Almost everyone looking for an excavator checks the used listings first — which is perfectly sensible, because the price tag looks low. But with construction machinery, the asking price and the total cost are often not the same thing.
In this article we compare the two honestly. We know we sell new machines; even so, we will also describe the situations where buying used is the right call.
The real advantages of buying used
Less up-front capital is needed. This is nothing to dismiss — for a business with tight cash flow it can be decisive.
Depreciation slows down. A new machine loses value faster in its first years. A 5-year-old machine loses proportionally less value in the 2 years after you buy it.
Immediate delivery. A new model that isn’t in stock may have a waiting time; a used machine is right there.
So buying used is not blindly a bad idea. But you need to know where the risk lies.
Where is the real cost of a used machine hidden?
1. No warranty
This is the biggest difference. At EKSFORK a new machine comes with a 2-year / 2,000-hour warranty. On a used machine, if the hydraulic pump, engine or transmission fails, the bill is entirely yours.
A single major hydraulic failure can eat up a large part of the price difference between used and new.
2. Downtime
Every day the machine stands still is lost work. If you do contracting or hire work, that means lost revenue directly.
Breakdowns are naturally more frequent on a used machine, and sourcing parts sometimes takes weeks — especially if the make and model are no longer produced.
3. Unknown history
How many hours has the machine worked? What jobs was it used for? Was it serviced on time? Could the hour meter have been changed?
There is no way to verify the owner’s story. There is a world of difference between a machine that has worked 6,000 hours in a sand quarry and one that has worked 1,500 hours in a garden — and both may be the same age.
4. Spare part availability
Parts for an old or little-known model may be impossible to find. In that case the machine becomes unusable and you are left with an investment worth scrap value.
The real advantages of buying new
- Warranty — the risk of breakdowns lies with the seller, not with you
- Known history — 0 hours, recorded maintenance
- Up-to-date equipment — pilot controls, hydraulic thumb and quick coupler come as standard
- Spare parts — a current model with parts in stock
- Resale value — when you sell, you too can say “well maintained, one owner”
- Eligibility for loans/leasing — finance companies are more willing to fund a new machine
How big is the price difference really?
To make a fair comparison, add the following to the price of the used machine:
Real cost of a used machine =
Asking price
+ Transfer/inspection costs
+ Immediate maintenance (oil, filters, tracks, hoses)
+ Expected first-year breakdown allowance
+ Lost work on downtime daysOnce you add it all up, you will often see it approaching the price of a new machine. Especially when affordable new machine options are available.
Used mini excavator prices vary widely in listings because no two machines are the same: the price is determined by operating hours, engine make, the condition of the tracks and hydraulic system, and whether the paperwork is complete. When comparing used excavator prices, don’t forget to add the items above to the advertised figure.
New mini excavator prices at EKSFORK (excluding VAT):
| Model | Class | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Rippa R10 | 1.2 t | 299.000 ₺ |
| Rippa R327 | 1.7 t | 479.000 ₺ (campaign) |
| Rippa R350 | 3.5 t | Call for price |
What to check when buying a used excavator
If you decide on a used machine, check at least the following:
Engine
- Start it from cold — look at the colour of the smoke on first start (blue: burning oil, white: water getting in)
- Is there vibration or irregular noise at idle?
- Check the oil level and colour
Hydraulics
- Raise the boom and wait 1 minute — does it drop by itself? (valve/cylinder problem)
- Look for cracks, bulges and oil leaks on the hoses
- Are there scratches or rust on the cylinder rods?
Undercarriage
- Track wear — one of the most expensive items
- Play or noise in the rollers
- Run each track separately — do they move at the same speed?
General
- Look for weld marks and paint differences (signs of an accident or repair)
- Cracks in the chassis
- Is the general wear consistent with the operating hours?
- Are the invoice, registration and customs documents complete?
Most important: If you don’t know machines, take someone who does. A day’s consulting fee is nothing next to the price of the wrong machine.
Decision table
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Cash is very tight and the job is urgent | Used (with the checklist) |
| The machine is your main source of income | New — downtime is very expensive |
| Occasional, light use | Used is reasonable |
| You’ll be doing hire work | New — warranty and image matter |
| You’ll use a loan/leasing | New — better terms |
| You don’t know much about machines | New — don’t take the risk |
Final word
Buying used is sometimes the right decision — especially if you know machines and your usage is light.
But do this calculation once: with your used-machine budget, how close do you get to a new machine with warranty and service? If the difference is smaller than you think, the warranty and peace of mind are worth it.
That is our only claim in this business: we can supply the same machine below the market price, which lowers the point at which you say “I can’t afford new”. We explain openly how we do it on our company page.
