In the excavator industry for several years, I’ve formed my own views about various brands. Recently, during a conversation with friends, we discussed the price-to-performance ratios of different excavators. Based on our discussions, we compiled a list of what we believe to be the top five worst value-for-money excavator brands. These are just a few opinions, and of course, perspectives may vary. Please keep in mind that this list is subjective, and I encourage you not to take offense.
The Five Worst Value-for-Money Excavator Brands

1. Liebherr
   • Liebherr is often associated with German quality, but after being assembled in Dalian, the performance of these machines drops significantly compared to their original versions. Despite their high price tag, which exceeds even that of Caterpillar and Volvo, the availability of spare parts is poor, and they are difficult to find. As a result, Liebherr excavators are rarely seen on construction sites across China. Despite the brand name, they fail to gain significant traction in the market.
     
   • Machine Performance: ★★★★
     
   • Brand Recognition: ★★★★★
     
   • Parts Availability: ★★
     
   • Price Competitiveness: ★
     
   • Dealer Network: ★★
     
   • Value-for-Money: ★★★
     
2. CASE
   • CASE brands often boast American quality, but in reality, they are Japanese machines. Large excavators are rebadged from Sumitomo, while small ones are rebadged from Kobelco. The price, however, shoots up to match European and American standards, while the dealer network is inconsistent. This creates an unfortunate scenario for customers, leading to inflated prices and questionable after-sales support.
     
   • Machine Performance: ★★★★★
     
   • Brand Recognition: ★★★
     
   • Parts Availability: ★★★
     
   • Price Competitiveness: ★
     
   • Dealer Network: ★
     
   • Value-for-Money: ★★
     
3. Terex Mini Excavators
   • Terex acquired a small town enterprise in Sanhe County, Hebei Province, claiming to use technology from German company Schaeff (Terex did acquire Schaeff’s mini excavator plant). However, the actual quality is quite average, and the dealer network has changed multiple times. The brand has struggled to establish itself, and it’s highly probable that it will withdraw from the Chinese market in the near future. Anyone considering purchasing a Terex mini excavator should be prepared for potential issues with the brand's long-term viability.
     
   • Machine Performance: ★★★
     
   • Brand Recognition: ★★★
     
   • Parts Availability: ★★★
     
   • Price Competitiveness: ★★
     
   • Dealer Network: ★
     
   • Value-for-Money: ★
     
4. Atlas Excavators
   • Atlas excavators, produced in a factory in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, face numerous challenges. The location is not ideal for manufacturing excavators due to the distance from key raw material suppliers and the lack of skilled labor. As a result, the quality of the machines is often subpar. Despite years in the market, sales are dwindling, and Atlas shares many of the same issues as Liebherr—high prices without corresponding quality improvements.
     
   • Machine Performance: ★★★★
     
   • Brand Recognition: ★★★
     
   • Parts Availability: ★★
     
   • Price Competitiveness: ★
     
   • Dealer Network: ★
     
   • Value-for-Money: ★★
     
5. Volvo
   • Volvo is renowned worldwide for its “safety” features in cars, but its excavators don’t live up to the same standard. After acquiring Samsung Heavy Industries, Volvo’s excavator quality has remained largely unchanged. What has skyrocketed is the price, which now competes at a premium level, marketed under the guise of “Swedish quality.” However, many customers are swayed by the brand's reputation rather than actual performance.
     
   • Machine Performance: ★★★★
     
   • Brand Recognition: ★★★★★
     
   • Parts Availability: ★★★
     
   • Price Competitiveness: ★
     
   • Dealer Network: ★★★
     
   • Value-for-Money: ★★
     

After a little over a month of use, my SANY SY215C-8 excavator has reached nearly 300 hours. Initially, I was considering buying a second-hand machine for quicker return on investment. However, after a recommendation from a friend, I decided to go for a new SANY excavator. Although I had some hesitation about choosing a domestic brand, SANY’s use of imported components for key parts and the more manageable financing options convinced me to take the plunge. Here’s my review of the machine after the first 300 hours of use.
Quality Performance
Overall, the quality of the SANY SY215C-8 has been impressive. With nearly 300 hours on it, I haven’t faced any quality issues. The machine's build quality is solid, and the paint job looks great. What stands out is SANY’s warranty, which is 3,000 hours—much longer than many competitors who offer only 2,000 hours. This gives me a sense of confidence in the machine’s long-term durability.
After-Sales Service
When it comes to after-sales service, I’ve heard mixed reviews from others, some mentioning that SANY’s service might overdo the maintenance and replace parts unnecessarily. However, in my case, during the first and second service, only the engine oil, oil filter, and a small diesel filter were replaced. The price was a bit on the higher side, but I was satisfied with the speed of service. Whenever I’ve had an issue, a quick phone call gets me clear explanations and immediate attention from the service team.
Operating Experience
When I first started operating, the controls felt a little too light, but after getting used to it, the coordination and responsiveness of the machine are excellent. Some people mention that the boom on the SY215C-8 moves too quickly, but I didn’t find it problematic. Compared to other brands, SANY's machine lacks the raw power that some older models offer, which makes it better suited for light to medium-duty tasks like earthmoving. Stability is decent but not outstanding, but for someone with ten years of experience like myself, it’s manageable. I’ve even operated the older Komatsu 80 series, so this is nothing new.
Fuel Consumption
As for fuel consumption, some people say it’s hard to have both performance and low fuel usage, and that’s certainly true. In terms of fuel usage, for a 20-ton class excavator, my SANY SY215C-8 consumes about 10-14 liters of diesel for every 200 liters used, depending on the operating conditions and the way I work. When I’m working with tight deadlines, my fuel usage can sometimes exceed 14 liters per hour. The fuel consumption is moderate for this class of machine, but considering I often work on my friend's site and sometimes rush through the tasks, it's not too bad.
Black Smoke Issue
There were some complaints about the SY215C-8 emitting black smoke, and SANY has extended the engine warranty to 4,000 hours to address this. In fact, if you switch to the L (low-power) mode, the black smoke issue is reduced significantly. The root cause seems to be a mismatch between engine power and hydraulic system efficiency, which causes some power deficits. As a result, the SY215C-8 is better suited for earthmoving tasks rather than heavy digging.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I am generally satisfied with my SANY SY215C-8. The quality and after-sales service have been solid, and the machine’s performance is more than adequate for typical earthmoving jobs. While there is room for improvement in terms of fuel efficiency and some minor design features, the machine performs well overall. For those who mainly do earthmoving tasks, this excavator is a great choice.
I look forward to seeing how it performs over the next few years. Time will tell, but I am optimistic about the machine’s future performance and the value it will continue to deliver. I hope this review helps anyone considering purchasing the SANY SY215C-8.

I’ve had my SANY SY215C-8 excavator for just over two months now, and it’s accumulated more than 300 hours of work. Due to the heavy rain over the past month, we've had quite a few days of downtime, but that’s to be expected during the off-season. Now, let me share my experience with this machine so far.
Overall Performance
So far, the excavator has been performing decently. The working conditions here aren’t very demanding, and the soil is soft, so the SANY machine has been more than enough for the tasks. Some people claim that SANY machines lack power, and to be honest, that’s not entirely false. Even the salespeople acknowledge this. Choosing the right machine is important, and it really depends on the specific requirements of your projects.
Fuel Efficiency
In terms of fuel efficiency, I don’t find it exceptionally low. It may be slightly more fuel-efficient compared to other machines of the same class, but when compared to older machines, it’s not a huge improvement. On average, I work at around 1,700 RPM, and the fuel consumption is about 90 liters per day. Diesel costs 6.2 yuan per liter. My machine was manufactured on July 13 (my daughter was also born on July 13, but a year earlier, haha). The models from July came with 129 kW of power, while those made before and after had 114 kW. The salespeople told me that the higher power was designed for better fuel efficiency, but after some tests, it turned out the fuel savings weren’t significant. Eventually, the power was reduced back to 114 kW. So, I ended up being part of a test batch.
Advantages

• Speed: The machine is quick, especially in terms of rotation. However, there’s a slight noise when starting or stopping, which depends on how the operator controls it. Overall, the handling is quite good.
  
• Light Control Levers: The control levers are light, which makes it comfortable to operate all day without fatigue.
  

• Stability: The machine’s stability can be a concern. If the ground isn’t level, it tends to shake quite a bit.
  
• Boom Descent: The boom drops too quickly and isn’t smooth enough.
  
• Lack of Main Power Switch: There’s no master power switch for the electrical system.
  
• No Two-Stage Key Lock: The key lock on the door is a single-stage, which seems a bit outdated.
  
• Display Issues: If you want to use the electrical power, the display must stay on, and it cannot be dimmed. At night, it’s too bright, which can be distracting.
  

I’ve been using the Doosan DH70 excavator for a year now. Most of the time, I operate the machine alone, managing tasks such as finding work, driving the trailer, and collecting payments. When I need to use a small excavator, I also operate my Yuchai 35-6 mini machine. Over the past year, the Doosan DH70 has accumulated 1,800 hours of work, while my Yuchai 35-6 has completed around 600 hours. Below is my review of the excavator after a year of use:
1. Joint Gaps in Boom and Arm
When I first got the machine, the gaps in the boom and arm joints were noticeably large, which affected the machine’s operation and stability. To resolve this, I added shims, which improved the situation.
2. Small Fuel Inlet
The fuel inlet is quite small, and it would take around 7 minutes to fill the tank. To speed up the process, I purchased an electric fuel pump, which allows me to fill the tank in under a minute.
3. Strong Plastic Smell in the Cabin
The new machine had a strong plastic smell inside the cabin, especially when the heating system was on. After about 1,000 hours of operation, the odor has significantly reduced, and the situation has improved.
4. Engine Oil Consumption
The engine burned oil when the machine was new. After about 1,000 hours, the oil consumption decreased, and now it barely burns any oil. The excavator is equipped with the Kubota V3300DI engine.
5. Lack of Convenient Storage in the Cabin
There was no convenient storage space for documents, mobile phones, and other small items in the cabin. I modified the cabin to add more storage compartments, which made it more convenient for daily use.
6. Parts Replaced

• After 300 hours of use, a track roller broke, and it was replaced for free.
  
• After 1,500 hours, one of the hydraulic hose connectors leaked, causing around 5 liters of hydraulic oil to spill. The after-sales service replaced the hose for free and gave me a 20-liter barrel of hydraulic oil as compensation.
  

• At 1,700 hours, I had to replace an accumulator free of charge.
  
• The door locks on the side door and rear engine cover were also replaced under warranty.
  

In this review, we hear from a seasoned excavator operator and forum member, Sun Xuliang (also known as "Da Di Zhi Xing"). Sun, an operator from Ningxia, China, has been active in the excavator industry for several years and is well-known in the online community for his contributions. Notably, before the official launch of the "Iron Armor Car Stickers," Sun took it upon himself to create personalized versions, which sparked a wave of interest in the forum. Additionally, Sun helped guide fellow member "With You Dance Gold" in purchasing a Caterpillar 320DGC, a decision documented in the article "Why I Chose the Caterpillar 320DGC Earthmover Over the Komatsu PC200-8." Sun is also a key point of contact for members in Ningxia, Gansu, Xinjiang, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia, and Tibet.
Now, let's dive into the performance and experience of using the Caterpillar 320D excavator, as shared by Sun Xuliang.
Operator Background
Sun Xuliang works for an engineering company in Ningxia and has been operating excavators for over seven years. After finishing middle school, Sun began learning excavator operation and gained significant experience with the company’s Hitachi ZX230-1 model. The Caterpillar 320D was the company's new addition, and Sun was given the opportunity to operate it.
Sun’s company primarily focuses on water conservancy, construction, and road engineering, with a fleet of various machinery, including excavators, loaders, dump trucks, and rollers. As one of the most experienced and skilled operators, Sun is highly valued by his company leadership.
Purchase Information

• Purchase Date: March 15, 2010
  
• Payment Method: Full payment
  
• Total Price: 1.13 million RMB (including 6,000 RMB for accessories)
  
• Dealer: Caterpillar Ningxia dealer, Yichu Mingtong
  

• Normal Operation (7-8 throttle): 18 liters per hour
  
• High-intensity Operation (full throttle): 23 liters per hour
  

• Engine: Since purchase, the engine has not shown any issues and operates smoothly.
  
• Hydraulic System: No problems have been encountered with the hydraulic system either.
  
• Other Issues: The only issue encountered was with the toolbox lock, which became faulty after some use. The key no longer fit into the lock, and while the cost to replace the lock assembly was over 1,000 RMB, Sun chose to forgo the replacement for the time being. Sun also mentioned that the seat is uncomfortable for long hours of operation, and the paintwork on the large and small arms of the machine is somewhat rough and inconsistent.
  

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.