Where Is the Used Excavator Market? A Practical Guide to Finding, Buying and Moving Second-Hand Machines
The search for a quality used excavator often begins with a simple question: where is the market? Th …
Open this little guide0you’ll find an approachable map for an often daunting question: 二手挖掘机60多少钱一台 — how much does a used “60” excavator sell for? Whether you’re a small contractor expanding your fleet, a landscaping entrepreneur, or someone who enjoys the hum of heavy machinery, the price you pay depends on more than a label. Let’s unpack what “60” usually means, the realistic price brackets you can expect, and the first things to look for when vetting listings.

What does “60” mean? In many markets, “60” refers to a compact-to-medium class excavator—often around the 5–7 ton range. Think nimble enough to work tight job sites, but substantial enough to handle most light-to-medium digging, trenching, and handling tasks. Different manufacturers label models differently, so confirm the actual weight and specifications when you see “60” in ads.
Typical price ranges — a practical snapshot Prices move around a lot, but here are practical windows to help you set expectations:
Budget finds: $6,000–$12,000 (roughly ¥40,000–¥80,000). These are older machines, higher operating hours, or units that need some TLC. Ideal if you’re handy with repairs or need a backup machine. Mid-range bargains: $12,000–$25,000 (roughly ¥80,000–¥160,000). Solid, well-maintained units, commonly the sweet spot for most buyers. Expect decent hours, recent maintenance records, and serviceable attachments. Premium used: $25,000–$45,000+ (roughly ¥160,000–¥300,000+). Low-hour, late-model machines from top brands (like Caterpillar, Komatsu, Hitachi, Volvo). Often come with strong service history, newer hydraulics, and sometimes transferable warranties.
Currency, region, and seasonality shift these numbers. Urban markets and areas with heavy construction activity tend to have higher prices. Import tariffs, transportation costs, and local demand can nudge prices up or down. If you’re buying across borders, factor in shipping and customs.
Why price varies so much — the core factors
Operating hours (hours on the meter). Like mileage on a car, hours significantly influence value. A 7,000-hour machine will list cheaper than a 2,000-hour equivalent. Maintenance history. Machines with documented, routine service and replaced wear parts command more. Look for filter changes, hydraulics work, and sprocket/track maintenance. Condition of the undercarriage. For tracked excavators, the undercarriage is an expensive wear item. Remaining life on tracks, rollers, and sprockets can swing value considerably. Engine and hydraulics. Leaks, inconsistent power, or slow response in the hydraulics reduce value. A healthy engine and responsive hydraulics justify a premium. Attachments and extras. Buckets, quick couplers, hydraulic thumbs, breakers, and other attachments add real cash value. Some sellers include a bucket package; others bill separately. Manufacturer and model reputation. Japanese and European brands often command higher resale prices for perceived durability and parts availability, although local brands can offer excellent value. Age and technology. Newer machines with improved fuel efficiency, emissions controls, or operator comfort will sell for more.
How to read an ad so you don’t get surprised A good listing tells a story. If the ad owner is sparse on details, that could be a red flag—or an opportunity to ask sharp questions. Watch for:
Clear photos of both sides, undercarriage, cab interior, and serial plate. Hours listed and date of the last service. Any disclosures about repairs, accidents, or replacement parts. Warranty or “as-is” terms. As-is sales can be bargains but carry risk.
Quick pricing examples to anchor your decisions
Older model, 6-ton, 6,500 hours, no attachments: often sits in the budget range. Late-model, 6-ton, 2,500 hours, with two buckets and recent undercarriage work: mid-range. Top-brand, 6-ton, 1,200 hours, excellent service records: premium used segment.
Questions to ask the seller right away
What are the exact hours on the machine? Has the machine had any major repairs (engine, hydraulics, undercarriage)? Are service records available? Any leaks, warning lights, or pending repairs? Why are you selling it? Can I test it under load? Can I bring an inspector?
That last question is golden. A test under load shows how the hydraulics handle real pressure, whether the engine strains, and whether any odd noises surface. If you’re not mechanically inclined, bring someone who is.
Negotiation posture: how to bid without losing your cool Start by knowing the market: save a few comparable listings. If a machine feels overpriced for its hours and condition, point to comparables and be polite but firm. Highlight any immediate maintenance the machine will need; use that to justify a lower offer. Sellers often price a buffer above what they’ll accept, so a reasonable initial bid leaves room to adjust. Keep emotions out of the process—this is business.
Part two continues with inspection checklists, financing options, where to source machines, and a simple ROI approach to help decide whether buying used is the smarter move for your operation. Keep reading; the second half turns practical knowledge into a buying plan you can act on with confidence.
Welcome back. The first half laid out how pricing works and what to expect when you see the phrase 二手挖掘机60多少钱一台 in a search. Now the workhorse part: deciding how to inspect, where to find good machines, finance and warranty options, and estimating the real return on a used excavator purchase.
Detailed inspection checklist — don’t buy blind
Visual check: Frame and boom for welds, cracks, or straightness issues. Pins and bushings for excessive play—shake the boom and bucket. Paint inconsistencies—large fresh paint jobs can hide repairs. Undercarriage (for tracked units): Measure remaining track link life and look for uneven wear. Check rollers and idlers for pitting or wobble. Inspect sprockets for sharp teeth or uneven wear. Engine compartment: Look for oil, coolant, and fuel leaks. Smell for smoky exhaust—blue smoke suggests oil burning, white smoke suggests water/coolant. Check belts, hoses, and battery condition. Hydraulics: Watch for hose bulges, leaks around connectors, and weeping seals. Move the boom, arm, and bucket under load; note any sluggishness or jerky movements. Cab and controls: Test all controls, gauges, and safety features. Air conditioning and heating matter on long shifts—check them. Inspect seat and safety belt for wear. Ground run/test: Operate on soft and firmer ground. Check for creeping (machine moving when controls are neutral). Bring a load: dig, swing, and see if speeds and power are consistent. Serial numbers and documentation: Match the serial number on the machine to the title or bill of sale. Ask for service records and any repair invoices.
If you can, hire a professional inspector or a mechanic for a walk-through; a small inspection fee can save tens of thousands later.
Where to buy — pros and cons
Local dealers: Often sell certified used units with warranties and reconditioning. Prices are higher but risk is lower. Independent used machinery dealers: Wide selection and competitive pricing. Vet reputation and ask for guarantees. Auction sites: Great for bargains but higher risk. Inspect in-person before bidding, or set a strict limit. Direct from contractors/farmers: Sometimes the best deals. You can ask pointed questions about use and maintenance. Online marketplaces: Convenient and broad, but require careful vetting and logistics planning.
Financing and warranty options
Many dealers offer financing for used equipment. Rates vary with the machine’s age and condition. Consider lease-to-own if cash flow matters and you want a path to ownership without a big upfront cost. Ask about short-term service contracts. Even a three- to six-month limited warranty on major engine or hydraulic components can be worth the premium. Factor in insurance and transport costs into your total purchase price.
Simple ROI approach — will this buy go the distance? Calculate rough annual cost of ownership:
Purchase price (including shipping and initial repairs) Annual maintenance (filters, oil, wear parts) Fuel and operator costs Expected productive hours per year
Divide the purchase price plus expected maintenance by annual productive hours to get a cost-per-hour estimate. Compare that to rental rates in your area. If owning costs significantly less than renting for the hours you need, ownership probably makes sense. If you’ll use the machine sporadically, renting might be smarter.
Maintenance hacks that extend life and value
Keep solid service records. Future buyers will pay more for a documented machine. Replace wear items proactively when downtime is expensive. Undercarriage maintenance in tracked machines is a big value-saver. Use quality hydraulic fluids and fuel filtration. These small choices protect expensive components. Train operators on smooth operation—abuse and shock-loading shorten component life.
Negotiation tactics that actually work
Show up informed: cite comparables, known undercarriage costs, and recent auction results. Offer to close quickly for a small discount—sellers value certainty. Ask for a small credit or include certain spare parts/attachments in the deal if the seller wants full price. If buying sight-unseen, make any offer conditional on an independent inspection and test run.
A short buyer’s story A landscaping contractor I know wanted a "60" class excavator for irrigation and foundation work. They found a 2012 model with 3,200 hours. Inspecting closely, they discovered the undercarriage was 70% life and the hydraulics had recent seals replaced—both positives. The seller included a bucket and a hydraulic thumb. They negotiated a price in the mid-range and secured a three-month limited warranty from a local dealer. That machine paid for itself in two seasons through avoided rentals and faster job turnover.
Final checklist before you sign
Have the bill of sale and any warranties in writing. Ensure the machine’s serial numbers match paperwork. Confirm who pays transport and when title transfers. Verify any agreed repairs are completed before final payment.
If you’re still asking 二手挖掘机60多少钱一台, you’re asking the right questions. The price you pay will reflect hours, service, and honesty of the seller. Approach the purchase methodically: inspect deeply, compare market listings, and run the numbers on ownership costs vs. rental. That combination of technical scrutiny and financial logic turns an intimidating buy into a smart investment for your operation.
If you’d like, tell me where you’re buying (country, local market) and what you’ll use the machine for—I can narrow price expectations and suggest targeted inspection points to match your needs.