Inquiry
Professional buyers from Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and CIS countries increasingly turn to Chinese yards for used excavators. The process begins with a specific inquiry: make, model, year, hours, and intended application. For example, a contractor may request a Komatsu PC200-8 for general construction or a Hitachi ZX350 for quarry work. ExcaYard handles inquiries by first checking available inventory across its partner yards. Response time is typically within 24 hours, with a preliminary list of machines matching the request. Each listing includes serial number, year, hour meter reading, and condition grade (A, B, or C). Grade A indicates clean condition with low visible wear and a strong operation record; Grade B reflects normal used condition with moderate wear; Grade C denotes a working machine needing visible repair or refurbishment planning. This transparency allows buyers to filter options before committing to inspection.
Quote
Once a shortlist is confirmed, ExcaYard issues a formal quotation. Pricing is based on machine condition, model popularity, and current yard supply. For instance, Doosan DX225LC and DH225LC units often carry competitive pricing due to broad supply in China yards. The quote includes Incoterms options: EXW yard, FOB Shanghai/Tianjin/Qingdao/Ningbo/Guangzhou, CFR destination port, or CIF destination port. FOB gives the buyer control of freight, while CIF simplifies shipping but requires the buyer to review insurance scope and destination charges. The quote also outlines estimated loading dimensions and weight, critical for large excavators (35+ tons) where transport dimensions affect shipping costs. Payment terms are specified, typically requiring a deposit to initiate inspection and the balance before shipment. All quotes reference the 150-point inspection protocol, ensuring both parties understand the condition verification step.
Sample
In used equipment, the "sample" is the inspection report. ExcaYard provides a 150-point inspection covering serial number, engine, hydraulics, undercarriage, boom and arm, bucket, cab, electrical system, fluid leaks, and test operation. Deliverables include a photo set, video walkaround, condition grade, repair notes, and loading readiness assessment. For medium excavators (20-30 tons), inspection focus includes engine hours, undercarriage percentage, hydraulic pump pressure, and boom/arm cracks. Mini excavators (1-8 tons) require attention to hydraulic leaks, swing play, track wear, and attachment pins. Large excavators demand structural weld checks, slew bearing evaluation, track frame inspection, cooling system review, and transport dimension verification. Buyers can also request third-party verification from SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek for independent condition verification before payment or shipment. Typical third-party scope includes visual inspection, operational test, component measurement, photo report, and serial-number confirmation.
Production
In this context, "production" refers to pre-shipment preparation. After the buyer approves the inspection report, ExcaYard coordinates with the yard to prepare the machine for loading. This includes cleaning, fluid top-ups, and securing any loose components. For Grade C machines, repair or refurbishment planning is discussed and documented. The yard confirms loading readiness, including any necessary disassembly for transport—large excavators may require boom removal to meet shipping dimensions. Documentation is compiled: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, China customs export declaration, inspection report, serial-number photos, and insurance document if CIF. Document names and destination requirements should be confirmed with the buyer's clearing agent. For Nigeria, this includes SON or local conformity requirements, HS code and duty estimate, and clearing-agent review. For Latin American countries like Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, Spanish documentation support and shipping route checks are advised.
QC
Quality control is embedded throughout the process. The 150-point inspection is the primary QC gate, but additional checks occur before loading. The yard verifies serial numbers against documentation to prevent mismatches. For medium excavators, hydraulic pump pressure is tested and recorded. Undercarriage percentage is measured to estimate remaining life. Engine hours are cross-referenced with service records when available. For large excavators, structural welds are inspected for cracks, and slew bearing play is measured. Mini excavators undergo swing play and track wear checks. If any discrepancy arises, ExcaYard provides repair notes and may recommend a price adjustment or alternative machine. Third-party inspection reports from SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek can be arranged for buyers requiring independent verification. This layered QC approach reduces risk and ensures the machine matches the agreed grade.
Shipping
Shipping is coordinated based on the selected Incoterm. FOB shipments from Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao, Ningbo, or Guangzhou give the buyer control over freight forwarding. ExcaYard provides loading photos and confirms vessel departure. For CIF or CFR, ExcaYard arranges ocean freight to the destination port. Buyers in Nigeria typically receive machines at Lagos Apapa or Tin Can Island. Latin American buyers may use ports in Chile, Peru, Ecuador, or Colombia. Shipping large excavators requires attention to transport dimensions; boom and arm may be removed to fit standard containers or flat racks. Heavy-lift vessels or roll-on/roll-off ships are used for oversized units. Insurance is arranged if CIF, but buyers should review the scope to ensure adequate coverage. All shipping documents are couriered or emailed in advance to facilitate customs clearance.
After-sales
After delivery, ExcaYard provides support for spare parts planning and technical queries. For Komatsu models like PC200-8, PC220-8, PC240LC-8, PC300-8, and PC360-7, parts availability is generally strong due to the brand's commonality. Hitachi models such as ZX120, ZX210K, ZX240, ZX350, and ZX470 are often requested for quarry, roadwork, and general earthmoving, and parts networks are established in many regions. Doosan models like DX225LC, DX300LC, DX380LC, DH225LC, and DH420LC offer competitive pricing and broad supply, with parts accessible through aftermarket channels. ExcaYard facilitates connections to local dealers or parts suppliers. For buyers in Nigeria, a spare parts plan is recommended before shipment. In Latin America, parts availability checks are advised. The after-sales phase also includes documentation support for warranty claims if applicable, though used equipment typically sells as-is unless otherwise agreed.
Conclusion
Sourcing used excavators directly from Chinese yards is a structured process that rewards diligence. From inquiry to after-sales, each step is designed to provide transparency and mitigate risk. By leveraging the 150-point inspection, third-party verification options, and flexible Incoterms, buyers can make informed decisions. The availability of popular models from Komatsu, Hitachi, and Doosan, combined with condition grading and documentation support, makes Chinese yards a viable source for professional buyers worldwide. ExcaYard's role is to connect buyers with verified machines and facilitate a smooth transaction from yard to destination port.