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Product lifetime is a central yet weakly validated parameter in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), where it functions as a scaling mechanism for allocating environmental impacts. In the context of heavy construction equipment, lifetime is commonly assumed rather than empirically established, often fixed at standardized values despite evidence of significant variation in real-world use. This study addresses this gap by empirically examining the operational lifetime of construction equipment and comparing observed patterns with the assumptions used in LCA models. The research adopts a qualitative case study approach, combining literature review with semi-structured interviews involving OEM representatives and service actors, supported by insights from secondary market observations. The findings indicate that product lifetime is not primarily determined by technical limits, but by economic decisions, service infrastructure, and cross-market redistribution, with equipment frequently remaining in operation beyond its initially assumed lifetime. This creates a structural mismatch between model assumptions and actual system behaviour, with direct implications for environmental impact allocation and circular economy strategies. The study contributes by highlighting the need for empirically grounded lifetime modelling and by demonstrating how multi-owner and cross-market dynamics reshape the understanding of product lifetime in sustainability assessments.