When it comes to investing in used excavators, one of the most crucial questions buyers often ask is: Which brand of used excavators has a longer service life? Excavators play a pivotal role in various construction projects, and their longevity can significantly impact both project timelines and budgets. In this article, we will explore the factors that contribute to the service life of excavators, compare popular brands, and provide insights to help you make an informed decision.
1,Understanding Why Is it Important to know which brand of used excavators has a longer service life?
The length of the excavator’s service life is something that buyers looking to invest in used excavators care about a lot. An excavator plays an extremely important role in various construction projects. The machine’s service life can have a big impact on the progress and the budget of any particular project. I’ll introduce the factors that affect the service life of an excavator, compare the service life of popular brand of used excavators, and provide you with some valuable sedan buying tips.
1,Which brand of used excavators Factors Affecting Excavator Service Life
Brand Reputation:Some brands are known for their durability and reliability, partly because of their manufacturing processes and quality control. So compare them, and choose the best brand of used excavators you really need.
Maintenance:Regular maintenance is key to ensuring that any machine lasts a long time. Taking care of a machine makes all the difference when it comes to how well it performs and lasts.
Usage Conditions:An excavator has a shorter life if it’s used in harsh conditions of extreme heat or extreme cold or on difficult terrain vs. a machine used in a more stable climate that’s mainly digging in soft dirt with little if any rocks.
Operating Techniques:The skill of the operator along with the operating techniques can also have an impact. A poorly skilled operator who uses the machine improperly will definitely shorten the life of an excavator.
Technological Advancements:Some of these advanced technologies include GPS systems for precise digging and grading, telematics to monitor machine performance and maintenance needs, hydraulic systems with electronic controls for fine-tuned operation, fuel-saving technology to decrease operating costs, advanced camera systems for better visibility and safety, and automatic lubrication systems to make sure you properly maintain your machine.
2,Top Brand of used Excavators
- Caterpillar (CAT)
Overview:As it is often the case in many industries, when it comes to construction equipment, the CAT brand of used excavators is probably the most recognized by many people. Their earth-moving equipment is known for being some of the best built and longest lasting.
Service Life:On average, Caterpillar excavators will last 10,000 to 15,000 hours with proper maintenance. This will vary with the make and model, as well as how the machine is used. They are known for their high resale value because of the longevity and reliability of their machines.
Advantages:These are a few reasons people opt to purchase CAT products. Large, extensive dealer network for parts and service. Caterpillar is a well-known brand that many people trust. Their machines have advanced technology so you can get more work done faster, easier, and with less wear and tear on the machine. One thing that all of that adds up to is a truck, in this case, that holds its value when you go to sell it or trade it in. It’s the most popular brand of used excavators.
Disadvantages:The equipment can be a bit of an investment on the front end, especially compared to some of the cheap stuff out there. Replacement parts are expensive, especially if you’re working on some of the older models.
- Komatsu
Overview:Komatsu is another premium brand, and they also make great equipment. They are also well-known for building quality machines that are very reliable, fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendly. And it’s the biggest brand of used excavators.
Service Life:They will often go up to 14,000 hours. Most models should get you around 10,000-12,000 hours, similar to a CAT.
Advantages:Fuel-efficient engines to help you keep your operating costs down. They tend to be very user-friendly with gauges, switches, and controls that are easy to understand and easy to use. They’re stoutly built and great for heavy, hard work.
Disadvantages:Parts availability can be iffy in some areas. If parts aren’t readily available, you could be down a machine for a couple of weeks waiting for a part to show up whereas some of the other brands of machines will have better parts availability in certain areas. They also tend to be priced on the high side.
- Sany
Overview:A Chinese company that is on the rise, especially in developing countries. They are known for being very cost-effective.
Service Life: Sany is a rising star brand of used excavators in the excavator market, especially in developing countries. Known for their affordability, Sany excavators are gaining traction among buyers looking for value.
Advantages:Advertisers use slogans to grab attention. Business people go there to connect with potential clients and partners. Brands are visible and often include short videos that are easy to watch.
Disadvantages:· Brand of used excavators recognition and reliability still being established in some markets, which may affect resale values. Potentially lower resale value compared to more established brands. Many people also choose this brand of used excavators.
- Hyundai
Overview:Hyundai brand of used excavators have made significant headway in the construction equipment industry, specifically in the excavator sector, with machines that are recognized for their cutting-edge technology and fuel efficiency. It’s also the normal brand of used excavators.
Service Life:A typical lifespan for Hyundai excavators is around 8,000 to 12,000 hours, based on maintenance and usage.
Advantages:High focus on technological advancements, including features, that make you more productive.
Disadvantages:While that market has made great strides, Hyundai still is slightly less recognizable in the United States. People won’t pay as much for a used Hyundai machine as they will for a Cat or Deere.
The availability of service and parts might be a little more limited in some places.
| Brand | Average Service Life | Maintenance Costs | Resale Value |
| CAT | 10,000 – 15,000 hrs | Higher | High |
| Komatsu | 10,000 – 12,000 hrs | Moderate | Moderate |
| Sany | 6,000 – 8,000 hrs | Lower | Lower |
| Hyundai | 8,000 – 12,000 hrs | Moderate | Moderate |
| JCB | 8,000 – 10,000 hrs | Moderate | Moderate |
3,Key Takeaways from the Comparison
Caterpillar brand of used excavators made the cut so many times because the average number of years their equipment stays for sale is higher than any other brand. So how to choose the brand of used excavators,If you’re a contractor who wants a long-term investment in a machine, you like Caterpillar equipment.
Komatsu brand of used excavators can also be found as a favorite. Why? They last a long time. The average number of years between when Komatsu equipment is sold new and is found for sale on the used market isn’t as long as Caterpillar, but it’s up there. Plus, Komatsu equipment is known for great fuel efficiency and user-friendly technology so that you can pay more upfront to get that new equipment.
But if you’re looking for a piece of equipment to do the job and don’t want to pay the Caterpillar or Komatsu price, Sany fits the bill. Just be aware you’re not buying brand recognition, and you might move it on to someone else sooner than you’d like. So it’s very import to know which brand of used excavators are most suitable for you.
Sany and Hyundai brand of used excavators have the average number of years their equipment is on the market. If you want new technology, new innovation, and something that runs just as good as that Caterpillar or that Komatsu, Sany and Hyundai are the guys to give you that equipment. It’s not going to last as long, but you get all the nice little features. And, you won’t pay as much for it new.
4,What to Consider When Buying a brand of used excavators
- Brand of used excavators and Model
Pick a reputable company, and you’ll be okay. Don’t go buy some generic piece of crap you can’t pronounce the name of. Secondly, one brand will have several machines available. Find out which one is better. For example, among CAT equipment, the CAT 320D is praised for its power and balance of everything it has. With Komatsu, the PC series might offer something else you need. Look within the brand, find the right machine, the right model, and the right price point. That’s what choice is all about the brand of used excavators. It saves people more money than they realize because you can get almost as much power for half the price.
- Maintenance History
Buy the more cost-effective piece. Save the day in the long run. Always ask about the maintenance records of the machine. People look at me like I have three heads when I ask for the maintenance records of something I’m going to buy brand new. Machines that have been well taken care of will last longer and perform better. Ask for records of service. Ask for repair records. Have a professional look at the equipment before you buy it.
- Operating Conditions
Think about where you will use the machine. Somebody out there is working in basalt rock, putting in swimming pools, and doing all manner of destructive things with a machine. They’ll want a Caterpillar or a Komatsu. If you’re working in a sandy area or shady place, a Sany or a Hyundai may work out just fine.
- Inspection and Testing
Before you buy this thing and you hook up, inspect the living hell out of it. Look for wear points, leaks, and damage. If you can, run the machine and see how it works. One of the reasons I ask people to run the machine is that I want to see how you do with the auger. How do you dig with it? How do you lift with it? How do you run the stick up and down? What do you do with your feet or your hands, and you would be amazed at what people will show you.
- Price vs. Value
I understand all things being equal, you want to spend the least amount of money, but you have to look at the value for the money. Spending a little extra to get a reliable brand of used excavators saves a lot of money on repairs and headaches down the road. Before you buy it, pull out your calculator or bust our your calculator app. Look at the total cost of ownership which includes fuel efficiency, the cost of maintaining the machine, and how much it’s going to cost you when you go to sell it on the flip side.
- Dealer Reputation
In the end, the experience you have when you buy anything has to do with who sells it to you. Look for a reputable dealer. Make sure that dealer has been around for a while and ranks high in the customer service and support clouds because that dealer will say, “Here is what I know. This is how you do it. Here are the warranties and guarantees that protect you, and I will help you get parts and service after the sale.” Go find that guy and know the brand of used excavators you want.
5,What to Check Before Starting a brand of used excavators
- Daily Checks
Fluid Levels:Find the repair manual for your exact piece of equipment. Go to the maintenance section and check everything. The three fluids you want to verify are the oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluid levels. People run out of these fluids, especially on these mini excavators. When the oil or coolant is low, that engine runs hot. When hydraulic fluid is low, the fluid heats up and acts like water in a piping hot pan, which is slow. Whether the owners before you were stupid, or you make the decision you don’t have time to deal with it, that machine needs to operate at peak efficiency. Check your fluids.
Hydraulic System:Look around for any drips or leaks anywhere. Make sure the hydraulic system runs. Nobody has time to deal with hydraulic system issues. You need the hydraulic system to work, and you need it to work the first time, every time. Do you have time to deal with problems? No? Then don’t buy a machine with a problem. Don’t buy a pig in a poke.
Tracks:Look at the track tension. Tension the track the way it’s supposed to be. Make sure that thing is tight. If you know how to tension a track, you’ll get better tractive effort out of the machine and not put extra wear and tear on components.
Safety Features:Finally, while you’re standing there looking around and messing with everything, make sure the safety stuff works. Make sure the lights come on. Make sure the alarms sound, even though they drive you out of a piece of equipment faster than anything else on the planet. That stuff is important. The guy operating the machine can dig a hole in which to bury himself, and nobody wants to lose a husband that way, so make sure it all works.
Cab Conditions:Even before you get in the cab, open the door, look inside, or pull the door off its hinges. Try to look around. Is the cab clean? Clean is good. Dirty is bad. Hop in the cab. Feel around. All those controls making you feel something or do something that you can see, hear, or feel should be clean. A clean cab lets you see out the windows, gives you more control, and makes operating the mini excavator easier.
Regular Maintenance
Next, use that manual to work out the maintenance. The maintenance section is there. Look at what needs to be done every 100 hours, every 250 hours, every 500 hours, every 1,000 hours, and every 2,000 hours of operation. What else should be done at the end of every work week, every work month, or every work quarter? What about winter maintenance? When is it time to make the peanut butter and jelly sandwich so you can pack your machine in grease for the winter?
You’ll thank yourself when something doesn’t break, doesn’t wear out as fast, and you’re able to have a peak performing machine all the time you’re using it. So it’s very important to choose a reliable brand of used excavators.
6,Real-World Experiences-Customer Feedback
If you do your due diligence and look and ask and peek around, you will come up with CAT. People say that every time. People say they have fewer problems, fewer breakdowns, and less downtime because the machine is down for maintenance or repair on a lot of other pieces of equipment. That makes them more money at the end of the day. More money makes them more cold, hard cash that they can do with whatever they like.
Have fewer problems, less downtime, and make more money. Sounds good to me. Sounds like there is more money out there, and all I have to do is take it while you grab the CAT keys and go to the bank. Sounds like less work and more money to me.
First, you might run across somebody who says, “No, man. I run that Sany, baby. I bought it, dirt cheap. “What’s the resale value of that thing?” “Oh, I don’t know. I’ll probably have to haul it across the scale; they won’t pay me for it.” Or, “I’ll drive it into the creek — can I get away with that?” They don’t care because they bought the machine cheap. Somebody else is paying way more money for machines because they like that color or that brand. Second, you might hear, “I run Komatsu. I don’t have to learn anything. Everything is push button. It’s so easy to run that anybody can run that equipment.”
Summary
Who has the longest service life for the brand of used excavators? Caterpillar. They have the longest. If you like stuff that lasts, that’s the Caterpillar. I haven’t found any under 10,000 hours yet. Someone noted, “A coworker of mine just purchased a 2006 Komatsu PC 220 excavator with 5800 hours on it for over $56,000.” That’s what he paid because it had 5800 hours, which is not that much use. But, this guy would rather learn how to run it and take lower resale because the machine has another 9,000 hours of life left in it. Mine has already been dead 9000 hours.
That’s why Komatsu means a fine balance. Not as long of a service life as a Caterpillar, but longer than the Sany/Sunset Excavator brands that have only 2000-5000 hours on the average.
In summary, the choices for brand of used excavators involve the type of work you do, the budget you have to spend, the conditions that you will run the equipment in, and the way you take care of equipment. By knowing that, and the typical life of a machine, you can make the right decision for your business to help you make more money than you’ve ever dreamed possible. How cool is that? How cold is your cash? Make the right choice, use the equipment right, and go make more money.
You want to pay the price once so you can leverage the advantage over and over again during the life for the brand of used excavators. The right piece of equipment makes your job site more efficient instead of less efficient because the right people are doing the right thing with the right machine. You spend your money wisely so that you have fewer opportunities to spend with fewer problems, less downtime, and fewer headaches. It’s how we treat our money and the rest of the world too.
If you want more information of the brand of used excavators, please contact with me.