Excavators are relatively cheap in the Chinese market, mainly due to China’s accumulation of a large number of excavators over the past 40 years. The used excavator market is very active, and the performance of used excavators is not significantly different from new ones.

China has many domestic brands of excavators and a complete, mature supply chain. Both the machines and parts are very affordable, which makes the prices of internationally well-known brands like Komatsu and Caterpillar relatively low in China.

With the reduction of infrastructure projects in China, more and more excavators are retiring from construction sites and entering the used market, which will further lower the overall price of excavators.

For example, a Caterpillar of the same model that sells for $270,000 in the international market can be purchased for just $66,000 in the used market in China. These machines are finely refurbished and look no different from new ones, with performance nearly the same as well.

Affected by the used excavator market, sales of new machines from companies like SANY and XCMG have dropped sharply in recent years. As a result, they had to resort to government intervention to crack down on the sale of used SANY and XCMG excavators in the used market. This has further lowered the prices of excavators from these two brands in the second-hand market.

If you’re looking for the best cost-performance ratio, SANY might be the best option. Buying three SANY excavators in China is equivalent to purchasing one Caterpillar in terms of price. You get three times the efficiency.

However, shipping costs are an issue. For example, we had a customer from French Polynesia, a country in the central Pacific. The shipping cost to transport an excavator from Shanghai to the port of Papeete was $8,611, while the machine itself only cost $23,000—more than one-third of the machine’s price was spent on shipping.

Therefore, we often encounter customers who buy multiple machines at once to reduce shipping costs and achieve the highest overall cost-performance ratio. More overseas customers act as intermediaries, importing used excavators in bulk from China and reselling them in their countries for a good profit.

I work in China’s largest used excavator market. If you’re looking for sources of used excavators, feel free to contact me.

Chinese and Non-Chinese excavators each have their own strengths and weaknesses, catering to different market demands and usage environments. Below is a comparison of the two:

Advantages of Chinese Excavators:

• High Cost-Performance Ratio
  Chinese excavators are generally more affordable, offering better value for money. For companies or individuals with limited budgets, Chinese excavators are often a more economical choice.
• Convenient After-Sales Service
  Chinese brands like SANY, XCMG, and Zoomlion have a wide after-sales service network, providing timely repairs and parts supply. For users, after-sales support is easier to obtain and quicker to resolve issues.
• Strong Adaptability
  Chinese excavators are designed and manufactured to meet the specific needs and working conditions of the Chinese market. They are better suited to China’s geography, climate, and construction requirements. Chinese equipment tends to meet the demands of local engineering projects better than Non-Chinese alternatives.
• Rapid Innovation and Technology Upgrades
  Chinese excavator manufacturers have increased their investments in research and development in recent years. Chinese excavators' performance and technology are constantly improving and are gradually catching up with international brands in some areas. Some high-end Chinese excavators can now compete with Non-Chinese brands in terms of technology and functionality.
• Government Support
  The government offers substantial support to Chinese manufacturers, such as policy incentives and subsidies, which makes Chinese excavators more competitive in terms of price.

Disadvantages of Chinese Excavators:

• Technological Gap
  Although Chinese excavators are improving, there is still a technological gap compared to high-end Non-Chinese brands like Caterpillar, Hitachi, and Volvo. For example, Non-Chinese brands often have more mature technologies in areas like engine systems, hydraulic systems, and fuel efficiency.
• Lower Brand Recognition
  Compared to international brands, Chinese excavators have lower brand recognition and influence in global markets. In some overseas markets, international brands have a stronger user base, and expanding the market for Chinese brands abroad remains a challenge.
• Quality Control Issues
  Some Chinese excavators, especially those from smaller manufacturers or lower-end brands, may have inconsistent manufacturing quality and stability. Some models may experience more breakdowns after extended use.

Advantages of Non-Chinese Excavators:

• Mature Technology
  International brands like Caterpillar, Hitachi, and Volvo have decades of accumulated research and development. Their excavators feature mature technology and perform excellently in areas like fuel efficiency, power systems, hydraulic systems, and control. These machines are especially well-suited for high-demand working environments.
• High Reliability and Durability
  Non-Chinese brand excavators are known for their reliability and durability, capable of working for extended periods under harsh conditions. This is particularly important for high-intensity and high-efficiency projects.
• Global Brand Influence
  Non-Chinese brands typically have higher global brand recognition and influence. Many overseas customers trust these brands. Due to their global presence, these brands also have a more stable used market and resale value.
• Advanced Technology and Features
  International brands invest heavily in advanced technologies such as automation, smart systems, and environmental protection. For example, Volvo’s "Smart Operation" system and Caterpillar’s remote monitoring systems enhance work efficiency and safety.

Disadvantages of Non-Chinese Excavators:

• Higher Price
  Non-Chinese excavators are usually more expensive, especially for new machines. The price difference can be significant, which may not be suitable for customers with limited budgets.
• More Complex After-Sales Service
  While international brands have been establishing after-sales service networks in China, they are not as widespread as Chinese brands. In remote areas, getting maintenance and parts for Non-Chinese brands may take longer and be more expensive.
• Adaptability Issues
  Although international excavators perform well globally, they may not be as flexible in meeting specific Chinese market needs. For certain Chinese projects, Non-Chinese equipment may not adapt as well as local brands.

Conclusion:
Choosing between Chinese and Non-Chinese excavators depends on various factors such as project requirements, budget, and after-sales support. If you have a tight budget, prioritize cost-effectiveness, and will mostly be working Chineseally, Chinese excavators are a great choice. However, if you need higher technological standards, reliability, and durability, and are willing to pay a premium, Non-Chinese-brand excavators may be more suitable.

The used excavator market in China has been developing rapidly in recent years. As demand for machinery in industries such as construction, mining, and transportation continues to grow, used excavators have become an important choice for many companies to save costs and improve work efficiency. Below is an introduction to the current situation of the used excavator market in China:

1. Continuous Expansion of Market Size
   With the rapid development of domestic infrastructure, the demand for excavators has been increasing. However, due to the high price of new machines, many small businesses and individuals have also started to pay attention to the used excavator market. According to relevant statistics, the transaction volume of the used equipment market has been increasing year by year, and the market share of used excavators continues to expand, especially in second- and third-tier cities as well as rural areas, where demand is particularly strong.
2. Diverse Brands and Types of Used Excavators
   The used excavator market in China features a wide range of brands, including both domestic and international brands. Domestic brands such as SANY, XCMG, and Zoomlion hold a large market share, favored by users due to strong after-sales service and high cost-effectiveness. International brands such as Hitachi, Caterpillar, and Volvo, though relatively expensive, still have a broad market in high-end sectors and for applications requiring advanced technology.
   The market offers various models and configurations of used excavators to suit different work environments and requirements. From small excavators to large construction machinery, users can select the appropriate equipment based on their budget and work needs.
3. Fluctuation in Used Excavator Prices
   The price of used excavators is influenced by various factors such as brand, equipment age, usage condition, and maintenance history. Typically, newer equipment and higher-quality brands are priced higher, while older equipment with poor maintenance records is priced lower. Prices for used excavators also fluctuate depending on market demand, particularly when economic conditions change or there is an imbalance between supply and demand.
4. Rise of Online Transaction Platforms for Used Equipment
   With the widespread use of the internet, an increasing number of online platforms for buying and selling used excavators have emerged, offering services such as online transactions, information inquiry, and equipment evaluation. Well-known platforms like 58.com, Ganji.com, and Alibaba provide a large volume of used excavator listings, allowing buyers to learn about equipment details, pricing, and vendor credibility. In addition, specialized used equipment transaction platforms such as Mechanical Home and Engineering Machinery Network also offer more options for buyers and sellers.
5. Intense Market Competition and Risks for Buyers and Sellers
   Although the used excavator market has great potential, there are some risks due to relatively lagging market regulation, and irregular transaction practices occur from time to time. Buyers need to be cautious when selecting suppliers to avoid purchasing accident-prone or problematic equipment. Moreover, special attention should be paid to equipment quality checks, usage history, and warranty services to avoid difficulties in maintenance and high repair costs in the future.
6. Policy Impact
   With the country's increasing environmental requirements, older excavators with insufficient emission standards face the pressure of being phased out. Policy changes also impact the used excavator market, particularly regarding regulations on environmental protection and emissions standards, which directly affect the circulation of some older equipment. However, for used excavators that meet environmental standards and have shorter usage histories, market demand remains strong.
7. Buyer's Considerations
   Check the equipment's usage history: Before purchasing, it is essential to learn about the equipment's working history, maintenance records, and whether it has any accident history to avoid buying equipment with hidden issues.
   Certification and after-sales service guarantee: Choose vendors with a good reputation and strong after-sales service to ensure equipment quality and warranty support. Brand-name equipment usually comes with better after-sales service systems.
   Price comparison: Reasonably evaluate prices through multiple platforms and vendors. Especially when buying used equipment, consider the equipment’s age, working condition, and market price comprehensively.
   Transportation and maintenance: After purchasing, you also need to consider transportation, installation, and maintenance issues to ensure the equipment can function properly once in use.

Conclusion
Although the used excavator market in China is full of opportunities, it also faces certain risks and challenges. As market demand continues to grow, the supply of used excavators and transaction platforms is becoming increasingly diversified, and competition within the industry is intensifying. For buyers, selecting reputable suppliers, conducting thorough equipment inspections, and comparing prices will be key to minimizing risks and acquiring quality equipment.

Direct Contact with Manufacturers or Dealers

China has several large excavator manufacturers, such as SANY Heavy Industry, Zoomlion, and XCMG. You can directly contact these companies to inquire about products, prices, and after-sales services.
Dealers: Major brands usually have dealers across the country. You can find the nearest authorized dealers through the manufacturer's official website.

Online Platforms

Panswork.com: I built my own second-hand excavator website. You can not only buy excavators here, but also sell your own second-hand equipment. Not only that, you can also discuss topics related to excavators. Generally speaking, excavators need to be traded face to face, so there is no safety issue.

Alibaba: The Alibaba international platform has many excavator suppliers. You can choose from different brands and models according to your needs.

JD.com, Tmall: These large e-commerce platforms also have many construction machinery sellers, especially for the buying and selling of both new and used equipment. You can check the prices and reviews of excavators on these platforms.

58.com, Ganji.com: These platforms also have a market for second-hand equipment, where you can find used excavators, usually at a lower price than new machines.

Auction Companies
If you are considering buying a used excavator, you can pay attention to auction companies. These companies frequently auction used equipment, including excavators. You can find relevant equipment on major auction platforms like Huaxia Auction and Beijing Poly Auction.

Import through Foreign Trade Companies
If you are outside China, you can import an excavator directly from China through a foreign trade company. Typically, these companies will help you with logistics, customs procedures, and other related issues.

Used Equipment Market
If your budget is limited, you can consider buying an excavator in the used equipment market. Many cities in China, such as Shenzhen and Guangzhou, have large second-hand equipment markets.

Exhibitions and Industry Conferences
Attending machinery engineering and construction equipment exhibitions is also a good option. You can directly communicate with manufacturers or dealers, learn about the latest technology and prices, and make on-site purchases or reservations.

Things to Consider

Brand Selection: When choosing a brand, consider after-sales service, spare parts supply, and warranty periods. Domestic brands such as SANY and XCMG have extensive service networks in China.

New or Used Equipment: Choose new or used equipment based on your budget. When buying used equipment, it is recommended to inspect the equipment's quality and understand its history of usage.

Transportation and Installation: When purchasing an excavator, make sure to account for transportation costs and installation and debugging services. For large equipment, logistics costs can be significant.

This way, you can choose the appropriate channel to buy an excavator according to your needs.