In the fields of construction and engineering, used excavators are a common and important asset. Accurately evaluating used excavator value is crucial for both buyers and sellers. The following are several key steps for evaluating the value of used excavators, along with some practical cases for detailed illustration.
Step 1: Inspect the Overall Condition of the Used Excavator Value
Firstly, conduct a careful inspection of the exterior of the excavator. Observe whether there are obvious collision marks, rust, or welded repair areas on the body. For example, an excavator that has worked in a harsh environment without proper maintenance may have severe rust, which will significantly reduce its value.
Inspect the engine compartment and check if there are oil leaks, smoke emissions, or abnormal noises in the engine. If there are serious problems with the engine, such as the need for major overhaul or replacement, it will have a significant impact on the value of the machine.
Check the hydraulic system to ensure there are no leaks and abnormal noises. A case of hydraulic system failure is that the hydraulic pump of a certain used excavator has severe wear, resulting in a significant decrease in working efficiency and a corresponding reduction in its value.
We can summarize the impact of the overall condition on the value of the excavator in the following table:
| Condition Type | Case Model | Problem Description | Value Reduction Amplitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior Rust | Komatsu PC200 – 8 | Worked by the sea, large area of body rusted through | About 30% |
| Exterior Collision | Hitachi ZX210K – 3 | Multiple collisions during urban demolition, chassis deformation | About 15% – 20% |
| Engine Failure | Volvo EC240B | Engine oil leakage, black smoke, piston ring wear | About 40% |
| Hydraulic System Failure | Doosan DH220LC – 7 | Severe wear of hydraulic pump, insufficient digging force | About 35% |
Step 2: Check the Working Hours and Service Life
Working hours is one of the important indicators for evaluating the value of used excavators. Generally, the lower the working hours, the less wear and tear on the machine, and the relatively higher the value. But at the same time, the service life should also be considered because even if the working hours are low, if the machine has been idle for many years, its components may have problems due to aging. For example, although an excavator has few working hours, due to long – term storage without use, the rubber components have severe aging, which will also affect its value.
The following table shows the inspection details of working hours and service life:
| Inspection Aspects | Details |
|---|---|
| Instrument Reading Check | Check the working hours display on the excavator’s dashboard. Pay attention to whether there are signs of tampering with the instrument, such as whether the digital display is clear and regular, and whether there are traces of re – welding or prying. |
| Comparison with Equipment Condition | Compare the working hours with the actual wear condition of the excavator. If the working hours are shown to be low, but the key parts of the equipment (such as the bucket, bucket teeth, crawler, boom and stick, etc.) are severely worn, there may be a case where the working hours have been adjusted. For example, if the working hours are shown as only 2000 hours, but the cutting edge of the bucket is severely worn and needs to be replaced, in this case, the authenticity of the working hours needs to be further verified. |
| Consistency of Wear of Different Components | Check whether the wear degree of different components such as the engine, hydraulic system and mechanical transmission system is consistent with the working hours. Under normal circumstances, the wear of these components should be relatively consistent. For example, when the working hours are small, the piston, cylinder barrel and other components inside the engine should not be excessively worn; the pump, valve, oil cylinder and other components of the hydraulic system should not have serious leakage or wear marks. |
Step 3: Understand the Brand and Model
Used excavators of well – known brands and popular models are usually more popular in the market and have relatively higher values. For example, excavators of brands such as Caterpillar and Komatsu have relatively high used values due to their good performance and reliability. While some less – known brands or outdated models may have a significantly discounted value.
Step 4: Check the Maintenance and Repair Records
Complete maintenance and repair records can prove that the machine has been well maintained, which will increase its value. On the contrary, if there are no maintenance and repair records, or the records show that the machine has frequent failures and repairs, its value will be negatively affected. For example, an excavator with detailed regular maintenance records and replacement of key components will be more attractive in the used market.
Step 5: Market Research
Understand the price range of similar used excavators in the current market. Price information can be obtained through online platforms, auctions, dealers, and other channels. At the same time, consider the impact of market supply and demand on prices. When the market demand is strong, the prices of used excavators may rise; when there is an oversupply, the prices may fall.
For example, during the concentrated start – up period of large – scale infrastructure construction projects in a certain area, the demand for medium – sized used excavators (such as models with a working weight of about 20 – 25 tons) has increased significantly, and the average price of such used excavators in the market has increased by about 10% – 15%. In another area, due to the closure of multiple construction companies, a large number of used excavators have flooded into the market, resulting in an oversupply, and the overall price of used excavators has decreased by about 8% – 12%.
Conclusion
In conclusion, evaluating the value of used excavators requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors. Through careful inspection, understanding relevant information, and market research, you can more accurately determine its value and make a wise decision in the buying and selling transactions.
