10-19-2025, 01:55 PM
Starting with a Clear Purpose
When searching for a used excavator, especially for a personal project like building a therapy ranch, the first step is defining the scope of work. Excavators range from compact 3-ton machines to 80-ton giants, and choosing the right size depends on terrain, access, and the type of tasks—grading, trenching, clearing, or lifting. For most ranch or small-scale land development projects, a 12–18 ton machine (e.g., CAT 312, Komatsu PC120, Deere 160) offers a balance of reach, power, and transportability.
Terminology Notes
One buyer found a dozer that seemed perfect until a friend crawled under it and discovered a welded transmission case and a crankcase vent rerouted to hide blow-by. Another purchased a Kobelco excavator at auction for $7,500, only to spend over $17,000 on wiring, hydraulics, and pump rebuilds. A third buyer went big and cheap, only to realize the machine was too large to haul and too broken to use—ultimately selling it for the same price just to get rid of it.
Smart Alternatives to Buying
Finding a good used excavator is a mix of patience, research, and realism. The best deals come from knowing what you need, inspecting thoroughly, and being willing to walk away from a “cheap” machine that hides expensive problems. Whether building a therapy ranch or clearing land, the right excavator should work for you—not the other way around. In heavy equipment, every dollar saved upfront can cost double in the shop.
When searching for a used excavator, especially for a personal project like building a therapy ranch, the first step is defining the scope of work. Excavators range from compact 3-ton machines to 80-ton giants, and choosing the right size depends on terrain, access, and the type of tasks—grading, trenching, clearing, or lifting. For most ranch or small-scale land development projects, a 12–18 ton machine (e.g., CAT 312, Komatsu PC120, Deere 160) offers a balance of reach, power, and transportability.
Terminology Notes
- Undercarriage: Includes tracks, rollers, sprockets, and idlers; often the most expensive wear item.
- Blow-by: Engine condition where combustion gases escape into the crankcase, indicating wear.
- Hydraulic Pump: Powers all movement; failure can cost $5,000–$10,000 to repair.
- Hours: Equivalent to mileage in vehicles; 6,000–8,000 hours is mid-life for most excavators.
- Local contractor yards: Small operators upgrading machines often sell directly.
- Regional classifieds: Sites like KSL.com in Utah or Craigslist can yield local deals.
- Facebook Marketplace: Increasingly popular for used equipment, but requires careful vetting.
- Auction sites: Ritchie Bros, IronPlanet, and local auctions offer volume but little warranty.
- Dealer trade-ins: Some dealers offer older machines with limited guarantees.
- Run the machine for at least 30–45 minutes to detect heat-related issues like hydraulic fade or engine blow-by.
- Check for new paint over welds, which may hide structural repairs.
- Inspect the hydraulic cylinders and hoses for leaks or scoring.
- Test track speed and responsiveness—uneven movement may indicate motor or valve issues.
- Look for signs of electrical hacks, especially on older machines with replaced harnesses.
One buyer found a dozer that seemed perfect until a friend crawled under it and discovered a welded transmission case and a crankcase vent rerouted to hide blow-by. Another purchased a Kobelco excavator at auction for $7,500, only to spend over $17,000 on wiring, hydraulics, and pump rebuilds. A third buyer went big and cheap, only to realize the machine was too large to haul and too broken to use—ultimately selling it for the same price just to get rid of it.
Smart Alternatives to Buying
- Rent for major tasks: Short-term rental avoids repair risk and gives access to newer machines.
- Lease-to-own programs: Some dealers offer flexible terms with maintenance included.
- Partner with local operators: Hiring a machine and operator for key phases can save time and money.
- A reliable mid-size excavator in working condition typically costs $40,000–$70,000.
- Machines priced under $25,000 often need $10,000–$30,000 in repairs.
- Undercarriage replacement alone can cost $15,000–$20,000.
- Transport costs vary by region but expect $2–$5 per loaded mile.
Finding a good used excavator is a mix of patience, research, and realism. The best deals come from knowing what you need, inspecting thoroughly, and being willing to walk away from a “cheap” machine that hides expensive problems. Whether building a therapy ranch or clearing land, the right excavator should work for you—not the other way around. In heavy equipment, every dollar saved upfront can cost double in the shop.
