In this interview, we meet Mr. Gao, a seasoned user from Liaoning, China, who owns a SANY SY215C-8 excavator. This model is the best-selling product in the domestic excavator market, and its popularity among users is evident. Mr. Gao's experience with this machine offers valuable insights into the performance and reliability of the SANY SY215C-8.
User Background
Mr. Gao, also known by his online handle "OO8," hails from Liaoyang, Liaoning. He is a veteran in the construction machinery industry, having entered the equipment leasing business about five years ago. Before purchasing the SY215C-8, he had already bought a Longgong ZL50C loader and a XCMG 951 wheel loader. The SY215C-8 is his first excavator.
Purchase Information

• Purchase Date: April 2010
  
• Dealer: SANY Liaoning Agent, Sanjun Machinery
  
• Total Price: 840,000 RMB (including a 24,000 RMB down payment)
  
• Payment Plan: 2 years, with monthly installments of 29,000 RMB
  
• Free Offer: 10,000 RMB worth of spare parts
  

• Normal Operation (7 throttle): 12-14 liters per hour
  
• Busy Operation (10 throttle): 18 liters per hour
  

• Engine: With over 1,400 hours of operation, the engine has not experienced any issues. However, it is louder than some other models, especially when working alongside the Doosan DH225LC-7.
  
• Hydraulic System: No problems reported with the hydraulic system so far.
  
• Other Issues: There was one minor incident where the air conditioning condenser was damaged by the operator, but Mr. Gao fixed it himself.
  

This time, we interviewed a user from Hubei, known as "Hubei Xiao Hu," who owns the first Caterpillar 307D excavator in the province. This 7-ton full-imported machine has been highly regarded by many members in the community, and Xiao Hu’s experience with it serves as a representative case for similar users.
User Background
Xiao Hu, born in 1986, is a typical example of someone who transitioned from an excavator operator to an owner. Before purchasing the 307D, he had nearly 5 years of experience driving excavators, primarily for his brother-in-law. As infrastructure development in his local area took off, Xiao Hu accumulated some savings and decided to start his own business by purchasing an excavator.
Purchase Information

• Purchase Date: January 15, 2010
  
• Dealer: Li Xing Hang, Hubei Branch
  
• Total Price: 510,000 RMB (with insurance 19,700 RMB)
  
• Down Payment: 120,000 RMB
  
• Financing Term: 3 years
  

• Engine: No issues reported; it runs smoothly.
  
• Hydraulic System: No problems encountered; performs reliably.
  
• Other Issues: After 1,000 hours of use, no faults or issues have arisen.
  

In this interview, we highlight a user from Liaoning, China, known as "Autumn's Feelings YZ," a passionate excavator operator and a veteran in the field. As a member of an engineering machinery forum, he is known for offering guidance to fellow enthusiasts. Being a 70s-born "Northeast guy," his experience with excavators began in 2004, when his family-owned brick factory needed a machine for earth-moving. He initially bought a second-hand Hitachi EX200, which led him into the world of excavators. For the first few years, Autumn’s Feelings YZ drove the machine himself, developing a deep understanding of excavator quality, performance, and operation. Over time, he gained experience operating nearly every major brand and model on the market, which significantly contributed to his ability to choose and maintain equipment.
Purchase Information:

• Purchase Date: November 2009
  
• Purchase Price: 2.05 million yuan (paid in full)
  
• Dealer: Purchased from Liaoning West
  
• Alternatives Considered: Komatsu PC350-7, Caterpillar 336DL
  

• Bucket Size Comparison: The 336DL is equipped with a 1.62 m³ rock bucket and a 1.87 m³ standard bucket. For comparison, the standard 40 cubic meter dump trucks in the quarry are filled with just 15 bucket loads, whereas the smaller buckets of the Komatsu PC360-7 and Hitachi ZX330-3 are unable to handle the same amount efficiently.
  
• Loading Speed: The 336DL can load faster than both the Komatsu and Hitachi machines, particularly with the larger buckets, giving it a noticeable edge in the quarry.
  

• Fuel Efficiency: In daily work with a 1.64 m³ rock bucket, the machine consumes 30-33 liters per hour in economy mode and slightly more in standard mode. This consumption rate is deemed reasonable for its class.
  

• Engine Performance: There have been no major issues with the engine, though it consumes a small amount of oil. Every 500 hours, 12-13 liters of oil are added. The consumption is due to the deeper cylinder honing used in Caterpillar engines to extend their lifespan. This results in a small amount of oil burning off during operation.
  
• Hydraulic System: No significant issues have been reported with the hydraulic system.
  
• Other Issues: The operator’s cabin experienced minor issues, such as a broken handrail, which was repaired through welding. Additionally, the air intake grille's plastic cover broke, which is a common problem across many brands. Lastly, the cabin's front windshield seal was not tight enough, allowing dust to enter, so the seal was reinforced with glue for better protection.
  

• Fuel Filtration: A fuel filter machine was purchased for 6,000 yuan to clean diesel before it enters the machine, improving fuel quality and significantly extending filter replacement intervals from 250 hours to 1,000 hours.
  
• Air Pre-Filter & Anti-theft System: He added an air pre-filter and a computer board anti-theft system, further enhancing the machine's reliability.
  

• Parts Pricing: Autumn’s Feelings YZ typically buys parts directly from the dealer, emphasizing the quality and reliability of Caterpillar's original parts. However, he finds that some parts, especially for smaller components like buckets and teeth, can be overpriced, although they offer high durability.
  
• Parts Choice: For minor parts, he sometimes sources from other suppliers if the quality is comparable and the price is more reasonable.
  

This interview features an experienced excavator user from Sichuan, known by the forum name “Old Truck.” In 2008, due to a large site leveling project in his hometown, Old Truck needed several construction machines, so he decided to purchase an excavator. Initially, he bought a second-hand Sumitomo SH280 for 160,000 yuan, but soon discovered the machine was defective. After realizing that the machine had been sold to several users who had also been deceived, Old Truck disassembled the excavator and sold it as scrap for 75,000 yuan. After this experience, he purchased a brand new Doosan DH300LC-7 and began his journey into the world of excavators. Within two years, he bought two more Doosan DH300LC-7s and two Doosan DH215-7s, becoming a loyal Doosan customer.
Purchase Information:

• Purchase Time: July 2008
  
• Purchase Price: 580,000 yuan, with an upfront payment, to be paid off within six months
  
• Total Work Hours: 5,700 hours
  

• Work Efficiency: With a soil ripper, it can dig over 1,000 cubic meters of earth and stone per day. Paired with a Komatsu PC220-8 equipped with a breaker and a loader, they can produce over 300 cubic meters of rough stone daily, bringing in significant revenue.
  

• Engine: At 1,900 hours, the thermostat in the engine failed, which was repaired at a minimal cost. After 5,000 hours, the machine experienced a loss of power. After servicing, including adjusting the fuel pump and replacing six plungers and six injectors (costing 3,900 yuan), the issue was resolved. It was later found that the issue was due to excessive water in the fuel, and after paying more attention to fuel quality, similar issues didn’t occur again.
  
• Hydraulic System: No major problems reported.
  
• Other Issues: The original bucket’s blade mount experienced issues, and the dealer replaced it once. Welding repairs were also frequent, with total costs amounting to over 10,000 yuan. These issues were largely due to the harsh working conditions in stone excavation.
  

In this interview, we explore the experience of a Doosan DH55GOLD excavator owner from Shandong, China, a member known as "boshan55." He became a member in October 2009 while studying in South Korea. Growing up with a keen interest in excavators due to his family's influence, he returned to China in 2010 and chose to start his own excavation rental business. His family previously owned a Komatsu PC55MR, and after returning, he decided to invest in a Doosan DH55GOLD. As a 1980s generation excavator owner with overseas study experience, boshan55’s story offers valuable insights into the excavation rental industry.
Purchase Details:

• Purchase Date: April 2025
  
• Price: 350,000 RMB (with a 20% down payment, financed over 3 years)
  
• Working Hours: 620 hours
  
• Reason for Choice: Before purchasing the Doosan DH55GOLD, boshan55 considered an 8-ton Kubota KX185. However, due to limited funds and the small size of the KX155 (a tail swing machine), he opted for the 5-ton Doosan DH55GOLD. He chose Doosan for its affordable price, low maintenance costs, and availability of reasonably priced parts.
  

• Primary Tasks: The Doosan DH55GOLD is primarily used for small-scale site jobs, including foundation work, leveling, and clearing debris. Occasionally, it is used for road repairs and agricultural water conservancy projects.
  

• Speed: The Doosan DH55GOLD has a relatively fast swing speed, but its arm and bucket movements are slow, leading to a perceived lack of efficiency. On some occasions, supervisors on the worksite mistakenly believed the machine was deliberately delaying work. Boshan55 laughs about it, saying, "The machine just can’t move faster; that’s its design." Comparing it to his Komatsu PC55-MR, the difference in speed is quite noticeable.
  

• Fuel Usage: The fuel consumption is approximately 4.5 liters per hour under full load, meaning that a 500 RMB fuel cost lasts for about two days of work.
  

• Engine: As a new machine, the engine has not had significant problems, except for an incident where the shutdown pull-cord fell off, which was quickly resolved.
  
• Hydraulic System: No major issues have occurred with the hydraulic system thus far.
  
• Other Problems: There have been issues with greasing the arm and bucket joints, where the grease gun couldn’t inject grease. Despite reporting the issue, it took a week for the dealer to respond. After five hours of attempted repairs, the dealer was unable to resolve the issue and even damaged a grease gun. The part required for the repair was unavailable, and as of now, the problem remains unresolved.
  

• Dealer Experience: Boshan55 has been disappointed with the dealer, Shandong Yonghong Engineering Machinery Co., Ltd. From broken promises during the purchase process to subpar after-sales service, his experience with Doosan’s dealer has left him disillusioned. He compares the service unfavorably with the other brands he owns, citing the slow response to issues and lack of professionalism.
  

• Parts Availability: Boshan55 mentions that Doosan parts are reasonably priced compared to other brands, which was a key factor in his decision to purchase this model. However, the overall experience with parts has not been entirely smooth.
  

Doosan is a well-established brand in the Chinese market, with the DH220LC-7 being one of their top-selling models. Today, we interview a seasoned excavator user, Wang Zipan (referred to as “Mr. Wang”), a former military officer turned business owner who now runs a large fleet of construction machinery. In addition to operating dozens of excavators, Mr. Wang is also the exclusive regional distributor for a certain brand of breaker hammers. His journey in the excavator business offers valuable insights for users across the industry.
Purchase Details

• Purchase Date: September 20, 2006
  
• Payment Method: Installments
  
• Purchase Price: 780,000 RMB, with a 20% down payment and the balance paid in two years
  
• Reason for Purchase: When choosing an excavator, Mr. Wang considered three brands: Caterpillar, Volvo, and Doosan. Ultimately, he selected Doosan due to its competitive pricing, which offered a faster return on investment and lower risk for a first-time purchase. Over time, he also purchased other models such as the Doosan DH225LC-7, Caterpillar 320D, and Komatsu PC220-8.
  

• Primary Work: The Doosan DH220LC-7 is primarily used for earthwork and rockwork. Mr. Wang’s machine is frequently employed in road construction and local aluminum mining for rockwork.
  

• According to Mr. Wang, the Doosan DH220LC-7 operates relatively slowly compared to other machines on the same site, especially when compared to Caterpillar and Komatsu machines. However, overall, its work efficiency is still adequate for most projects.
  

• Since most of the work is contracted out to the site, with the site covering fuel costs, the Doosan DH220LC-7 has demonstrated good fuel efficiency. Under full load, it consumes 17-18 liters per hour, which is approximately 5-6 liters less than his Komatsu PC220-8, indicating solid fuel economy.
  

• Engine: To date, the engine has not experienced any major issues and performs reliably.
  
• Hydraulic System: After 800 operating hours, the hydraulic system showed some oil leakage at the main pump and distributor valve, but it did not affect the machine’s operation.
  

• Doosan’s authorized dealer in Henan is Qianlima Engineering Machinery Co., Ltd., one of China’s largest equipment dealers. Mr. Wang comments that their after-sales service is generally good, with timely responses thanks to the dealer’s broad coverage. Despite this, most of the maintenance work is done in-house, reflecting the growing scale and professional development of Mr. Wang’s rental business.
  

• Mr. Wang shared that, with extensive knowledge about his equipment, he no longer relies on the dealer for parts after the warranty expires. Instead, he directly sources parts from subcontracted manufacturers, as many parts are not produced by the original manufacturers but outsourced to third parties. By doing so, Mr. Wang saves a significant amount on parts costs. His strong in-house repair capabilities and deep understanding of the equipment allow him to avoid the high prices set by manufacturers and dealers, which is a lesson worth learning for other users.
  

• Overall, the Doosan DH220LC-7 is a reliable and stable machine, well-suited for earth and rockwork, especially for those entering the excavator market. While its work speed may not be the fastest, it offers excellent fuel economy, performance stability, and good after-sales service. For new users or small-to-medium businesses, the DH220LC-7 is an excellent option.
  

This review focuses on the Komatsu PC200-8 excavator, a machine used by the owner "Komatsu-8" from Tangshan, Hebei, who also operates two other machines: a Caterpillar 345D and a Caterpillar 320C. After using the PC200-8 for over 6,000 hours, the user shares valuable insights into the excavator's performance, fuel consumption, and maintenance issues.
Purchase Details:

• Purchase Date: January 2008
  
• Dealer: Hebei Shijiazhuang Tianyuan, an authorized Komatsu dealer
  
• Purchase Price: ¥985,000 (full payment)
  
• Current Operating Hours: 6,080 hours
  
• Common Applications: Mainly used for earthmoving tasks such as roadwork and foundation digging, with rare encounters in rock excavation.
  

• The PC200-8 has proven efficient for tasks like loading soft soil. The user reports that it can load a 23 cubic meter truck in 3-4 minutes, with the exception of some models by Sumitomo, which are slightly faster. Overall, this Komatsu excavator performs well in terms of speed on-site.
  

• Full Load (A mode): 19 liters per hour
  
• Economy Mode (E mode): 17 liters per hour
  • The excavator uses a fuel-injected engine, which is sensitive to fuel quality.
    

• Engine Issues:
  • At 3,681 operating hours, three of the injector nozzles failed due to poor fuel quality, costing ¥5,690 per nozzle to replace. The user had to use the dealer’s service center because of the urgency, although the price felt high.
    
• Hydraulic System:
  • The hydraulic cylinders, including the boom and bucket cylinders, have become severely discolored (turned black), although the hydraulic oil has been changed at 4,950 hours as per the service provider’s recommendation. Despite the discoloration, the oil temperature remains normal, and the user has not noticed any leaks or performance issues.
    
  • The user continues to work with the dealer to address the issue of the blackened cylinders, though the dealer has not provided a satisfactory explanation.
    

• The user appreciates the timely service from Komatsu's Hebei dealer, Shijiazhuang Tianyuan. The company provides fast response times, often resolving issues within an hour of the user's call, thanks to the proximity of the dealership.
  

• Parts Pricing:
  • One significant drawback is the cost of replacement parts, especially for the fuel-injection system. The user finds the price of replacement parts to be unreasonably high, particularly because of the fuel-injected engine.
    
• Injector Nozzles:
  • As mentioned, the injector nozzles cost ¥5,690 each, which the user feels reflects high dealer profits.
    

• Performance: The Komatsu PC200-8 is efficient and delivers high productivity on the job site. The user is generally satisfied with its performance, citing good working speed and reliable dealer service.
  
• Areas for Improvement: The fuel consumption is higher than expected, and parts costs—especially for fuel injectors—are considered excessively high. The user hopes Komatsu and its dealers can better consider customer concerns about pricing and make adjustments accordingly.
  

Komatsu has recently unveiled an upgraded version of its 6-ton full rotation crawler transporter (also known as the 360-degree rotating crawler transporter), which will be sold as the "CD60R-3" starting from June 2025. The product was showcased at the Japan International Construction Machinery and Surveying Expo (CSPI-EXPO) held from June 18 to 21.

   

Product Overview:
Komatsu first launched the full rotation crawler transporter, CD60R-1, in 1996. The model quickly became popular for tasks like land leveling, farmland reclamation, forestry road construction, and river engineering, especially in non-paved terrains. Its durability, 360-degree rotation functionality, and compact design, which allows operation in tight spaces, have made it highly favored by users. Over the years, the demand for the CD60R-1 has also grown in post-disaster reconstruction projects.
The CD60R-3 features a new and upgraded engine, offering higher output power and improved fuel efficiency. This enhances both the economic performance and environmental sustainability of the machine. Additionally, the redesigned engine layout has significantly improved the driver’s visibility on the right side of the vehicle. New features like surrounding surveillance cameras, digital tilt angle displays, and maintenance-free batteries have also been added to boost safety and convenience, meeting customer needs more precisely.
Key Features:
1. Environmental and Economic Efficiency:

• New Engine Power Boost: The new engine delivers an 8% increase in power while reducing fuel consumption. It is equipped with the SAA4D107E-5 engine, meeting the non-road mobile machinery emissions standards.
  
• Automatic Power Reduction: The machine is equipped with automatic power reduction and idling stop features, which lower the engine RPM or stop the engine during idle times, minimizing unnecessary fuel consumption.
  

• Improved Visibility: The engine layout has been redesigned to improve the driver’s visibility, enhancing safety during operation. The CD60R-3 comes standard with rear and right-side surveillance cameras, eliminating blind spots.
  
• Digital Tilt Angle Display & Warning Alerts: A built-in Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) provides real-time digital tilt angle readings. If the machine tilts too far, the display will change color and an alarm will sound. The machine also features a warning when the bucket is raised but not lowered, reducing the risk of operational negligence.
  

• Overload Warning System: The machine is equipped with an overload warning light that displays the load status in real time, preventing potential safety hazards and damage caused by overloading.
  
• Maintenance-Free Battery: The CD60R-3 is equipped with a maintenance-free battery that doesn’t require electrolyte checking, and an indicator light clearly shows its status. Additionally, the optimized battery compartment design makes it easier to maintain the vehicle.
  

• Lightweight Compact Design: With an overall weight of less than 10 tons, the lightweight design offers flexibility in transport options. It also performs exceptionally well in narrow spaces, providing excellent maneuverability and adaptability on-site.
  

Under the scorching sun of Morocco, the giant arm of the Zoomlion ZCC9800W crawler crane slowly moves, precisely lifting hundreds of tons of steel structures into place, contributing to the construction of the Rabat Sports Stadium for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. This stadium will welcome global football fans during the upcoming tournament.

   

As the 2030 World Cup draws closer, host country Morocco is accelerating its stadium construction efforts. The Zoomlion ZCC9800W crawler crane, a "giant" and "star product" in the construction machinery field, is playing a central role in the project, showcasing exceptional lifting capabilities on Moroccan construction sites. The equipment has received high praise from the project team: "Its overall lifting performance far surpasses other products in the same category."

   

The construction of the stadium involves lifting numerous heavy-duty equipment and components into precise locations. With its powerful lifting capacity and stability, Zoomlion's equipment handles these challenging tasks with ease. After completing the major lifting tasks at the Rabat Sports Stadium, this "Made-in-China" crane, weighing in at over 1,000 tons, will move on to assist in the construction of the world’s largest football stadium, the Hassan II Stadium.

   

The ZCC9800W is not only active in sports stadium construction but has also made its mark in wind turbine and petrochemical lifting projects. The crane has proven its resilience in extreme environments, operating stably in the frigid -40°C temperatures of Inner Mongolia and lifting with precision even in wind speeds exceeding 8m/s in Vietnam. Furthermore, the ZCC9800W was the first of its kind to enter the European market, proving that Chinese manufacturing has a strong voice in the high-end equipment sector.

In recent years, Zoomlion has continued to make strides in the large-tonnage crane sector, producing world-class crawler cranes and all-terrain cranes that have been highly successful globally. These products redefine "high-end equipment" with their extraordinary technical strength, setting new benchmarks for large-tonnage cranes worldwide. Zoomlion's growth reflects the rise of China’s high-end manufacturing in the global construction machinery industry.

This report focuses on the experiences of a user who works as a project supervisor. After graduating from university, he developed a strong interest in excavators commonly used on construction sites. In 2008, he bought a second-hand Hitachi ZX225US zero-tail excavator. Due to frequent minor issues, he eventually sold it for 280,000 RMB. In 2010, he purchased a brand-new Sumitomo SH210A5 excavator and began his journey in the excavator rental industry. Let's take a closer look at the usage details of his SH210A5 excavator.
Purchase Information
When purchasing the excavator, the user considered three different models: the Kato HD820-R (his first choice), the Kobelco SK200 Super 8, and the Sumitomo SH210A5. Although the Kato HD820-R was his preferred option, it was ultimately dismissed due to high down payment requirements and unfavorable financing terms. The Kobelco SK200 Super 8 was also ruled out because of concerns over the quality of its domestically produced engine and hydraulic components. The Sumitomo SH210A5, on the other hand, was appealing due to its fully imported core components from Japan and flexible financing options, which led to its final selection.

• Down Payment: 270,000 RMB
  
• Loan Amount: 60,000 RMB (to be paid off in one year)
  
• Total Price: 1,090,000 RMB
  

• A Mode: Light mode with lower fuel consumption.
  
• H Mode: Speed mode, used for faster operations.
  
• SP Mode: A combination of speed and power.
  

• Engine: No faults or issues have occurred with the engine since purchase.
  
• Hydraulic System: The hydraulic system has not experienced any significant issues.
  
• Chassis: No faults have been observed with the chassis.
  
• Cab: The cab is luxurious and equipped with a large window for excellent visibility. It also has a small bench behind the seat for apprentices, with hooks for hanging clothes and a small refrigerator. The design is very user-friendly. However, the suspension and sealing of the cab are not as good, which makes the operator feel significant jolts when doing stonework. The seat’s comfort is not as good as that of Hitachi or Caterpillar machines. Additionally, the sound system is not loud enough, which can be a problem for the operator who enjoys listening to music while working.