I purchased a tracked dumper from an Ebay seller back around '06. I did my research on the seller until I was convinced that they were legit. I was really nervous about the close to $30k that went off via E-transfer. When the unit arrived, it was pretty much as described but it had more wear than the hour meter suggested. It was a fair trade and that unit helped me make a fair amount of money with it. I custom built many miles of specialty trails and worked in sloppy places few other machines could go.
I did have an independent inspection done at a dealership in Ontario for a Lamtrac mulcher machine. That $400 long distance inspection saved me from purchasing an abused machine that needed way too much work for such low hours of use. The dealer was good enough to forward information to me of one of his customers that purchased the twin to that machine in case he wished to sell. Will was in Manitoba and we discussed the machine via phone and email. He was straight up about everything he knew about the machine. We made a deal with a written purchase agreement and deposit, he shipped it to my place and met here when the truck came in, explained everything about the machine (even purchased replacement track pad bolts that broke on loading in -45 degree temps) and made sure I knew what I was getting. The money was wired to his account, the equipment was unloaded and the deal was done. 4 or 5 months later after numerous repairs and updates, I started working the machine and making good money with it. Another good long distance deal for me.
My largest, unseen, unverified purchase was the A-91F Menzi Muck excavator that I purchased from an equipment seller in Germany. I did use a transportation company that acted as escrow agent, handled all of the paperwork required and provided door to door service of the machine. Again, I did my research on the seller, who only spoke German and I only spoke English (Google Translate made emails possible), and had to take his word on the condition of the machine. For the hours, the machine was clean and relatively tight. However, once I started working on it, it was evident that the engine did not pull strongly and did not reach rated RPM. I did have to pull the engine after determining that the fuel injection pump timing was off by a tooth and that the camshaft was worn past limits. After pulling the engine, I pulled a rod cap and determined that the engine had just been rebuilt likely within the past 50 hours or less. Chances are that the mechanics missed the camshaft wear and especially the pump timing so sold it off as a bad running unit instead of investing more time into it. I got a decent machine with every bell & whistle from the factory at a good price - a machine that I had searched for for at least 12 years.
The only major problem with the shipping of the Menzi occurred on the Roll on-Roll off cargo ship when a steering hose blew as it was loaded onto the ship. It cost me an extra grand to get a HE mechanic with a TWIC and clearance to board the ship in SC, USA to perform the repairs before it could be unloaded. It was a lot to change out a 10' 5/16 hose but that is part of the game when you take the risk on importation of used equipment. It took a lot of research to get the importation done but with a multi-lingual shipping company handling the bulk of the move, it was reasonable and I knew my money was being handled properly with their escrow service.
My conclusion is that any distant deals are feasible BUT you have to verify legitimacy of the seller and preferably have an independent inspection done and/or an escrow agent. Listen to your gut and bail if the feelings tell you to get out. I've had a few of those, too. Not every swing is a home run. Diligent research is your best defense in long distance purchases.
