New excavator price: how to compare quotes

First, view price by job and size class

To narrow the inquiry scope, group your need by operating weight: micro, small 6–15 t, mid around 20 t, and large over 30 t. This grouping is a starting point for quotations, not a single industry classification. Urban pipelines, landscaping and tight sites typically start with micro; general earthworks, roads and construction often start around 20 t; large volumes of earth or rock, mining or major infrastructure may need over 30 t. Final choice should be based on digging depth, working radius, bucket volume, transport limits and site conditions.

Which configurations determine a new excavator’s price

Operating weight and machine class usually determine the primary structure, transport and working range first, but tonnage is not a complete configuration. Also check engine model, rated power, emissions level and applicable market. The U.S. EPA nonroad diesel rules use tiers such as Tier 3 and Tier 4, the EU calls the corresponding limits Stage V; China nonroad National IV for related machines and diesel engines up to 560 kW has been in effect since 2022-12-01. The standard name alone does not prove the machine can be registered, imported or used in the destination country; the local authority, importer or customs broker must confirm requirements, and the supplier should state the engine and emissions version in the quotation.

• Hydraulics and working equipment: main pump and control method, boom and arm length, standard bucket width and capacity, and whether lines are prepared for a breaker, shear or quick coupler.
• Undercarriage and attachments: track shoe width, track frame, guards, standard bucket, breaker, grapple, quick coupler and included tools should be listed item by item, not just “includes attachments.”
• Cab and safety: cab or canopy, air conditioning, rearview camera, lighting, ROPS/FOPS configuration, fire extinguisher and language of the operator manual should be confirmed per destination country and jobsite requirements.
• Scope of support: warranty start and end conditions, covered components, wear-item exclusions, included filter or spare parts kit, remote technical support and parts supply method should all be written in the same quotation or contract.

Even if two quotations both say CAT 320, do not assume they are the same configuration. Version, configuration, emissions level, attachments, warranty scope and supply batch can change the price. The correct approach is not to guess why a model is more expensive, but to ask each supplier to quote against the same requirements checklist.

From reference FOB price to landed budget

Amounts shown on this site are reference FOB prices, not final quotations. They are useful to compare the machine’s approximate position under the same trade term, but they are not the total cost to arrive at the port, clear customs and transport to your site. Destination port, transport method, actual machine dimensions and order timing will affect subsequent charges.

• International freight and, where applicable, cargo insurance.
• Duties, import taxes, permits or inspection requirements of the destination country.
• Port, terminal, documentation, storage and customs agency fees.
• Inland transport from the port to the site or warehouse, handling and possible separate shipment of attachments.

These items should not be estimated by a fixed percentage. Provide the destination port and final city to your local customs broker and logistics providers for verification. For what FOB includes, FOB-to-destination costs, how machinery is shipped and a request template, see “How to prepare an FOB quotation request for machinery”. For project requirements and new machine selection, see “How to choose new machinery for your project”. For import procedures, payment, inspection and documents, see “How to import heavy machinery from China: step-by-step guide.”

New vs used 20 t class: compare the reference position first, then the specific unit

The table below brings together representative new and used models of about 20 t from this site. The goal is to show reference positions you can request quotes for, not to treat them as identical configurations. A used price applies to a specific machine; year, hours, maintenance history, component condition, attachments and importability must be verified separately.

ImportantDo not infer reasons for price differences between specific models from this table. Website prices are reference FOB prices, not final quotations; final prices for new and used machines depend on the exact configuration, the specific unit and a written quotation.

If you consider a used machine, first confirm whether the destination country allows its import, then check year, operating hours, cold start of the engine, hydraulic movements, swing, travel, undercarriage, leaks, welded repairs and nameplates. See “What to check before buying a used excavator”, but do not apply used-machine inspection criteria to a new-machine quotation.

Align quotations line by line, not just the total

Send the same request to every supplier and expand the received quotations line by line as shown below. If a line reads “standard” or is left blank, request the detailed content. Only when conditions are identical does a price difference have explanatory value.

Ask that the quotation include the spec sheet, configuration list, photos or video of the machine, and, where applicable, engine emissions documentation. For a brand-new machine whose serial number will be assigned later, at minimum include model, configuration, emissions version, bucket and accessories on the proforma invoice or contract. Do not use catalogue photos instead of confirming the actual configuration.

How to request comparable quotes in 3 steps

1. Step 1: Describe the work. State the main material, expected hours per day, digging depth, working radius, whether you need a breaker or grapple, and the site’s space constraints, temperature and altitude.
2. Step 2: Describe the destination. Provide the destination country, destination port or final city, and first verify local import conditions and the engine emissions requirements.
3. Step 3: describe the versions you want to compare. Specify new, tonnage range, brand or representative model, cab and air conditioning, track shoes, bucket, additional attachments, warranty and spare-parts requirements.

When you receive replies, don’t forward only the lowest total. Ask all suppliers to complete missing items using the same checklist and review each line separately from the reference FOB price, not a final quotation. That way you can tell whether differences come from machine configuration, commercial terms or unlisted services.