9 hours ago
Summary of the situation
A compact Komatsu PC55MR‑2 surfaced with the 17‑digit product ID
and an EPA compliance sticker marked 2013. The machine was imported outside official dealer channels (a “gray‑market” import), the hour meter and paper trail were uncertain, and the prospective buyer wanted to know whether the year and parts support could be verified and whether it was safe to buy for non‑commercial acreage work.
Key takeaway
Gray‑market PC55MR‑2 machines are common enough that you’ll find many listings and parts manuals online, but parts support and correct part numbers depend on the exact serial block and the country for which the unit was originally built. Always verify the serial/ID against manufacturer or regional dealer records, collect the correct parts book/part numbers before purchase, and price the machine assuming limited dealer support.
Background and model context
The PC55MR family is Komatsu’s compact / mini excavator line sized around 5–5.3 tonnes operating weight. The “MR” models are the minimal‑rear‑swing (reduced tail swing) variants designed for tight‑space work; successive updates carried suffixes such as MR‑2, MR‑3, MR‑5, etc., as Komatsu modernized engines, hydraulics and emissions control. The modern PC55MR-5 spec sheet shows ~38 HP, operating weights ~5,150–5,270 kg and standard bucket capacities in the 0.055–0.18 m³ range — numbers representative of the class.
Why gray‑market machines create extra risk
Used marketplaces list dozens of PC55MR‑2s (many model years represented). Asking and auction prices vary widely — recent listing snapshots show dozens of units for sale with price ranges from low‑four figures (heavily worn or salvage) up to mid five figures for well‑maintained examples. Auction closed prices for similar PC55/PC55MR machines often fall in the mid‑$10k–$30k range depending on year and hours, so use auction data to calibrate a fair offer.
Solutions and mitigation if you already bought or plan to buy
A buyer once found a PC35MR‑series gray import with a “2012” customs sticker and 1,800 hours. The machine ran fine but used a parts numbering scheme slightly different from North American dealer records. The buyer bought the correct parts manual online, kept a small parts kit (filters, seals), and arranged a single independent mechanic familiar with Asian‑market Komatsu machines. Over two seasons the extra up‑front check and a $1,200 parts kit saved several days of downtime and more than $3,000 in rushed shipping and wrong‑part returns. The lesson: paperwork and the right parts book are often worth more than the machine purchase discount. (Anecdotal illustration based on marketplace practice and parts‑book availability.)
Glossary (short, practical definitions)
If you plan light, non‑commercial acreage work and the asking price is attractive relative to the market (confirm using recent auction/listing prices), buying a gray‑market PC55MR‑2 can be reasonable — provided you take these steps first: confirm the serial with an authorized Komatsu dealer (or the manufacturer’s regional office), secure the correct parts manual before purchase, perform a thorough on‑site inspection and test run, and budget for the possibility of longer lead times on some parts. If you require guaranteed dealer support, insist on a machine with clear dealer provenance.
Quick checklist you can print
A compact Komatsu PC55MR‑2 surfaced with the 17‑digit product ID
Code:
KMTPC162A38DJ1364Key takeaway
Gray‑market PC55MR‑2 machines are common enough that you’ll find many listings and parts manuals online, but parts support and correct part numbers depend on the exact serial block and the country for which the unit was originally built. Always verify the serial/ID against manufacturer or regional dealer records, collect the correct parts book/part numbers before purchase, and price the machine assuming limited dealer support.
Background and model context
The PC55MR family is Komatsu’s compact / mini excavator line sized around 5–5.3 tonnes operating weight. The “MR” models are the minimal‑rear‑swing (reduced tail swing) variants designed for tight‑space work; successive updates carried suffixes such as MR‑2, MR‑3, MR‑5, etc., as Komatsu modernized engines, hydraulics and emissions control. The modern PC55MR-5 spec sheet shows ~38 HP, operating weights ~5,150–5,270 kg and standard bucket capacities in the 0.055–0.18 m³ range — numbers representative of the class.
Why gray‑market machines create extra risk
- Serial/parts mapping: Gray‑market units often use serial blocks and parts lists intended for other regions; dealer parts databases in North America may not map every serial block. That means part numbers can differ or be harder to obtain.
- Stickers and decals: An EPA sticker dated “2013” may have been added when the machine cleared US customs — it’s a clue but not a definitive proof of original build year.
- Manuals and parts books: If the machine does not come with a parts or operation manual that matches the serial, expect more legwork and potential cost for correct parts identification. There are downloadable parts manuals for the PC50MR‑2 / PC55MR‑2 series (serial DJ0001 and up), but you must confirm the exact serial block.
- Record the full serial / product ID exactly as stamped (you already have
).Code:KMTPC162A38DJ1364
- Locate the serial plate on the machine (commonly on the base of the boom or near the boom foot on Komatsu minis) and photograph it. Dealers expect that exact plate info.
- Call your local authorized Komatsu dealer and give them the serial — ask them to confirm the model variant, build year, and the “parts tree” for the serial block. If the dealer can’t find it, regional parts support is likely limited.
- Search specialist listings and auction history for the same model and similar serial ranges (MachineryTrader, TractorHouse, auction services) to get real market years and price signals — many PC55MR‑2s appear in 2010–2015 listings. Use these listings to cross‑reference serial prefixes and advertised build years.
- Obtain the parts manual that exactly matches the serial block (for example, PC50MR‑2 & PC55MR‑2 parts books marked “DJ0001 and up” exist). Having the parts manual significantly lowers the risk of misordered components.
- Visually inspect language and style of labels — pictograms are commonly used across market regions; presence of English labels does not guarantee a North American original.
- Treat hour meter readings cautiously — gray‑market resellers sometimes use machines with unreliable meters; ask for service receipts, or plan an independent running test and compression/engine check.
- Run engine at operating temperature; listen for abnormal knocks or turbo/valve issues.
- Check hydraulic response, lifting ability, leaks at hoses, and swing gearbox play.
- Verify bump/idle stability and check for smoke on cold start.
- Inspect undercarriage (track wear, idlers, sprockets), measure track pitch/remaining rubber or steel shoe thickness.
- Confirm serial plate matches stamped numbers on boom and any paperwork.
- Ask for any existing parts book, service book, and receipts. If none, get a firm discount to cover likely parts/manual purchase.
Used marketplaces list dozens of PC55MR‑2s (many model years represented). Asking and auction prices vary widely — recent listing snapshots show dozens of units for sale with price ranges from low‑four figures (heavily worn or salvage) up to mid five figures for well‑maintained examples. Auction closed prices for similar PC55/PC55MR machines often fall in the mid‑$10k–$30k range depending on year and hours, so use auction data to calibrate a fair offer.
Solutions and mitigation if you already bought or plan to buy
- Buy the parts book that matches the machine’s serial block before any future repairs — it’s cheaper than wasting money on wrong parts.
- Establish a small spares kit: filters, a set of common seals, hose ends, and standard hydraulic oil filters will keep downtime short on acreage work.
- Identify third‑party suppliers who stock compatible parts (many small Komatsu mini parts are shared or aftermarket‑available). Confirm fitment with the parts manual.
- Consider a local independent service shop experienced with imported Komatsu/Yanmar/Cummins‑powered minis if the dealer cannot support the serial block. Independent shops can be very effective and cheaper for routine repairs.
- Record and photograph all components—engine plate, hydraulic pump model, and major electrical connectors — this accelerates remote parts sourcing.
A buyer once found a PC35MR‑series gray import with a “2012” customs sticker and 1,800 hours. The machine ran fine but used a parts numbering scheme slightly different from North American dealer records. The buyer bought the correct parts manual online, kept a small parts kit (filters, seals), and arranged a single independent mechanic familiar with Asian‑market Komatsu machines. Over two seasons the extra up‑front check and a $1,200 parts kit saved several days of downtime and more than $3,000 in rushed shipping and wrong‑part returns. The lesson: paperwork and the right parts book are often worth more than the machine purchase discount. (Anecdotal illustration based on marketplace practice and parts‑book availability.)
Glossary (short, practical definitions)
- Gray market — equipment imported and sold outside the manufacturer’s authorized dealer channels for a region; may lack regional registration or official dealer support.
- Serial / product ID — the unique identifier on the machine plate; essential to match parts and determine production block.
- Parts book / parts manual — the exploded diagrams and part numbers for a specific serial block; critical for ordering correct components.
If you plan light, non‑commercial acreage work and the asking price is attractive relative to the market (confirm using recent auction/listing prices), buying a gray‑market PC55MR‑2 can be reasonable — provided you take these steps first: confirm the serial with an authorized Komatsu dealer (or the manufacturer’s regional office), secure the correct parts manual before purchase, perform a thorough on‑site inspection and test run, and budget for the possibility of longer lead times on some parts. If you require guaranteed dealer support, insist on a machine with clear dealer provenance.
Quick checklist you can print
- Photograph the serial plate.
- Call local Komatsu dealer with the serial.
- Confirm parts manual for the serial block (buy if needed).
- Cross‑check market prices (auctions/listings).
- Do a full running & hydraulic test.
- Negotiate price accounting for parts/manual costs and potential lead times.
