7 hours ago
Today, I’d like to open up a discussion about some key differences between the excavator industry in China and in developed countries, especially in Europe and North America. These differences are real and highlight the areas where China’s industry still has room to grow. By recognizing this gap, we can find motivation to keep improving and help China’s excavator sector reach a more advanced level.
1. Who Owns the Excavators
In developed countries, most excavators are owned by companies — ranging from large contractors with thousands of machines to small businesses with just a few units. These companies are officially registered, issue invoices for their work, and pay taxes accordingly. In addition, some households own small excavators for personal projects, like digging a backyard swimming pool or laying pipes in a residential area. Many mini excavators in these countries are bought for private use and sit idle when not needed.
In China, by contrast, most excavators are owned by individuals or family-run businesses. Some owners have dozens of machines, but many have just one or two. Often, these owners operate without registering a company or paying taxes on their income.
2. Operator Age and Wages
In developed countries, excavator operators tend to be older, often in their 30s or 40s. This is partly because infrastructure development peaked decades ago, so operators have been trained for many years. Pay and benefits are also relatively good: besides hourly wages, operators usually receive full insurance, pension contributions, and housing benefits. For example, in Tennessee, USA, an excavator apprentice typically earns about $15 per hour, an operator with five years of experience earns around $27 per hour, and a highly experienced operator with over 15 years can earn $45 per hour.
In China, operators are usually much younger, often between 18 and 25 years old. Many were born after 1985 and now form the backbone of the workforce. Wages vary by region but generally range from 2,000 to 4,000 RMB per month. Apprentices often earn nothing at first and sometimes even have to pay their mentors for training. Only a small number of highly skilled operators earn 5,000 RMB or more per month.
3. Appearance and Condition of Excavators
Excavators in developed countries usually look newer and better maintained than those in China. There are a few reasons for this. First, job sites abroad are generally less harsh. Second, operators abroad often choose the right machine size and type for each task. Third, there is a strong habit of regular maintenance and cleaning.
In China, however, it is common for machines to work nonstop, sometimes 24 hours a day. Operators may push a small 2-ton machine to do the work of a much larger one, or use a 20-ton excavator to awkwardly handle jobs better suited for a mini excavator. Many operators also neglect cleaning and maintenance. This misuse and overwork can make machines look much older than they really are.
4. Personalization and Machine Culture
In developed countries, a mature market for excavators has given rise to a culture of personalization. It’s common to see brightly colored excavators on city streets, customized with unique paint jobs requested by their owners. Many operators also add personal touches to their machines, turning them into a reflection of their personality and pride in their work.
In China, customized paint or decals are still rare. Most excavators look the same, and even unusual colors are often seen only on imported second-hand machines. However, there is growing interest among Chinese owners in adding personal touches to their machines, signaling a budding culture of machine pride and identity.
5. Attachments and Tools
Photos of construction sites abroad show that foreign operators use a wide variety of attachments — even buckets alone come in many shapes and sizes, each suited for specific conditions. Specialized attachments help operators work more efficiently and safely.
In China, attachments are still mostly limited to standard buckets and hydraulic breakers. It’s common for an excavator to have just one bucket type, regardless of the task. Other attachments are rarely used, partly because operators and owners are less familiar with them and the market for them is not yet mature.
6. Excavator Transport
In developed countries, excavators are transported on trailers that meet strict safety and environmental standards. These trailers are usually top-quality brands like Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, MAN, or Scania, and seeing them on the road is quite impressive.
In China, large excavators are usually moved on dedicated trailers too. However, especially in rural areas, it’s common to see small excavators transported on modified vehicles, such as farm tractors converted into makeshift trailers. While these are cheap and practical, they often fall short in appearance and environmental compliance.
Conclusion
In summary, there is still a considerable gap between China’s excavator industry and that of developed countries. Much of this difference stems from historical factors, but it also highlights the work that remains to be done. As China’s national strength continues to grow, there is every reason to believe that the excavator industry will keep improving and eventually match global standards.
1. Who Owns the Excavators
In developed countries, most excavators are owned by companies — ranging from large contractors with thousands of machines to small businesses with just a few units. These companies are officially registered, issue invoices for their work, and pay taxes accordingly. In addition, some households own small excavators for personal projects, like digging a backyard swimming pool or laying pipes in a residential area. Many mini excavators in these countries are bought for private use and sit idle when not needed.
In China, by contrast, most excavators are owned by individuals or family-run businesses. Some owners have dozens of machines, but many have just one or two. Often, these owners operate without registering a company or paying taxes on their income.
2. Operator Age and Wages
In developed countries, excavator operators tend to be older, often in their 30s or 40s. This is partly because infrastructure development peaked decades ago, so operators have been trained for many years. Pay and benefits are also relatively good: besides hourly wages, operators usually receive full insurance, pension contributions, and housing benefits. For example, in Tennessee, USA, an excavator apprentice typically earns about $15 per hour, an operator with five years of experience earns around $27 per hour, and a highly experienced operator with over 15 years can earn $45 per hour.
In China, operators are usually much younger, often between 18 and 25 years old. Many were born after 1985 and now form the backbone of the workforce. Wages vary by region but generally range from 2,000 to 4,000 RMB per month. Apprentices often earn nothing at first and sometimes even have to pay their mentors for training. Only a small number of highly skilled operators earn 5,000 RMB or more per month.
3. Appearance and Condition of Excavators
Excavators in developed countries usually look newer and better maintained than those in China. There are a few reasons for this. First, job sites abroad are generally less harsh. Second, operators abroad often choose the right machine size and type for each task. Third, there is a strong habit of regular maintenance and cleaning.
In China, however, it is common for machines to work nonstop, sometimes 24 hours a day. Operators may push a small 2-ton machine to do the work of a much larger one, or use a 20-ton excavator to awkwardly handle jobs better suited for a mini excavator. Many operators also neglect cleaning and maintenance. This misuse and overwork can make machines look much older than they really are.
4. Personalization and Machine Culture
In developed countries, a mature market for excavators has given rise to a culture of personalization. It’s common to see brightly colored excavators on city streets, customized with unique paint jobs requested by their owners. Many operators also add personal touches to their machines, turning them into a reflection of their personality and pride in their work.
In China, customized paint or decals are still rare. Most excavators look the same, and even unusual colors are often seen only on imported second-hand machines. However, there is growing interest among Chinese owners in adding personal touches to their machines, signaling a budding culture of machine pride and identity.
5. Attachments and Tools
Photos of construction sites abroad show that foreign operators use a wide variety of attachments — even buckets alone come in many shapes and sizes, each suited for specific conditions. Specialized attachments help operators work more efficiently and safely.
In China, attachments are still mostly limited to standard buckets and hydraulic breakers. It’s common for an excavator to have just one bucket type, regardless of the task. Other attachments are rarely used, partly because operators and owners are less familiar with them and the market for them is not yet mature.
6. Excavator Transport
In developed countries, excavators are transported on trailers that meet strict safety and environmental standards. These trailers are usually top-quality brands like Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, MAN, or Scania, and seeing them on the road is quite impressive.
In China, large excavators are usually moved on dedicated trailers too. However, especially in rural areas, it’s common to see small excavators transported on modified vehicles, such as farm tractors converted into makeshift trailers. While these are cheap and practical, they often fall short in appearance and environmental compliance.
Conclusion
In summary, there is still a considerable gap between China’s excavator industry and that of developed countries. Much of this difference stems from historical factors, but it also highlights the work that remains to be done. As China’s national strength continues to grow, there is every reason to believe that the excavator industry will keep improving and eventually match global standards.
