Top 5 things to check when buying a used head truck

Buying a used head truck can be one of the smartest decisions for any contractor or transport operator. A new model can cost almost double, while a pre-owned truck, if well maintained, can deliver the same performance and reliability for years. 

But saving money only makes sense if you know exactly what to inspect before committing to the deal. 

Below, we’ll walk through the five most important checks that ensure your next used head truck is ready for work, not for repair.

1. Engine health

The engine is the single most critical and expensive part of any head truck. A truck’s value can drop drastically if the engine shows signs of excessive wear or poor maintenance. Here’s how to evaluate its condition step by step.

• Mileage and engine hours

High mileage alone isn’t a dealbreaker. What matters is how that mileage was achieved. 

A Scania R410 that’s run steady highway miles can be in better shape than a low-mileage truck used for stop-and-go hauling. Always compare mileage with maintenance intervals, major services every 150,000 km are ideal.

• Oil condition and leaks

Pull the dipstick and inspect oil color and texture. Clean amber oil suggests timely changes, while thick, black, or gritty oil can mean poor maintenance or internal wear. Look under the engine for leaks around the oil pan, turbocharger, or head gasket.

• Exhaust smoke color

• Blue smoke: oil burning, possibly worn piston rings.

• White smoke: coolant leak or head gasket failure.

• Black smoke: unburnt fuel due to poor injector timing.

If the truck emits consistent smoke under load, consider it a red flag.

• Compression and ECU diagnostics

A compression test reveals engine strength and combustion balance. On platforms like makana.com, technicians use the Jaltest Link V9 Kit to run full ECU scans, detecting hidden issues such as fuel pressure irregularities, sensor malfunctions, or past fault codes that sellers might not disclose.

Example: The Mercedes-Benz 1845 with its OM471 engine is known for fuel efficiency, but only if injectors and turbo components are properly maintained. Meanwhile, the Scania R410 DC13 engine offers excellent torque under load but can suffer if EGR valves aren’t cleaned regularly.

2. Transmission and Clutch

The transmission system is responsible for converting engine power into motion. Even minor gearbox issues can drastically affect performance and fuel efficiency.

• Gear shifting and pedal feel

During the test drive, pay attention to gear transitions. Hard or delayed shifting may indicate internal wear or faulty synchronizers. A clutch pedal that vibrates or feels unusually stiff could signal a failing release bearing.

• Transmission oil and leaks

Transmission fluid should be clear or reddish, not dark or burnt. Low fluid levels often point to leaks at the seals or gearbox housing. Always check beneath the truck for drips, especially around the input shaft area.

• Clutch inspection

Examine the clutch assembly if possible. On Hino head trucks with 16-speed gearboxes, improper clutch calibration can cause premature wear and reduce hauling efficiency.

• Maintenance record

Gearbox oil should typically be replaced every 150,000 km. Missing records or inconsistent service dates may indicate skipped maintenance, which often leads to higher repair costs later.

3. Chassis, Suspension, and Frame

The chassis forms the foundation of every head truck, and even minor damage can compromise safety and handling. Since trucks often carry loads close to their maximum gross weight, inspecting the frame and suspension thoroughly is crucial.

• Frame alignment and welds

Stand at a distance and visually inspect the chassis rails for bends or misalignment. Look for freshly painted areas that might hide weld repairs. Cracked or uneven frames can suggest a previous accident or overloading.

• Suspension and axles

Air suspension systems should hold pressure without sagging. Check airbags, leaf springs, and bushings for cracks or oil contamination. Axles should rotate smoothly with no humming noise, this may indicate worn differential bearings.

• Corrosion and rust

Trucks used in coastal or humid areas often have rust underneath the cab or near the battery mounts. Surface rust can be treated, but deep corrosion around structural joints may affect long-term durability.

Makana.com’s inspection reports provide undercarriage images that make spotting these issues easier before you commit to purchase.

4. Electronics and Safety Systems

Modern head trucks are packed with electronic systems that manage performance, braking, and driver assistance. Faults here can cause downtime or high repair bills if ignored.

• Dashboard and ECU diagnostics

When you start the ignition, all warning lights should briefly appear and then turn off. Persistent engine, ABS, or EBS lights may mean sensor faults or stored error codes. Use an ECU scanner (like Jaltest) to confirm issues before buying.

• Active safety systems

Check if the truck’s ABS, EBS, traction control, and hill assist are functional. These systems are critical for long-distance safety, especially on heavy loads or steep roads.

• Cabin electronics

Ensure headlights, signal indicators, infotainment, mirrors, and climate control work properly. Malfunctioning electronics might indicate water ingress or poor grounding.

Example: The Mercedes-Benz 1845 features predictive powertrain control, if it’s malfunctioning, fuel consumption can increase by 5–8%. On the other hand, Scania R410 trucks come with advanced driver assistance systems that rely on clean, calibrated sensors to maintain efficiency and safety.

5. Tires, Brakes, and Overall Wear

Tires and brakes are among the best indicators of a head truck’s real operating history. A clean engine means little if the tires show uneven wear or the brakes fail under pressure.

• Tire inspection

Check for:

• Even tread depth (at least 4mm).

• Matching brands and similar production dates across all tires.

• Sidewall cracks, bulges, or patch repairs. Uneven wear could indicate suspension alignment problems or bent axles.

• Brake system

Inspect the air compressor and listen for hissing sounds, these indicate air leaks. Brake pads and discs should be evenly worn, without scoring marks. Trucks used in steep terrain often have higher brake wear, so inspect closely.

• Suspension condition

Look for sagging or cracked suspension airbags and worn bushings. Uneven ride height is usually a sign of imbalance between axles.

Technical summary table

Regular maintenance of these systems ensures driver safety and prevents vibration-related damage to the drivetrain and cab.

Where to find inspected and certified used head trucks

Once you know what to inspect, finding a trusted marketplace is the final step. makana.com simplifies this by offering certified inspections, 360° virtual tours, and detailed reports for every unit. 

Each truck listing includes mechanical data, high-quality images, and diagnostic results verified by professional inspectors.

Our current stock includes:

• Scania 2019 R410 head truck

• 2017 Mercedes-Benz 1845 head truck

• 2018 Hino head truck

Browse Trailer Trucks on Makana

FAQ

1. What mileage is acceptable for a used head truck?

Usually, under 700,000 km is considered good, provided there’s full maintenance history and clean diagnostics.

2. Can I inspect a head truck virtually before buying?

Yes. makana.com offers 360° virtual tours, detailed photos, and video inspections for each truck.

3. What documents do I need for export?

Buyers generally need ID, trade license, customs clearance, and proof of payment. makana.com assists with export documentation.

4. How often should transmission oil be changed?

Most manufacturers recommend every 150,000 km, but frequent hauling or high-heat operations may require earlier service.