06-28-2025, 05:33 PM
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
Choosing an excavator requires careful consideration of both performance and value. As demonstrated in this list, some of the most well-known brands in the market are often overpriced, with limited return on investment when compared to their actual performance and the cost of parts. It’s crucial to assess the true value of a machine beyond its brand name to avoid overpaying for subpar quality.
When selecting an excavator, it's important to focus on what best fits your operational needs and budget, rather than getting swayed by high prices or marketing promises.
The Five Worst Value-for-Money Excavator Brands
- 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: ★★★
- 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.
- 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: ★★
- 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.
- 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: ★
- 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.
- 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: ★★
- 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.
- 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: ★★
- 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.
Choosing an excavator requires careful consideration of both performance and value. As demonstrated in this list, some of the most well-known brands in the market are often overpriced, with limited return on investment when compared to their actual performance and the cost of parts. It’s crucial to assess the true value of a machine beyond its brand name to avoid overpaying for subpar quality.
When selecting an excavator, it's important to focus on what best fits your operational needs and budget, rather than getting swayed by high prices or marketing promises.
