Excavators Buying Guide

The Excavator, or informally known as the Digger, is perhaps the most well recognized piece of machinery to ever exist. Like many types of industrial machinery, the Excavator first appeared in development over the late 1800s as industrialists realized the necessity for hydraulic assistance with digging at construction sites. As time went on the excavator became more and more advanced until eventually, we reached a level of modernization within engineering that we currently see in the modern day.

Within the following Surplus Record buyers guide, we shall cover some of the basics regarding how some of our available excavators function, along with some of their primary purposes. Additionally, we shall include some tips and tricks to help with the purchase process of new and used excavators alongside some notes that buyers should be aware of when they are on the lookout for used excavators for sale.

What is an Excavator and how does it work?

An Excavator is a hydraulic powered machine of small to large size which is most commonly used for the digging (excavation) of earth amongst a range of other heavy-duty tasks. The bucket is an attachment on the boom of the digger and is the key component used for scooping up earth and dumping it back down. The bucket can be interchanged for other attachments such as claws, drills, compaction wheels, magnets and more depending on the task required. Excavators are most often fueled by diesel making them extremely accessible worldwide.

On the Surplus Record catalog one can view a range of used Excavator types from known manufacturers including:

• John Deere
• Caterpillar (our Number 1 manufacturer!)
• Komatsu
• Kobelco   

Uses and Applications

Excavators are used to complete various tasks such as:

• Lifting of heavy objects
• Digging and turning earth
• Creating: holes, channels, slopes, mounds etc. within the earth
• Loading (and unloading) trucks with stones, gravel, earth, rubbish, metal
• Cutting, processing, and moving logs and timber
• Clearing vegetation, construction sites and more!

Excavators are commonly found and used within:

• Horticultural or Agricultural businesses 
• Construction sites
• Road work and restoration
• Recycling sites
• Private land or homes
• Forestry service sites
• Botanical gardens or parks
• Landscape projects
• Mines
• Military bases

Important Considerations Before Buying Used Agricultural Equipment

Use & Maintenance history

Although the majority of excavators are designed for very heavy use, the regular maintenance and proper use of the machine is important. Try to do a thorough background check on the piece of equipment before purchasing by visually inspecting the machinery, view a service record, and if possible, test out the digger on a jobsite.

Size of the Machine

We will class excavators between small (13,000 pounds or less), medium (13,000-22,000 pounds) and large (22,000 or more).

• Small excavators are excellent for DIY owners and small businesses who conduct work like: minor landscaping works, home projects or general earth moving.
• Medium sized excavators are ideal for most general purposes (and thrive on a balance of confined space access vs power) but can be restricted in situations where real power is necessary.
• Large sized excavators are perhaps the most commonly seen and used. They are extremely useful, hard wearing, and powerful machines.

Attachments

It is likely that your machine will come with an attachment such as a bucket. Depending on your tasks at hand you may prefer to purchase an excavator with different attachments or an excavator that can readily change between attachments as desired.

Additional features

Many diggers will come with unique features to suit different levels of quality and comfort. These can include: airtight cabs with aircon/heating, walkie talkie systems, seat warmers, radios, rear and side view cameras, power control settings and more!

How Much Should I Budget for an Excavator? 

Excavator prices vary significantly based on size, condition, brand, and included attachments. Whether you’re considering a compact unit for smaller residential projects or a large machine for industrial applications, understanding typical price ranges can help you make an informed decision.​ 

• Mini Excavators (1–6 tons): Ideal for tight spaces and smaller jobs, these machines typically range from $20,000 to $50,000 on the used market.​ 
• Mid-Size Excavators (6–20 tons): Suitable for general construction and utility work, expect to budget between $50,000 and $100,000, depending on age and features.​ 
• Large Excavators (20+ tons): Designed for heavy-duty tasks like mining and large-scale excavation, these machines can cost $100,000 to $250,000+, especially for newer models with advanced technology.​ 

Keep in mind that attachments such as buckets, hammers, and grapples can add to the overall cost. Additionally, machines from reputable manufacturers like Caterpillar, Komatsu, and John Deere may command higher prices but often offer better reliability and resale value.​ 

When purchasing used excavators, it’s crucial to thoroughly review the machine’s maintenance history, inspect for wear and tear, and, if possible, test the equipment to ensure it meets your operational needs. 

Surplus Record: Tips and Tricks

To assist further when searching for used Excavators for sale on our platform, we have attached our best tips and tricks.

1. Make use of our location settings: At the top of the page, when on the list for your desired piece of equipment/machinery, enter your desired location and you’ll be taken directly to what we have available in your area.  
2. Look for an auction: On the listing page, select the blue checkbox on your right which says “Auction” and you’ll be taken to our available products for sale via auction. 
3. On a budget: Select the toggle “Sort by Relevance” and then click “Price low to high” to view our cheapest to most expensive products for sale. 
4. Don’t forget the search bar: Already know what you are looking for? Utilize our search bar at the top of the website to find specific listings out of hundreds available.

Quick Access: Excavators

• Macallister Machinery co | Indianapolis
• Michigan (CAT) | Michigan
• Milton Cat – Heavy Machinery  | Massachusetts
• Finning – Canada  | Canada

Quick Access: Industrial Excavator Manufacturers

Our top manufactures available at Surplus Record for used excavators include: 

• John Deere
• Caterpillar
• Komatsu
• Kobelco   

Need More Help? Or further information about Excavators? Then head on over to the “Wanteds” section of our website and select “Buy” at the top and “General Equipment” for the industry. Fill out the form and a dealer who specializes in Excavator Equipment/Machinery will get back to you ASAP. It’s free to do, and our dealers are happy to help!

Looking to Buy an Excavator? Check Out Our Listing!