The foremost thing considered in any HCE is its technology, as people generally don't want to become deprived of an advantage offered by a certain latest advanced technology. But with so many specifications of the equipments to grapple with, it is quiet a task before arriving at any decision. To start with, a list of perceived performance requirements for multifarious jobs expected to be executed should be  repared and cross checked with the available specifications of a HCE. Generally the Engine HP, Dig/ Dump Depths, Dump Heights, Ground  learance, Hydraulic HP, Operator console design, Availability of additional gadgets etc., are of utmost importance. The power of the engine is a crucial aspect, as it is a major indicator of the capability of the equipment. Technology used for fuel injection, cooling of engine etc., too can be the reasons behind efficiency of a HCE. Another aspect of technology is multifunctional equipments that perform multiple jobs. For instance, John Deere's new 764 High-Speed Dozer (HSD) is capable of performing grading and moderate dozing at about double the speed of a similarly sized crawler's ability for site preparation and road building. Again, making sure of the dump depths and heights apart from ground clearance of HCE would ensure that the equipment satiates the requirements of job to be executed in extraordinary terrains and conditions. Specifications like height, weight should be considered against the intended terrain of use viz., smaller bridges and storage availability viz., garage for a HCE. When it comes to operator console, aspects of ergonomics viz., visibility, seating, cab design, controls etc., should be looked into with great care. This is so because ergonomics is important for operator comfort which in turn is closely related to the performance of the Air-conditioning would enable the operator to work efficiently in all weather conditions, allowing faster work execution. Before any procurement of HCEs, the operator should be allowed to have a feel and evaluate the machine he is intended to operate.

Durability & Breakdown free operation As HCEs are to be used in extremely challenging conditions for prolonged periods of time, they are expected to be highly rugged to last long with least break downs. Extreme conditions like heavy loads, hostile terrain, weather conditions, use for extended time periods etc., can wear out the parts of equipment fast. Hence equipments can be expected to meet all these challenges, only if they are structurally well built, with wear resistant parts to take the beating and a quality engine to back it all. manufacturers usually make products according to markets. Usually products meant for Europe and North America tends to be of higher quality as buyers from advanced nations expect better quality and could afford the associated cost escalation. This is one reason why, at times used HCEs from advanced nations of North America or Europe would cost as much as that of brand new heavy equipment meant for third world countries. Thus quality equipment most times would have a price tag attached for the better engine and the better components they contain. In spite of higher costs, another important advantage of durable equipment is lesser number of break downs. Frequent break downs can play havoc to any project mainly in remote areas, making the extra spending on durable equipments worthwhile an investment, particularly considering the time saved in repairs and cost averted in replacements. As HCEs are to be used in extremely challenging conditions for prolonged periods of time, they are expected to be highly rugged to last long with least break downs. Extreme conditions like heavy loads, hostile terrain, weather conditions, use for extended time periods etc., can wear out the parts of equipment fast. Hence equipments can be expected to meet all these challenges, only if they are structurally well built, with wear resistant parts to take the beating and a quality engine to back it all. Manufacturers usually make products according to markets. Usually products meant for Europe and North America tends to be of higher quality as buyers from advanced nations expect better quality and could afford the associated cost escalation. This is  one reason why, at times used HCEs from advanced nations of North America or Europe would cost as much as that of brand new heavy equipment meant  for third world countries. Thus quality equipment most times would have a price tag attached for the better engine and the better components they contain. In spite of higher costs, another important advantage of durable equipment is lesser number of break downs. Frequent break downs can play havoc to any project mainly in remote areas, making the extra spending on durable equipments worthwhile an investment, particularly considering the time saved in repairs and cost averted in replacements.

Maintenance is a major area of expenditure and a crucial determinant of ROI in all HCEs. And free availability of spares is the important factor in maintenance, particularly when the equipments are imported and are to be used in remote areas. Parts that are expected to wear out frequently should be stocked based on requirement even during the original purchase of new equipment. And preference should be given for equipments with free spare availability and wide network for quality after sales service. Every hour of idling of construction equipment is a loss to the owner and hence it is highly recommended to ensure that a maintenance agreement is made ith manufacturer even during the purchase of equipment. Again equipment theft is not uncommon as year after year costly equipments worth many millions are thieved from jobsites. Utmost priority should be ensured in securing the costly HCEs. Of late technologies like GPS have become available for the tracking and tracing of equipments, which could be put to use in case of a large fleet of HCEs are to be secured. Utilization is another crucial aspect in the profitability of HCE. In HCEs, the hours of idling are inversely proportional to ROI. Hence they should be put to constant work by hook or crook. Renting and leasing of equipments is one way of averting idling in HCEs and ensuring a faster ROI.

 

The most important consideration while buying a HCE is safety. HCEs are inherently risk prone equipments simply due to their weight and height. With the presence of live wires, inflammable fuels and other lethal fluids around, they can pretty well become a recipe for disasters. As much the precautions that are to be taken while the use of these behemoths, certain innate safety aspects too should be ensured. The safety of a HCE should be considered against the terrain and area it is to be used. For instance in case of a soaring Drilling rig the factors like stability and ability to transport within the constraints of a city or the hairpin bends of a hilly tract should be considered. Visibility of the operator from the cab is another crucial aspect for any HCE, as the operator cannot be blamed for accidents caused due to his view being obstructed. While testing the equipment areas of low visibility during operations like digging or scooping, should  be identified and appropriately remedied. Similarly sensitivity of the controls too is an extremely important aspect, as response of HCEs particularly during precarious operations is crucial in averting a nasty fall or the machine turning turtle. Another aspect of safety is that of the man-machine coordination, as the skill of the operator comes into play, in having absolute and skillful control of the machine he operates. Adequate training in different operations of machine should be ensured for every operator.