Introduction
Managing used excavator inventory across borders demands more than a list of machines. It requires disciplined grading, verified documentation, and transparent inspection data. ExcaYard operates a multi-yard network in China supplying professional buyers in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and CIS countries. This FAQ answers the operational questions importers ask most often.
What machines are typically available in a used excavator yard?
Inventory is organized by machine class. Mini excavators range from 1 to 8 tons and serve urban work, landscaping, small contractors, and utility trenching. Medium excavators cover 20 to 30 tons for general construction, roadwork, quarry loading, and rental fleets. Large excavators are 35 tons and above, built for mining, large earthmoving, quarry, and heavy infrastructure. Popular export models include the Doosan DX225LC, DX300LC, DX380LC, DH225LC, and DH420LC, which offer competitive pricing and broad supply in China yards. For buyers comparing lower acquisition cost and newer machine years, Chinese-brand units such as the Sany SY215, Sany SY365, XCMG XE215, and XCMG XE370 are also available.
How is used excavator condition graded?
ExcaYard uses a three-tier scale. Grade A describes clean condition, low visible wear, and a strong operation record. Grade B is normal used condition with moderate wear. Grade C is a working machine needing visible repair or refurbishment planning. The grade is not a marketing label; it is assigned after inspection and supported by a photo set, video walkaround, and repair notes. Buyers should treat the grade as a starting filter, then review the underlying evidence for the specific unit. For medium excavators, the grade should be read alongside engine hours, undercarriage percentage, hydraulic pump pressure, and any boom and arm cracks.
What does the 150-point inspection cover?
The 150-point inspection is the core inventory control document. Its scope includes serial number, engine, hydraulics, undercarriage, boom and arm, bucket, cab, electrical system, fluid leaks, and test operation. Deliverables are a photo set, video walkaround, condition grade, repair notes, and loading readiness. For mini excavators, inspection focus narrows to hydraulic leaks, swing play, track wear, and attachment pins. For large excavators, it shifts to structural welds, slew bearing, track frame, cooling system, and transport dimensions. These differences matter because a checklist built for a 3-ton unit will miss the failure points of a 40-ton machine.
Can I get third-party verification before payment?
Yes. Independent condition verification before payment or shipment can be arranged through providers such as SGS, Bureau Veritas, and Intertek. Typical scope includes visual inspection, operational test, component measurement, photo report, and serial-number confirmation. Third-party verification is separate from the yard's own 150-point inspection and is useful when the buyer cannot attend in person. Because the report is issued by the inspection body, it can be shared with the buyer's clearing agent, bank, or insurer. Buyers should confirm the exact scope and turnaround time before booking, since not every provider measures the same components.
What documents ship with a used excavator?
The used machinery export document pack includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, China customs export declaration, inspection report, serial-number photos, and an insurance document if the terms are CIF. Document names and destination requirements should be confirmed with the buyer's clearing agent. Tariff classification follows World Customs Organization tariff codes, and China Customs export regulations govern the declaration. For Nigeria, buyer checks include SON or local conformity requirements, HS code and duty estimate, clearing-agent review, and a spare parts plan. For Kenya, buyer checks include KEBS/PVoC review, Mombasa clearance, undercarriage condition, and maintenance records where available.
Which Incoterms apply to used excavator inventory?
Supported terms are EXW yard, FOB Shanghai/Tianjin/Qingdao/Ningbo/Guangzhou, CFR destination port, and CIF destination port. FOB gives the buyer control of freight. CIF simplifies shipping, but the buyer should review insurance scope and destination charges. The choice affects inventory planning because EXW transfers responsibility at the yard, while FOB and CIF require the machine to be loading-ready and documented before it leaves. For large excavators, transport dimensions and loading readiness should be confirmed early, since port handling and vessel space are constrained for 35-ton-plus units.
How should I plan inventory for a specific destination market?
Start from the use case. Kenya's market covers infrastructure, rental fleets, quarry, and real estate construction, with Mombasa as the port. Nigeria's market covers road construction, mining, oil and gas support, and urban construction, with Lagos Apapa and Tin Can Island as ports. Match the machine class to the work: mini excavators for urban and landscaping, medium units for roadwork and rental fleets, large units for mining and quarry. Then confirm conformity requirements, duty estimates, and spare parts availability. Brand recognition also matters; for example, Caterpillar models such as the CAT 320D, CAT 320D2, CAT 323D, CAT 336D, and CAT 349D have strong parts availability and brand recognition in Africa, Middle East, and mining markets.
What is the best way to compare multiple units?
Normalize the data before comparing. Put engine hours, undercarriage percentage, hydraulic pump pressure, and grade side by side. Check whether the inspection report includes serial-number confirmation and a test operation. Confirm the document pack matches the destination's requirements. Compare Incoterms on a like-for-like basis, because FOB and CIF prices are not directly comparable. Finally, review the repair notes and loading readiness for each unit. A Grade B machine with complete records may be a better operational purchase than a Grade A unit with gaps in its documentation. Inventory management is about traceability as much as condition.
How does ExcaYard manage yard inventory?
ExcaYard organizes inventory by class, brand, and grade, with inspection records attached to each unit. The yard network in China supports EXW, FOB, CFR, and CIF terms. Every listing is backed by the 150-point inspection deliverables and, where requested, third-party verification. The goal is to let a buyer in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, or the CIS compare machines on the same data set. For buyers who want to review available units, the excavator inventory page is the starting point. For market-specific requirements, destination pages cover country checks and port details.
What are the most common buying mistakes?
Three mistakes recur. First, comparing prices across different Incoterms without adjusting for freight and insurance. Second, accepting a grade without reviewing the photo set and video walkaround. Third, ignoring destination conformity requirements until after shipment. For Nigeria, SON or local conformity requirements should be checked before booking. For Kenya, KEBS/PVoC review and Mombasa clearance should be confirmed early. A fourth mistake is underestimating transport dimensions for large excavators. Addressing these points during inventory selection reduces delays at the destination port and avoids rework after arrival.
Conclusion
Used excavator inventory management is a documentation and inspection discipline. Grade the machine, verify the serial number, test the operation, assemble the export pack, and choose the Incoterm that matches your risk profile. ExcaYard's yard network and 150-point inspection process are built to make that comparison transparent for professional buyers.