Questions we are asked
The questions buyers ask us most often before they commit to a machine.
Buying your first machine from abroad
I have never imported a machine before, where do I start?+
Start with the machine and your nearest port, because everything else follows from those two. Message us with both and we will walk you through the rest in order rather than handing you a list of things to work out on your own.
Is buying used equipment from another country risky?+
It is far less risky than people expect, provided you can verify who you are dealing with. Ask for company documents, send your own inspector, ask for video of the machine running, and check the company registration. A seller who is uncomfortable with any of that is telling you something.
What is the biggest mistake first time buyers make?+
Choosing on the machine price alone and forgetting the freight. A cheaper machine sitting in the wrong country can easily cost more delivered than a dearer one nearby. Always compare the landed cost rather than the sticker.
Where can I buy cheap construction equipment?+
The cheapest machines generally come out of China, where the volume of used equipment is enormous and the Chinese brands are priced well below their Japanese and American equivalents. Whether cheap in the yard stays cheap at your port depends on the freight, which is why we compare both of our yards for you.
Which country is cheapest to buy heavy equipment from?+
China is usually the lowest yard price, particularly for Chinese brands like XCMG, SDLG and Sany. Japan and Europe cost more but hold their value better. The right answer for you depends on how long you intend to keep the machine and how far it has to travel.
Is it cheaper to import a machine or to buy one locally?+
Importing is often cheaper, sometimes by a wide margin, because you are skipping the layer of margin a local dealer has already added. What you give up is the ability to walk into a yard and kick the tyres, which is why photographs, video and independent inspection matter so much.
Judging a used machine
How do I know a used machine is worth the asking price?+
Compare it against similar machines of the same model, year and hours, and then look at what is not in the price, meaning the freight and any duties at your end. If a price looks far below everything else you have seen, that is worth a question rather than a celebration.
How many hours is too many on a used excavator?+
There is no single number, because a machine on light work at four thousand hours can be in better shape than one worked hard at two thousand. Hours tell you how much life has been used, not how well it was treated, so read them alongside the photographs and the inspection.
Is a low hour Chinese machine better than a high hour Japanese one?+
It depends on what you are doing with it. Chinese machines cost less to buy and generally suit less demanding work, while Japanese machines cost more but tend to keep going longer under hard use. Tell us the job and we will give you an honest view rather than pushing whichever we have most of.
What should I check before buying a used excavator?+
The undercarriage, because it is expensive to replace. The hydraulics, for leaks and for how quickly the machine responds. The engine, on video, from cold if possible. The hour meter, photographed. And the general condition of the cab, which tells you a lot about how the machine was treated.
Should I buy a bigger machine than I need?+
Usually not. A larger machine costs more to buy, more to ship and more to run, and if the work does not need it that money simply leaves your pocket. Tell us the job you have in mind and we will suggest the size that fits it.
How do I compare two machines with different hours and prices?+
Work out what each one costs delivered to your port, then weigh that against the hours, the brand and the condition. A machine that costs a fifth less but has twice the hours is not automatically the better buy, and it often is not.
Your side of the border
What paperwork will my country ask for?+
Typically the bill of lading, the commercial invoice and the packing list, with some countries asking for a certificate of origin or an inspection certificate as well. Your clearing agent will confirm the exact set, and we prepare the documents from our side.
Do I need an import licence to bring in a machine?+
Some countries require importers to be registered, others do not, and it varies more than people expect. It is worth settling with a clearing agent in your own country before you buy rather than after the vessel has sailed.
How do I choose a clearing agent?+
Ask other contractors in your area who they use, since a good agent is usually well known locally. What you want is somebody who handles machinery regularly rather than general cargo, because the paperwork and the inspections are not quite the same.
What is the difference between a dealer and a broker?+
A dealer owns the machines and can show them to you. A broker passes your enquiry to whoever does own them and adds a margin. Both can be perfectly honest, but only one can walk out into a yard and photograph the hour meter for you this afternoon.
