Understanding the cost is crucial for anybody in construction or in the procurement of heavy equipment. Whether this is for a large-scale project, or you’re doing the work yourself on a smaller project and need the unit for the weekend, understanding what an excavator costs influences your bottom dollar tremendously.
The excavator cost can vary significantly depending on several factors, including whether it is new or used, its size, brand, and additional features. Understanding these factors will help you make a more informed decision, ensuring you choose the right excavator for your project while staying within your budget.
Now let’s go through the main factors that drive the cost of an excavator and help you analyze whether you should buy a new one, a used one, and how the size, brand, and your specific project needs will affect the price.
What Determines the Cost of an Excavator?
Excavator Price Variations: New vs. Used
Other factors that can affect the price of an excavator include the age of the machine, its operating hours, and the condition of its parts. A more powerful machine with additional attachments and features will cost more than a basic model with a less powerful engine. The price will also depend on where you buy the machine and whether you negotiate a deal with the seller. Finally, the price can also be affected by the brand of the excavator. Some brands are more popular and better made than others, which can make them more expensive.
How Much Does a New Excavator Cost?
On the other hand, used excavators are priced based on their hours and condition. Most of the time, the older the machine the more often it has been used. That means it will cost less, but also have worn-out seals, pads, or bushings. As a result, if you buy a used machine, it’s either going to be cheaper or better than the competition, or you’re going to have to do some repairs. Normally, used undercarriage is a bad deal, used undercarriage is expensive to fix. But if you need a six-figure excavator and only have five figures, you have to do what you have to do.
How Much Does a Used Excavator Cost?
They are priced based on the number of hours and the condition. Normally, the older the machine, the more hours it has been run. It’s going to be less money, but it’s probably going to need seals, pads or bushings. So if you buy a used one, it’s going to be cheaper or better than the competition, or you’re going to have to put some money into it. Normally, save the sprockets. Meanwhile, whips and chains and used undercarriage, that’s expensive to fix. However, if you ‘gotta have that hundred thousand dollar excavator and you only have a fifty thousand dollar bill to pay for it, then that’s what you’re gonna do.
How Much Does an Excavator Cost for Specific Projects?
Well, you might just need a mini excavator for digging trenches or doing some landscaping. However, if you need to lift a big rock or dig a bigger hole, you will probably need a bigger, more powerful excavator. The bottom line is the cost of an excavator will vary based on what you want to do with it. Are you looking for an all-purpose, go-everywhere, do-everything machine or a specialized machine with one or two functions?
How Does Excavator Size and Capacity Affect Its Price?
Excavator Price by Size and Capacity
The cost of an excavator goes up with size and lifting capacity. At the low end are the small mini excavators; at the high end are the big ones that lift the most and do the most work. As size and lifting capacity go up, the price goes up.
Full-Sized Excavators vs. Mini Excavators
Mini excavators are great for tight spaces and lightweight tasks. New ones are usually priced between $15,000 and $60,000. They wear well and have a good resale value. Used ones are relatively reasonable, making them ideal for smaller projects or second machines for specialty tasks. On the other hand, full-sized excavators are built for serious, big-time, large-scale work and are priced upwards of $150,000 plus, depending on the features of each machine. These are the machines you use for big-time work such as tearing stuff apart or doing massive amounts of work.
Mini Excavator Price Range and Cost Factors
A mini excavator will cost you anywhere from $10,000 and $60,000 depending on the brand, size, and condition. A new mini excavator from a name brand like Kubota, Takeuchi, Yanmar, or Bobcat will be up at the higher end of that range. Some of the off-brand or older models out there will be less expensive. The more it can do, like if it has a hydraulic thumb or it comes with extra buckets, the more it costs.
Benefits and Cost Efficiency of Mini Excavators
You’re saving money over a big one, and they’re stickier, more maneuverable, and better at getting into tight spots. These are perfect for residential construction or landscaping where the access is limited and you’re not doing any heavy lifting. If you want to talk about it in terms of return on investment, then this is a great way to go for smaller companies or projects where you just don’t need the capacity of a bigger machine.
What Is the Cost of a Mini Excavator for Sale?
Mini Excavators for Sale: Price Range and Features
there is a wide price range for mini excavators, usually from $10,000 and $60,000 for a new machine. The price is determined by different grades of steel and where the machine was manufactured. Is it a Chinese-made knockoff, or a Japanese or Korean manufacturer? Obviously, the more steel and machine you get, the higher the price goes. This includes things like engine size, hydraulic capabilities, or the size of the track and overall machine. As you start adding advanced features which improve everything from fuel efficiency to operator comfort, the price goes up.
How Much Does a Mini Excavator Cost Compared to Larger Models?
The cost of a full-size excavator usually is much higher than the cost of a mini excavator. You can easily pay $100,000 to $250,000 or more for a new full-sized excavator, depending on the brand and specifications. Additional costs to consider are transportation and storage, which are higher for a full-sized excavator than for a mini excavator. Mini excavators are generally lower priced and designed for smaller projects. However, the actual lift capacity of a mini excavator is much less than that of a full-sized excavator.
Where to Find Affordable Mini Excavators for Sale?
You can find mini excavators for sale on eBay, MachineryTrader, Ritchie Bros. Auctions, and other websites. It’s also an excellent idea to look at your local equipment supplier, dealerships, and auctions. Remember to check the machine’s condition, hours of use, and service history before you buy; you want to make sure you get your money’s worth.
How Can You Buy an Excavator at the Best Price?
Where to Buy Excavators and Compare Prices
When buying an excavator, it’s important to compare prices from different sources to make sure you’re getting the best price. Excavators can be bought brand-new from a dealership, online from various platforms, or at auctions. Each option has its pros and cons, and there are variables such as warranty, time of delivery, and post-purchase support that you will want to consider.
Negotiating Used Excavator Prices for Better Deals
You can usually bargain with the price of a used excavator, especially if you’re buying from a private party or at an auction. Make sure you inspect the machine closely and point to any wear or maintenance issues as reasons to lower the price. A knowledgeable buyer can usually get a better deal, particularly with older or high-hour machines.
What Are the Financing Options Available for Buying an Excavator?
To help pay for an excavator, you can get a loan or lease, or if you meet the credit criteria, the dealership can set up a payment program. Many dealerships have financing programs with competitive interest rates that allow you to spread out the payments over time. If you only need the excavator for a specific time or project, leasing is also an option.
How Does the Brand Impact Excavator Price?
Excavator Price by Brand
The brand of excavator you buy can greatly affect its price. Top-tier brands like Caterpillar (CAT), Komatsu, and Hitachi generally cost more money. Why? They’ve built a reputation for high quality, long-lasting machines, and they offer great technology. If you buy one of these brands, it will usually have a higher resale value plus the extensive service network and customer support you’d expect from the price tag. Conversely, brands like SANY, LiuGong, and XCMG can provide less expensive choices, but they don’t always include all the support, features, or benefits you get with some of the premium brands.
Choosing the Right Brand for Your Budget
If you’re going to buy an excavator, the advice from the experts when selecting a brand is to make your purchase based on your budget versus the performance and life expectancy. If you’re going to be on a large project for a long time, you might want to invest in a more expensive brand because the upfront cost could be worth it if the machine performs like it’s supposed to and lasts a long time. If you’re going to do a couple of projects on the side, or if you have a limited budget, you can still get an excavator that provides the value you need but doesn’t cost as much upfront if you buy a less expensive brand.
How to Evaluate Excavator Prices When Importing from China
Some companies import their excavators from China. If you explore that option, remember to include shipping, customs duties, and import taxes when considering total landed cost. Those additional expenses can surprise you and turn a cheaper Chinese-built price into a pretty expensive one. Keep the total price in mind to avoid getting caught off guard.
What Are the Hidden Costs When Buying an Excavator?
Additional Costs Beyond the Excavator Price
Costs related to an excavator go far beyond purchase price. You also have to pay to have it shipped to you, as well as import taxes, insurance, registration, and any financing fees. Don’t forget to calculate everything you’ll need to spend to get the machine to your job site or in your yard, so you’re not surprised by any hidden costs.
How Bench Excavation Influences Excavator Costs
Digging a bench requires more than the standard bucket for your excavator. When you bid that task, you need to factor in the additional equipment you’ll need to make the machine perform the work properly. That might include a heavier machine, which costs more to purchase or rent. It could also mean using your standard machine but swapping out the bucket with an attachment specifically designed to dig a bench and carry the different material. Always consider the additional cost and attachments you need to perform the job properly.
Why Are Excavators More Expensive in Some Regions Than Others?
Prices may differ significantly by region. For example, we once priced a container of mini excavators to Nigeria, West Africa. When the buyer calculated the total cost, including all freight, shipping, and import taxes, the machine was significantly more expensive than the exact same machine in the United States. Research and check costs before making a decision.
What Are the Maintenance Costs for Excavators?
Excavator Maintenance and Repair Costs Over Time
Don’t forget the cost of repairing and maintaining your excavator. Changing the oil and hydraulic fluid, replacing tracks, and repairing parts can become expensive. Just like your truck or automobile, problems will arise that cost you time and money. All of these costs contribute to the total cost of ownership over the life of your excavator.
New Excavator vs. Used Excavator Maintenance Costs
New machines typically have lower maintenance costs in the first couple of years of ownership because the machine’s new and most repairs are still covered by the warranty. With a used machine, as repairs and parts replacements become necessary, the cost of ownership starts to add up.
How Technology Affects Excavator Maintenance Costs
One thing about newer machines is they often come with more advanced technologies like GPS, auto systems, telematics, and other features. These tools can help you reduce the cost of owning an excavator through predictive maintenance and more efficient operation, but you pay for them up front. If they break, repairs can be costly.
How Do Excavator Attachments Affect the Price?
Excavator Attachments and Their Costs
Don’t forget about attachments. Buckets, hammers, grapples, and other attachments can significantly impact the overall cost of ownership. Attachments range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the attachment and its capabilities.
How to Choose Attachments That Fit Your Budget
When you buy attachments, make sure they fit your project needs. A bucket is a nice option, but if you know you’re only going to be ripping and tearing stuff apart, then maybe you need a hammer. Even though that investment increases your upfront cost, if the hammer’s what you need, you’ll be a lot happier with your purchase than if you bought the bucket.
Are Attachments Worth the Additional Excavator Price?
Just remember, you’re making a good investment when you spend money on those attachments for your excavator. They do increase your price, but they make your machine more versatile. They allow you to do more work, expand your offering, accomplish more tasks, and get a better return on your machine.
How Much Does an Excavator Cost for Renting vs. Buying?
Excavator Rental Costs Compared to Buying
If you have a short-term project, are going to use the machine sporadically, or the job site doesn’t have good security, then renting an excavator might make the most economic sense. Rental rates for smaller machines range from $200 and $500 per day, while monthly rental rates typically run anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000. If you’re only going to use the excavator once or twice a month, you can save a lot of money by renting.
How Much Does Renting an Excavator Cost Per Day/Month?
he price to rent an excavator can vary widely based on the size of the machine and the rental company. A good “rule of thumb” for a standard mini excavator (around 10,000 lbs.) is a rental rate from $150 to $300per day and $1,500 to $4,000 per month.
Is Renting an Excavator a Better Option for Small Projects?
Let’s say you’re only going to use an excavator one or two times a month. Sometimes, rent is the most economical method-especially on those shorter projects. You get the flexibility of not being tied to the long-term debt of owning a machine. Renting frees you from maintenance costs and storage concerns.
Summary
So how much does an excavator cost? It depends on many different variables – size, brand, whether it’s new or used, and what your project details require. But everything from the price of a mini excavator to a 50-ton excavator depends on these factors.Take all these factors into account when determining your machine cost.
Price also depends on the brand you buy, the size of the machine, and the duration of your project. Make sure to add up all the costs before making a final decision. If your project is going to take a while, and you need time to pay for the machine while you’re using it, then you finance the machine you select. For more information or professional advice, feel free to contact us.
