will not get off idle there is a
prescreen on the fuel line that must be cleaned. Please
click here for information on cleaning this screen. The dozers in Japan are not required to comply to strict OSHA standards of the US market and therefore do not have roll over protection structures (ROPS), seat belts or backup alarms installed. Instead a durable rain protection canopy is provided. The dozers should not be used for excessive
sloping terrain, commercial service or logging without installation of a ROPS
or steel canopy
with seatbelt.
Fortunately these are readily available at a reasonable price ($2200-2800
depending on type) and can be bolted and welded on using existing mounting holes
on the machines. Excavators from Japan have same
options and construction as the US sold models.
About our Japanese Mini K-trucks , the K-cub
Click here to read about Japanese Mini trucks in
Alaska
CRAWLER CARRIERS
We are an authorized Morooka rubber track crawler carrier dealer, and
specialize in this niche market and have connections for hard to
find parts.
We literally travel thousands of miles overseas and
inspect approximately 10 machines for every one we purchase. We are well known for our
carrier purchases and many machines are offered to us as a result. The prices we pay vary with the market, quantity purchase,
quantity shipping arrangements and currency fluxuations. We are constantly
working to improve the product and efficiency. We pass any savings on to our customer in a attempt to keep the price steady
and a stock of machines in Portland and Alaska, however unfavorable currency rates and shipping and
steel price increases have made this increasingly difficult. We have many machines sold all over the world and can supply references.
All machines are completely owned by us without any liens. We do not have a
large sales staff with quotas and do not employ pressure sales techniques, our
machines are priced fairly and tend to sell themselves. We enjoy talking about
the capabilities of the equipment and have an open lot in Eagle River where
equipment can be looked at any time. We can also supply larger models of
excavator or specialty items which we do not stock. Whether you need a carrier
or dozer or excavator for a remote homestead, for a busy contracting crew
or a large mining operation please contact us for a good quality reliable dozer,
off road carrier or excavator. 1-907-696-5001 See
about us
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