Choosing the Right Size Class for Your Project
When you are buying a used CAT excavator for export from China, the first decision is size class. It drives the purchase price, the freight cost, the shipping method, and what the machine can actually do on site. This comparison looks at three common size classes available from Anhui Gangya Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., operating as CAT Excavator Export. We use real stock data from our current listings to show the trade-offs between mini, medium, and larger classes. All prices are FOB, and all machines are sold as-is with inspection reports, photos, and start-up videos.
Quick Comparison of Three Size Classes
| Dimension | Mini (under 10 t) | Medium (20–30 t) |
|---|---|---|
| Example models in stock | CAT 307.5, 307E2, 306E2, 308E2 | CAT 320DIMPORT |
| FOB price range (current stock) | $16,000 – $26,000 | $15,000 |
| Year / hours (reference only) | 2022–2025; 500–800 h | 2011; 8,000 h |
| Condition grade | As inspected | Grade B |
| Typical shipping method | 40ft container (1–2 units) | Flat rack or breakbulk |
| HS code | 8429.52 | 8429.52 |
| Nigeria duty / VAT | 5% duty + 7.5% VAT | 5% duty + 7.5% VAT |
| Best for | Utility work, tight access, small digs | Heavy digging, trenching, large site work |
Deep Dive: Mini Class Under 10 t
The mini class is our most active category right now. We have four specific units in stock, all under 10 tonnes. The CAT 307.5 is a 2025 machine with a 500-hour meter reading and an as-inspected condition rating. The FOB price for that specific unit is $26,000. The CAT 307E2 is also a 2025 machine with 500 hours, also as-inspected, and its FOB price is $17,000. That price gap—$9,000—between two similar-sounding models shows why you cannot shop by model name alone. The 307.5 and 307E2 are different generations with different features, and the unit-level inspection report is what tells you the actual condition.
We also have a 2022 CAT 306E2 with 800 hours at $16,000 FOB, and a 2022 CAT 308E2 with 800 hours at $21,000 FOB. The 308E2 is a slightly larger mini, which explains part of the price difference over the 306E2. All four units are in stock, and each one is priced on its own. None of them are part of a bulk lot. The year and hours are given as reference only, not as proof of use. That is standard for used equipment, and we state it plainly.
For shipping, mini excavators usually fit into a 40ft container. Depending on the model and whether you remove the cab or fold the boom, you can sometimes fit two units in one container. That keeps freight cost per unit low. For a buyer in Nigeria, the HS code is 8429.52, with 5% duty and 7.5% VAT applied on the CIF value. We can provide the export documentation from China, but the importer is responsible for clearance and duty payment at destination.
Deep Dive: Medium Class 20–30 t
Our medium class listing is a single CAT 320DIMPORT from 2011 with an 8,000-hour meter reading. The condition grade is B, and the FOB price is $15,000. That is lower than most of our mini units, which surprises some buyers. The reason is simple: age and hours. A 2011 machine with 8,000 hours has more wear than a 2025 mini with 500 hours. But for heavy digging, trenching, and large site work, the 320DIMPORT has the reach, digging force, and stability that a mini cannot match. If your project is bulk earthworks, a medium excavator at this price can be a cost-effective entry point, provided you budget for maintenance and possible repairs.
The same HS code applies: 8429.52. For Nigeria, duty is 5% and VAT is 7.5%. Shipping a 20–30 t machine is different from a mini. You are looking at a flat rack, breakbulk, or RoRo, not a standard container. That increases freight cost and lead time. You also need to arrange inland transport from the port to your site, which may require permits for oversized loads. We provide dimensions and weight from the inspection report so your freight forwarder can quote accurately.
Cost, Quality, Lead Time, and Customization
Cost is not just the FOB price. For the mini class, you might pay $16,000 to $26,000 FOB, plus container freight, insurance, duty, VAT, and inland transport. For the medium class, the FOB price is lower at $15,000, but freight and handling are higher. In both cases, the total landed cost depends on your destination port and local charges. We do not quote landed cost because we do not control destination fees. We quote FOB and provide the documents you need to calculate the rest.
Quality is expressed as a condition grade or as-inspected rating. Grade B means the machine is functional but shows wear. As-inspected means we have not assigned a letter grade; instead, we give you the inspection report, photos, and a start-up video so you can judge for yourself. We do not claim that any used machine is in perfect condition. We show you what we see.
Lead time depends on two things: whether the unit is in stock and how you ship it. All units mentioned here are in stock. Once payment is confirmed, we can load a mini into a container within a few days. A medium machine on a flat rack or breakbulk may take longer to schedule, depending on vessel availability. We work with freight forwarders and can recommend options, but the final booking is between you and your forwarder.
Customization is limited with used equipment. You get the machine as inspected. We can sometimes source attachments like buckets or breakers separately, but those are not included in the FOB price unless stated. For buyers who need a specific configuration, we recommend reviewing the inspection report first and asking questions before you commit.
Which Size Class Should You Pick?
Pick a mini class under 10 t if you need a machine for utility work, tight-access jobs, small digs, or landscaping. The CAT 307.5, 307E2, 306E2, and 308E2 are all in stock with FOB prices between $16,000 and $26,000. These units are newer, with lower hours, and they ship efficiently in containers. They suit contractors who move between sites and need a versatile machine.
Pick a medium class 20–30 t if your work is heavy digging, trenching, or large site preparation. The CAT 320DIMPORT at $15,000 FOB is a 2011 machine with 8,000 hours and a Grade B rating. It costs less upfront than most minis, but you should budget for higher freight and potential maintenance. It suits buyers who need raw digging capacity and are prepared to handle an older machine.
If you are unsure, start by reviewing the inspection reports and start-up videos for the specific units. Anhui Gangya Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. is an independent exporter. We are not affiliated with Caterpillar Inc., and we do not provide authorized dealer services. We sell used machines from China with transparent pricing and documentation. For current stock and FOB prices, check the individual listings or contact us directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fit two mini excavators in one container? Sometimes. It depends on the model and whether you remove the cab or fold the boom. The 306E2 and 307E2 are more likely to fit two per 40ft container than the larger 308E2. Your freight forwarder can confirm based on dimensions.
Are the hours guaranteed? No. The year and hours are given as a reference only, not as proof of actual use. This is standard for used equipment. The inspection report and start-up video are your best tools for assessing condition.
Do you handle shipping? We can recommend freight forwarders and provide export documentation from China. The importer arranges and pays for shipping, insurance, and destination clearance.
What about duty and VAT? For Nigeria, HS code 8429.52 carries 5% duty and 7.5% VAT. Other countries have different rates. Check with a customs broker in your destination country.
Can I see the machine before buying? We provide photos, a start-up video, and an inspection report. If you are in China or can send a representative, we can arrange an in-person inspection by appointment.
This comparison is based on current stock and is subject to change as units sell. Contact us for the latest availability and FOB prices.