When you buy a used excavator from China, the FOB price is only the first line on the invoice. The real question is the landed cost — the amount of money that leaves your account before the machine turns a bucket on your site. This cost breakdown uses current listings from Anhui Gangya Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (CAT Excavator Export) to show how the numbers stack up. We sell used Caterpillar excavators on a per-unit basis, with no dealer markup and no hidden fees. Every machine is inspected, photographed, and priced on its own — so you can see exactly what you are paying for.
The Cost Components at a Glance
The table below summarises the main cost buckets for a typical used CAT excavator export from China. Figures are ranges based on current inventory and common trade routes to Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Your actual quote will depend on machine, destination, and shipping method.
| Cost Component | Typical Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unit price (FOB) | 15,000 – 50,000 | Per machine, varies by model, year, hours, condition |
| MOQ | 1 unit | We sell single units; no minimum order |
| Tooling / sampling | Not applicable | Used equipment; no tooling or sample costs |
| Shipping (sea freight) | 1,500 – 4,500 | 20-40 ft container or breakbulk, depending on size |
| Insurance | 150 – 500 | Usually 1-2% of CIF value |
| Import duties | 0 – 25% | Varies by country and HS code |
| VAT | 0 – 18% | Varies by country; some exempt used equipment |
| Port & clearance | 300 – 1,200 | Destination terminal handling, customs broker |
| Inland transport | 200 – 2,000 | From port to your site; depends on distance |
Unit Price: What You Pay FOB China
The FOB price is the machine’s cost loaded onto the vessel at the Chinese port. It does not include freight, insurance, or import charges. Our current stock covers a range of sizes and budgets. For example, a 2011 Caterpillar 320DIMPORT (20–30 t class, 8,000 hours, Grade B) is listed at 15,000 USD FOB. A 2025 Caterpillar 307.5 mini excavator (under 10 t, 500 hours, as inspected) is 26,000 USD FOB. A 2022 Caterpillar 308E2 is 21,000 USD FOB. A 2022 Caterpillar 305.5 / 305.5E2 with 800 hours is 16,000 USD FOB. These are specific, single-unit prices — not starting prices or averages. Each listing includes a start-up video, photos, and an inspection report of the actual machine.
Because we are an independent exporter, we do not set prices according to a dealer network. We price each unit based on what we paid, its condition, and current market demand. That means two seemingly similar machines can have different prices. Always compare the specific unit, not just the model name.
MOQ: One Machine Is Enough
We do not impose a minimum order quantity. You can buy one excavator, or ten. The same per-unit pricing applies. This is different from many new-equipment dealers, who may require bulk orders or floor planning. For contractors and small dealers, single-unit purchases are the norm. If you need multiple units, we can consolidate them into one shipment to reduce freight costs.
Tooling and Sampling: Not Applicable for Used Equipment
Used excavators do not involve tooling costs or product sampling. What you see is what you get. We provide inspection reports and videos so you can verify condition before purchase. There is no sample fee, no mold cost, and no customisation charge unless you request specific attachments — which would be quoted separately.
Shipping: The Biggest Variable After the Machine
Sea freight from China to Africa, Latin America, or Asia typically ranges from 1,500 to 4,500 USD per unit. A mini excavator (under 10 t) can often fit in a 20-foot container, keeping costs near the lower end. A 20–30 t machine like the 320DIMPORT usually requires a 40-foot flat rack or breakbulk, pushing freight toward the higher end. Routes to West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana) and East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania) are well served, with transit times of 30–45 days. Latin America routes (e.g., to Chile, Peru) may take 35–50 days. We work with freight forwarders who handle heavy equipment regularly and can provide door-to-port or door-to-door quotes. Insurance is typically 1–2% of the CIF value and is strongly recommended.
Duties and Taxes: Country-Specific and Often Negotiable
Import duties on used excavators vary widely. The HS code for many excavators is 8429.52. Some countries, like Nigeria, apply a 5% duty and 7.5% VAT on this code. Others may charge 0–25% duty and 0–18% VAT. Some nations offer exemptions for used construction equipment used in specific sectors (e.g., mining, agriculture). You should verify with a local customs broker. We provide all necessary export documents from China, including commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificate of origin. We do not handle import clearance — that is the buyer’s responsibility, but we can recommend brokers in your region.
Landed Cost Comparison: Three Realistic Scenarios
To show how these components add up, here are three scenarios based on current listings. These are estimates; your actual costs will vary.
Scenario 1: Mini excavator to Nigeria - Machine: 2022 Caterpillar 305.5 / 305.5E2, 800 h — 16,000 USD FOB - Shipping & insurance: ~2,000 USD - Duty (5%) + VAT (7.5%) on CIF: ~1,875 USD - Port & clearance: ~800 USD - Inland transport: ~500 USD - Estimated landed cost: ~21,175 USD
Scenario 2: 20–30 t excavator to Nigeria - Machine: 2011 Caterpillar 320DIMPORT, 8,000 h — 15,000 USD FOB - Shipping & insurance: ~4,000 USD - Duty (5%) + VAT (7.5%) on CIF: ~1,425 USD - Port & clearance: ~1,000 USD - Inland transport: ~800 USD - Estimated landed cost: ~22,225 USD
Scenario 3: Mini excavator to Kenya - Machine: 2025 Caterpillar 307.5, 500 h — 26,000 USD FOB - Shipping & insurance: ~2,500 USD - Duty (varies; assume 10%): ~2,850 USD - Port & clearance: ~900 USD - Inland transport: ~600 USD - Estimated landed cost: ~32,850 USD
These examples show that a newer, lower-hour machine can cost significantly more landed, even if the FOB price difference seems small. Conversely, an older machine may have a lower FOB price but higher freight due to size. Always calculate the full landed cost before committing.
What to Watch For
- Hours and year are references, not proof. We state them as given, but they are not a guarantee. Inspect the machine or rely on the inspection report.
- Condition grade matters. Grade B machines may need minor repairs; “as inspected” means we describe it exactly as we found it.
- Freight rates fluctuate. Get a quote for your specific route and date.
- Duties can change. Check with a local customs broker before you buy.
Anhui Gangya Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. operates as an independent exporter. We are not affiliated with Caterpillar Inc. or any authorized dealer network. We buy, inspect, and export used machines from China. Our listings are transparent: you see the FOB price, the hours, the year, and the condition. For buyers in emerging markets, that transparency is the foundation of a fair deal. If you are comparing options, start with the landed cost — not the sticker price.