Published July 9, 2026 · Updated July 9, 2026
Pre-Shipment Inspection Checklist: What to Check Before Your Excavator Ships from China
The structural, hydraulic, engine, electrical, paint, documentation, and loading checks buyers should complete before shipment.
Pre-shipment quality inspection
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Pre-shipment inspection is the buyer's last practical chance to catch the wrong configuration, visible defects, missing documents, or poor loading preparation before the excavator leaves China.
A good inspection is not just a photo of the machine from the front. It should confirm the order specification, structural condition, hydraulic system, engine identity, electrical function, paint quality, documentation, accessories, and loading plan.
Structural Inspection
- Check frame welds, boom and arm welds, bucket linkage, undercarriage, and track tension.
- Look for uneven weld beads, cracks, poor grinding, rust under paint, and misaligned panels.
- Confirm the boom, arm, bucket, canopy, cabin, and track type match the purchase order.
Hydraulic System
- Check cylinder surfaces, hose routing, fitting tightness, pump label, auxiliary line setup, and visible leaks.
- Operate boom, arm, bucket, swing, travel, blade, and auxiliary functions under load where possible.
- Confirm hydraulic flow requirements if breakers, augers, or other attachments are included.
Engine and Electrical
| Area | Inspection Point | Evidence to Record |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Brand, model, serial plate, emission label, oil level | Close-up photos and startup video |
| Cooling | Radiator, fan, hoses, coolant level | Photos after engine bay opens |
| Electrical | Harness routing, gauge cluster, lights, alarm, switches | Function test video |
| Controls | Pilot or mechanical controls, travel levers, pedals | Operation video |
Paint, Finish, and Accessories
Paint quality is not only cosmetic. Thin paint, poor primer, and exposed steel can lead to early rust after sea freight. Inspect paint coverage, decal quality, damaged edges, cabin glass, seat, mirrors, lights, toolbox, manuals, spare filters, and attachment pins.
Documents and Loading
- Verify CE, EPA, Euro 5, UKCA, GOST, or other documents required for the destination.
- Confirm invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, manuals, and parts catalog where applicable.
- Record container number, seal number, loading photos, tie-down method, and accessory placement.
- Check whether fuel and battery handling comply with the shipping line requirements.