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When buying a used excavator, the operating hours of the machine are an important factor to consider. The lifespan and evaluation criteria of an excavator vary depending on its type, work load, operating environment, and maintenance history. This article will help you determine if it’s worth buying a used excavator based on its operating hours, divided into small, medium, and large excavators.

1. Small Excavators

Small excavators typically weigh between 1.5 to 6 tons and are commonly used for urban construction, landscaping, trenching, and other lighter tasks. Due to their smaller size, small excavators generally experience lighter workloads, which contributes to a longer lifespan compared to larger models.

• Operating Hours Reference: For small excavators, machines that have been used for more than 5,000 hours may start to show signs of significant wear, especially if they haven’t been properly maintained. If the operating hours exceed 8,000 hours, major repairs might be needed, making the machine less cost-effective. Therefore, it is advisable to look for a used small excavator with operating hours in the range of 3,000 to 5,000 hours.
• Evaluation Criteria: If the small excavator has a reasonable operating hour range and has been well-maintained with detailed maintenance records, it is likely to be a good purchase. If not, be prepared for potential repair costs.

2. Medium Excavators

Medium excavators typically range from 6 to 20 tons in weight and are used in construction sites, mining, and other medium-duty applications. Due to the higher workload and more demanding operating conditions, medium excavators are subject to more wear and tear than smaller machines.

• Operating Hours Reference: The expected lifespan of a medium excavator is typically between 10,000 and 12,000 hours. If the operating hours exceed this range, the core components such as the engine, hydraulic system, and tracks may be near their limits, which could require significant repairs. For a second-hand medium excavator with over 8,000 hours, it’s essential to ask for detailed maintenance records and service history.
• Evaluation Criteria: If a medium excavator has between 6,000 and 8,000 hours of operation and has been well-maintained, it is generally safe to purchase. However, if it has more than 10,000 hours of use, it’s important to carefully evaluate the machine’s condition and possibly have it inspected by a professional technician.

3. Large Excavators

Large excavators typically weigh over 20 tons and are commonly used for heavy-duty tasks such as mining, large-scale construction, and major infrastructure projects. These machines experience the highest level of stress and wear due to the heavy workload.

• Operating Hours Reference: The expected lifespan of a large excavator is generally between 12,000 and 15,000 hours. If the operating hours exceed 12,000 hours, extra caution is required, particularly if the machine has been used in harsh environments. The components might be heavily worn, and substantial repairs could be necessary. Generally, a large excavator with less than 8,000 hours of operation would be the ideal second-hand purchase.
• Evaluation Criteria: For large excavators, those with less than 10,000 hours of use are typically the best second-hand options, but it’s important to check the detailed service history and ensure that the machine has been properly maintained. A professional inspection before purchase is highly recommended.

خاتمة

Using operating hours as a key factor to determine whether a second-hand excavator is worth buying is important, but it should not be the only consideration. It’s equally important to evaluate the brand, model, operating environment, maintenance history, and whether any major repairs have been performed on the machine. Specifically:

• Small Excavators: Operating hours between 3,000 to 5,000 hours are ideal.
• Medium Excavators: Operating hours between 6,000 to 8,000 hours are a good range for purchase.
• Large Excavators: Operating hours between 8,000 to 10,000 hours are the most suitable for a second-hand purchase.

When buying a used excavator, don’t solely rely on the operating hours; also consider its overall usage history, maintenance records, and current condition to make a well-informed decision.

If you need a used excavator, please contact us at Mingdig Construction. Our used excavators are regularly maintained and have a working time of less than 8,000 hours.