Guide to Choosing Used Excavators to Avoid Pits: Practical Strategies for Smart Buyers

A second-hand excavator from a mainstream brand typically costs only 40% -60% of a new machine, but can still provide over 80% of its operational capacity.

For most engineering projects, this is a highly attractive return on investment. The Chinese construction machinery market has entered the era of stock from the era of increment, with a total of over 9 million units of major construction machinery products in the country, and huge potential in the second-hand market.

01 Market Changes

The second-hand excavator market is undergoing profound changes. The construction machinery market is no longer just an incremental market, but a dynamic stock market. Its market size is expected to exceed 150 billion yuan by 2025.

This trend is not only evident in China, but globally, the second-hand excavator market is also steadily growing. The global second-hand excavator market is expected to reach approximately $40 billion to $45 billion by 2023, and is projected to reach $46 billion to $49 billion by the end of 2025.

Especially in China, as the world's largest construction machinery market, it has the largest number of excavators.

With the accelerated upgrading of domestic equipment and emission standards, a large number of devices are seeking a way out, transforming China from a net importer of second-hand equipment in the past to an important exporter.

02 Selection criteria

When choosing a second-hand excavator, brand and model are key decision-making factors. The main brands in the market include mainstream manufacturers such as Sany, Caterpillar, Komatsu, and XCMG, with models ranging from 1 to 550 tons.

The working hours are generally in the range of 1000 to 6300 hours, which is an important indicator for measuring the degree of equipment wear and tear.

The mainstream tonnage distribution of second-hand excavators is obvious, with medium-sized equipment in the 20-30 ton range occupying the mainstream trading volume. This type of equipment has a wide range of applications and is suitable for various working conditions, making it the most cost-effective choice.

The price range is directly related to tonnage. The price difference of second-hand excavators in the market is significant, with a price range of 48000 yuan to 368000 yuan covering various equipment from micro to large.

The price is influenced by various factors such as the age of the equipment, cumulative working hours, modification configuration, and regional supply and demand relationship.

03 Equipment Inspection Points

Engine and Hydraulic System: Checking the engine is the top priority. Observe whether the startup is smooth and whether there are any abnormal noises and smoke during operation. Black smoke may be a sign of oil head, oil pump, or turbocharger malfunction.

The hydraulic system is the core of the excavator, and it is necessary to check whether the oil pump, valves, and other components are working properly to ensure stable system pressure.

The hydraulic oil temperature should be controlled within a reasonable range: the maximum oil temperature in the old car's fuel tank should not exceed 90 degrees, and in the new car it should not exceed 80 degrees.

Four wheel belt and working device: "Four wheel belt" refers to the driving wheel, guide wheel, support wheel, idler wheel, and track, which directly affect the walking performance of the equipment. Check the degree of wear and observe the driving wheel and guide wheel.

The working device includes the boom, forearm, and bucket, and special attention should be paid to whether there are cracks or welding marks. If there are signs of repair, it indicates that the machine has suffered serious damage.

Electrical system and components: The electrical system includes components such as the main control board and sensors, which should be checked for proper functioning.

In addition, it is necessary to pay attention to whether there are any scratches on the oil cylinder, check the air conditioning system (run for 3 to 5 minutes every month to prevent malfunctions), and confirm that the hydraulic oil tank cover can maintain pressure.

04 Regional market differences

The second-hand excavator market in China exhibits distinct regional characteristics. The northern market is centered around Beijing, and data shows that the average price of 30 ton equipment is about 18% higher than that of the southern market.

The circulation volume of Chongqing and Chengdu markets in the southwest region has increased by 22% annually, with medium-sized equipment such as XCMG XE205DA accounting for 47%. Shandong, along the eastern coast, has formed a specialized trading cluster, with some businesses focusing on trading specific emission standard models.

Environmental standards directly affect the circulation of equipment. In 2025, National III emission equipment accounted for 73% of the total trading volume, an increase of 29 percentage points compared to 2020.

It is worth noting that the residual value rate of National III emission models after 5000 hours is about 10% -15% higher than that of National II standard models.

The Beijing Tianjin Hebei region has implemented access restrictions on non National III equipment, which has promoted the cross regional circulation of related models.

05 After sales and maintenance

Daily maintenance: Idle excavators also require careful maintenance. Engine maintenance should involve draining the coolant, changing the engine oil, and filling the fuel tank with diesel to prevent rusting.

The battery should be removed and placed in a dry and antifreeze place. Lead acid batteries need to be charged once a month. The exposed metal parts of the equipment need to be coated with butter to prevent rust.

Professional maintenance: When a malfunction occurs, some practical maintenance techniques can help identify the problem. For example, when the engine water temperature is high, after removing the thermostat, the small hole under the thermostat seat should be plugged with wood to prevent hot water recirculation.

The heavy handle may be caused by low pilot pressure or clogged oil inlet filter, or it may be due to poor flow between the handle return pipe and the oil tank, resulting in excessive oil return resistance.

When repairing a hydraulic pump, it is best to mark the cylinder body and plunger after they are removed. When reinstalling, follow the order of removal to avoid poor friction between the parts, which may cause excessive internal leakage.

Bulldozers, loaders, and cranes are also active in the second-hand market. The prices of these devices are usually 30% -50% cheaper than new devices, and certified second-hand devices are in high demand.

From the infrastructure boom in Southeast Asia to housing plans in Latin America, the global demand for second-hand construction machinery is reshaping the industry landscape.