So you are ready to sell your construction equipment, heavy machine, tractor, etc. Maybe you want to buy something newer, or maybe you are ready to take a nice vacation, here are five easy steps that you should follow to make sure you get the most money. 
1. Find your machines value
​You can look at comparable machines on dealer sites and find what fits your machine best or you can use Pittman Tractor to help with your appraisal, just click here Free Equipment Appraisal
2. Decide how you want to sell ​
Need cash fast? Look at using a wholesaler, they will buy your machine quickly and give you a big check. Does your machine have low hours and in good shape? Auctions can give you a nice return, just watch out for seller fees; they can be up to 6% at some. Lastly, you want to get the most money and have plenty of time? Try listing it yourself, ebay and facebook are two easy options to sell your machine. 
3. Fix major issues ​
Does the machine run? Do the hydraulics work and do what it needs? Is it in good condition? If so you can skip this, but if you have hydraulic leaks, bad starter, final drive issues, worn our pads, etc. you may consider fixing these to get the most money for your machine. If not whole-selling to a dealer may be your best option. 
4. Give it a good cleaning ​
Ever been to a used car dealer where the cars were covered in dirt? I didn't think so; there is a reason everyone wants to buy something clean, so break out the soap, water, windex, and use your elbow grease. Cleaning will help set your machine above the rest even if you are whole-selling or sending it to an auction. 
5. Get Paid ​
​Depending on which avenue you go will affect how quickly you make your money, but if you follow these steps, you will have yourself in the best position to make money.

We are always pushing to better inform our buyers, how about sitting in the cab virtually with a 360 degree camera? 

​Telematics are you using it? What are you missing? Over the next few months, I will be writing posts about the different subsections of telematics and why your company should leverage this resource that is often already available on your new equipment. The five critical components of telematics, productivity, expandability, compliance, safety, and fleet optimization, each of which can offer key benefits to your growing business. Better understanding each area can help you best utilize this evolving technology, so let’s start with one people are most familiar, fleet optimization.
Fleet Optimization is all about best utilizing your equipment and extending its life through the use of data/information. An easy example, an operator who is running a wheel loader in a dirt pit, that machine should be loading trucks or not running. Otherwise, that engine is idling, wasting diesel, and putting hours on equipment that creates unwarranted depreciation. With telematics, you can see historical engine speeds and quickly understand if that machine is left running during breaks, or when it isn’t loading trucks. Additionally, you can view live data and integrate alarming that will notify you or your manager when a machine is idling for a prolonged period. Some machines idle 30-40% of their hours, this could mean thousands of dollars in diesel costs and tens of thousands in depreciation of your asset. Are you already using telematics to keep operators more accountable? If so, comment below or send me an email at Lee@PittmanTractor.com and if you enjoyed this post, please like our page Pittman Tractor Company. Next week I will cover another crucial area of fleet optimization, predictive/preventative maintenance and the difference between the two, as well as how your company should be using each.