Today, 01:43 AM
In July 2014, our editorial team visited the Dongba market in Beijing, a hub for construction equipment, to better understand the needs of excavator owners and their equipment usage. With the help of a friendly local operator, we quickly familiarized ourselves with the area and began our interviews.
The Excavator Market at Dongba
As we arrived at the market, we were greeted by a wide array of machinery, including both small and large crawler excavators, wheeled excavators (also known as rubber-tired excavators), backhoes, rollers, cranes, dump trucks, and other construction equipment parked along the roadsides. According to Mr. Xu, a local excavator operator, the market has been slower than usual this year, with fewer jobs compared to last year. When the weather is good, many machines head out to work, but during rainy days, the parking lot fills up quickly with idle equipment.
In our tour, we observed the ecosystem of the market—many repair shops, parts stores, gas stations, and construction sites are nearby. Some operators were resting in their machines while waiting for work, while others were busy maintaining their equipment.
Meet Mr. Xu: A Seasoned Excavator Operator
Mr. Xu, a 40-year-old operator from Northeast China, has been in the business since 2005. Starting with a joint venture, he bought his first excavator—a 60-ton wheeled machine. As his business grew, he bought a Hyundai 60W-7, but due to increasing demands, he hired a driver. By 2010, business was booming, and he decided to purchase a small car and sell his wheeled excavator. In the following years, Mr. Xu acquired a Komatsu PC130-7 and later a new SANY 140-8. He also invested in a flatbed truck and now employs two drivers. With a steady workflow, he has more time to relax, play cards, and spend quality time with his family.
Equipment Information: Komatsu and SANY Excavators
Mr. Xu’s SANY 140, purchased in 2013 for around ¥700,000 (with financing), features a Mitsubishi high-pressure common-rail engine and a 0.57 m³ bucket. With about 2,000 hours of use, the machine has required minimal maintenance. Mr. Xu appreciates the machine’s fuel efficiency and fast working speed. He values the support he receives from the dealership, even though a few minor issues were never addressed during the initial purchase due to a lack of a formal contract. This experience taught him the importance of having all terms in writing when buying equipment.
As for the Komatsu PC130-7, which he bought second-hand, Mr. Xu was satisfied with its performance. Powered by a direct-injection engine and manufactured in Jining, Shandong, the PC130-7 is known for its reliable hydraulic system and engine, both of which are imported. Fuel consumption is similar to the SANY 140, averaging ¥60–70 per hour. Mr. Xu was keen to show us the machine, which was working on a project at the time.
Business Operations
Mr. Xu’s machines mostly work on scattered jobs, with some larger projects mixed in. He charges by the "shift," with a typical 8-hour shift costing ¥1,500. Even for shorter jobs, he charges for a full shift. On average, he completes around 20 shifts per month, with no additional fees for transporting machines since most of his clients were former owners of wheeled excavators.
While Mr. Xu occasionally handles demolition jobs, his machines are not equipped with breakers, which are instead handled by friends in the industry. The market this year has been slower, with the busy seasons running from March to May and from September to November.
Machine Maintenance and Strategy
Having been in the business for nearly a decade, Mr. Xu knows how to maintain his equipment well. He emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance, especially with the high-quality Mobil engine oil he uses. While he typically uses aftermarket parts for repairs, he prefers original parts for critical components like air filters. He mentioned that genuine parts, although expensive, offer superior quality—he recalled how the original filter’s seams were perfectly sealed.
At the June 19th auction in Beijing, Mr. Xu attended as part of the Iron Baby buyer group and considered buying a smaller excavator for future needs. He believes that as large-scale construction projects wind down, the demand for smaller excavators will grow, along with the promotion of various attachments.
The Workforce
Mr. Xu currently employs two drivers, both in their early 20s. One has been with him for five years, and the other has three years of experience. Despite the relatively low wages of ¥4,500 per month (with lodging provided), Mr. Xu values his drivers' responsibility and loyalty. He gives them an annual bonus of ¥2,000–3,000 and takes on the responsibility of transporting machines between sites himself, showing that mutual understanding is key to their relationship.
Conclusion
Mr. Xu’s journey in the excavator business has not been without challenges, especially with market fluctuations and a lack of formal contracts in the past. However, he remains optimistic about the future. He is confident that with careful management and the right equipment, his business will continue to thrive. Mr. Xu’s story is an excellent reminder for equipment owners to stay proactive, maintain good relationships with their workers, and ensure that all agreements are clearly documented.
We sincerely thank Mr. Xu for sharing his valuable insights and wish him continued success in his business. As for future excavator owners, this visit has been insightful, and we look forward to learning more from other machine owners to better understand their needs and experiences in the field.
The Excavator Market at Dongba
As we arrived at the market, we were greeted by a wide array of machinery, including both small and large crawler excavators, wheeled excavators (also known as rubber-tired excavators), backhoes, rollers, cranes, dump trucks, and other construction equipment parked along the roadsides. According to Mr. Xu, a local excavator operator, the market has been slower than usual this year, with fewer jobs compared to last year. When the weather is good, many machines head out to work, but during rainy days, the parking lot fills up quickly with idle equipment.
In our tour, we observed the ecosystem of the market—many repair shops, parts stores, gas stations, and construction sites are nearby. Some operators were resting in their machines while waiting for work, while others were busy maintaining their equipment.
Meet Mr. Xu: A Seasoned Excavator Operator
Mr. Xu, a 40-year-old operator from Northeast China, has been in the business since 2005. Starting with a joint venture, he bought his first excavator—a 60-ton wheeled machine. As his business grew, he bought a Hyundai 60W-7, but due to increasing demands, he hired a driver. By 2010, business was booming, and he decided to purchase a small car and sell his wheeled excavator. In the following years, Mr. Xu acquired a Komatsu PC130-7 and later a new SANY 140-8. He also invested in a flatbed truck and now employs two drivers. With a steady workflow, he has more time to relax, play cards, and spend quality time with his family.
Equipment Information: Komatsu and SANY Excavators
Mr. Xu’s SANY 140, purchased in 2013 for around ¥700,000 (with financing), features a Mitsubishi high-pressure common-rail engine and a 0.57 m³ bucket. With about 2,000 hours of use, the machine has required minimal maintenance. Mr. Xu appreciates the machine’s fuel efficiency and fast working speed. He values the support he receives from the dealership, even though a few minor issues were never addressed during the initial purchase due to a lack of a formal contract. This experience taught him the importance of having all terms in writing when buying equipment.
As for the Komatsu PC130-7, which he bought second-hand, Mr. Xu was satisfied with its performance. Powered by a direct-injection engine and manufactured in Jining, Shandong, the PC130-7 is known for its reliable hydraulic system and engine, both of which are imported. Fuel consumption is similar to the SANY 140, averaging ¥60–70 per hour. Mr. Xu was keen to show us the machine, which was working on a project at the time.
Business Operations
Mr. Xu’s machines mostly work on scattered jobs, with some larger projects mixed in. He charges by the "shift," with a typical 8-hour shift costing ¥1,500. Even for shorter jobs, he charges for a full shift. On average, he completes around 20 shifts per month, with no additional fees for transporting machines since most of his clients were former owners of wheeled excavators.
While Mr. Xu occasionally handles demolition jobs, his machines are not equipped with breakers, which are instead handled by friends in the industry. The market this year has been slower, with the busy seasons running from March to May and from September to November.
Machine Maintenance and Strategy
Having been in the business for nearly a decade, Mr. Xu knows how to maintain his equipment well. He emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance, especially with the high-quality Mobil engine oil he uses. While he typically uses aftermarket parts for repairs, he prefers original parts for critical components like air filters. He mentioned that genuine parts, although expensive, offer superior quality—he recalled how the original filter’s seams were perfectly sealed.
At the June 19th auction in Beijing, Mr. Xu attended as part of the Iron Baby buyer group and considered buying a smaller excavator for future needs. He believes that as large-scale construction projects wind down, the demand for smaller excavators will grow, along with the promotion of various attachments.
The Workforce
Mr. Xu currently employs two drivers, both in their early 20s. One has been with him for five years, and the other has three years of experience. Despite the relatively low wages of ¥4,500 per month (with lodging provided), Mr. Xu values his drivers' responsibility and loyalty. He gives them an annual bonus of ¥2,000–3,000 and takes on the responsibility of transporting machines between sites himself, showing that mutual understanding is key to their relationship.
Conclusion
Mr. Xu’s journey in the excavator business has not been without challenges, especially with market fluctuations and a lack of formal contracts in the past. However, he remains optimistic about the future. He is confident that with careful management and the right equipment, his business will continue to thrive. Mr. Xu’s story is an excellent reminder for equipment owners to stay proactive, maintain good relationships with their workers, and ensure that all agreements are clearly documented.
We sincerely thank Mr. Xu for sharing his valuable insights and wish him continued success in his business. As for future excavator owners, this visit has been insightful, and we look forward to learning more from other machine owners to better understand their needs and experiences in the field.
