Heavy equipment inspection series: Diagnosis with Jaltest V9

When you’re buying used heavy machinery, it’s not the paint that matters. It’s the guts. What’s going on under the panels, behind the sensors, inside the engine. That’s why inspections today aren’t just walk-arounds. They’re digital, data-driven, and demand real tools in the right hands.

At Makana, we don’t just inspect machines; we break them down, inside and out. That means hands-on checks, fluid analysis, and deep diagnostics using tools like the Jaltest Link V9 Kit.

Why diagnostic tools are part of the process

Think of it like this: machines are like people. They don’t always show problems on the outside. Fault codes, weak sensors, delayed regens; these things don’t show up in a visual check. But they’re there. And they cost money if left unchecked. 

That’s why diagnostic checks aren’t just for repair shops anymore. They’re part of pre-sale inspections, right from the yard. 

Especially when it comes to engine health, emissions systems, hydraulic functions, and electronic sensors, the kind of stuff that can kill a deal or keep it running strong.

See, we don’t just check the basics. We dive into the heart of the machine’s systems. We check fault codes, monitor the health of the engine, test hydraulics, and analyze performance data. With the right tools, we can catch things that visual inspections won’t.

Our kit setup: Making it work for us

While the Jaltest Link V9 Kit is a solid tool, let’s be clear: it doesn’t come ready to work on every machine out of the box. That’s why we didn’t stop there. To get the full functionality we need, we’ve sourced additional cables, adapters, and connectors for different brands and models.

It’s not about buying a “one-size-fits-all” solution. We’ve done our homework, and we’re constantly tweaking and upgrading our setup to make sure it fits the specific needs of the machines we’re inspecting. 

We’re using Jaltest to make our inspection process as thorough and reliable as possible, but it’s just one part of a bigger picture. OEM software, like CAT’s ET, and Volvo’s ProSis is still a thing if you want to get to the nut and bolt of things during repairs.

What tools like the Jaltest V9 gives you

Once we’ve got the right cables plugged in and the machine fired up, the Jaltest Link V9 provides us with a lot of essential diagnostic data, including:

• Fault codes (active and stored)

• Live sensor data (temperatures, pressures, voltages)

• DPF status and regeneration logs

• Injector calibrations and cylinder balance

• Pressure test graphs

• Cylinder compression results

• Performance data, including detailed work hours (travel, idle, and real-time)

In some cases, it’s info you’d usually only get from onboard telematics. But we get it straight from the machine’s control units, with no middleman.

OEM tools vs universal kits

Now, let’s clear the air. OEM software is king, no question. Caterpillar’s ET, John Deere’s Service Advisor, Cummins Insite- these give you factory-level access. But here’s the deal: they’re expensive, hard to get, brand-locked, and not practical for inspecting a multi-brand lineup. 

Those are some of the reasons mechanics are going for these kits rather than going OEM (and certain universal kits more than others). Here’s what they had to say about it:

“Any Service Advisor from anywhere else will be hacked… Jaltest by Cojali does pretty good for a non OEM software.” — Reddit user

“We believe Jaltest… their tech support is 10× better than Texa…” — Plant/Fitter Forum

Jaltest, among other universal kits, doesn't replace OEM tools. It bridges the gap. It gives us 90% of what we need for inspections, without needing five laptops and ten licenses. And most importantly, it works across 63+ construction brands, with regular updates.

What the field is saying

Don’t take just our word for it. We spent some time browsing online forums and chatting with others in the field, and here's what people are saying:

“I’ve used ET with Cat stuff; I’ll say it’s not as good but for a one stop shop it’s been worth the $.” – Forum user

“I’ve been using it [Jaltest] for 6 weeks and it’s the best diag tool.” – Reddit user

“Support is bad… had their [Texa] tech remote in and wiped out my PC.” – Reddit user

“I use Jaltest on a daily basis. Works great. Wouldn't go without it.” – Forum user

“I used Jaltest for 3 years. It’s good for what it is. But don’t expect miracles.” – Reddit user

These aren’t glowing reviews or slam pieces; they’re a mix of honest opinions from real operators in the trenches. Jaltest is trusted, but it’s not without its limits.

From a buyer’s perspective

Here’s the deal: we don’t just use Jaltest to fill out a report. We use it as part of a comprehensive inspection process that gives real insight into the health of each machine. Our reports don’t just tell you if a machine is "good" or "bad." They show you exactly where it stands, from cylinder compression to engine health, from real-time performance data to historical maintenance logs.

At makana.com, we dig deep because we know that buying used equipment is a big decision. Our job is to help buyers make informed, data-backed choices. And using tools like Jaltest, we can provide you with the kind of transparency you can trust. It’s about being clear, consistent, and credible when it matters most: before money changes hands.

Final thoughts

To wrap it up, Jaltest is a tool we use, it’s not THE tool. It's part of a process, not the whole thing. It helps us perform thorough inspections, but it’s backed by years of experience, knowledge, and a commitment to giving buyers the information they need.

If you're buying used machines, make sure someone's checking under the digital hood. We are. Every time.

Because when it comes to buying pre-owned heavy equipment, the last thing you want is surprises.