Used Excavator Price Guide: FOB, CIF and Total Landed Cost
Understand what changes used excavator prices and how to compare machine price, FOB, CIF, destination charges and total landed cost for South America.
The cheapest advertised excavator is not always the lowest-cost machine to own or import. Buyers should compare the condition of a specific machine and the complete delivery scope—not only the first price shown in a message.
Quick answer: separate the machine value from export preparation, freight, insurance, destination charges, taxes and inland transport. Compare quotations using the same model, condition, Incoterm, named port and included services.
What changes the price of a used excavator?
- Brand and model: local parts supply, demand and resale expectations affect value.
- Year and hours: useful indicators, but they must agree with condition.
- Engine and hydraulic condition: pump, valve, cylinders and final drives can create major repair exposure.
- Undercarriage: remaining track life has a direct economic value.
- Configuration: long reach, blade, quick coupler, breaker lines, bucket size and attachments alter price.
- Preparation: cleaning, repair, repainting, disassembly and export packing are not always included.
Machine price versus FOB price
A yard price may cover only the excavator at its current location. An FOB quotation normally includes the export-side scope stated by the seller up to loading at the named Chinese port. Always ask for the exact port and a written inclusion list.
| Cost item | Machine/yard price | FOB quotation |
|---|---|---|
| Specific excavator | Usually included | Included |
| Inspection or agreed preparation | May be excluded | Only if stated |
| Transport to export port | Usually excluded | Normally within stated FOB scope |
| Export handling and loading | Excluded | Included according to quotation |
| Ocean freight | Excluded | Excluded |
What a CIF price does and does not include
CIF to a named destination port generally adds ocean freight and cargo insurance to the supplier’s FOB-side scope. It does not automatically include destination terminal charges, import clearance, duties, taxes, storage or delivery to the buyer’s yard.
Build a total landed-cost estimate
- Machine and included attachments.
- Inspection, repair or export preparation.
- Origin transport, export handling and loading.
- Ocean freight and cargo insurance.
- Destination terminal and document charges.
- Customs broker, duties, taxes and any required inspections.
- Port-to-yard inland transport and oversize permits if applicable.
- Bank charges and a contingency allowance.
Import taxes and procedures vary by country and classification. Ask a licensed broker in Peru, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador or the final destination to calculate current charges for the exact machine and shipment.
How to compare two quotations correctly
- Confirm both quotations identify a real serial-numbered machine.
- Use the same destination port and Incoterm.
- Compare actual dimensions, weight and loading method.
- Check attachments and spare parts included.
- Review quotation validity, freight validity and exclusions.
- Add likely repair and undercarriage cost before deciding.
Common pricing mistakes
- Comparing FOB from one seller with CIF from another.
- Assuming destination charges are included in CIF.
- Ignoring disassembly and reassembly needs.
- Choosing by low hours without validating condition.
- Paying for cosmetic restoration without technical evidence.
For a wider shipping overview, read how to import a used excavator from China to South America.
Request a machine inspection and quotation
Send JUE QI Machinery the model, operating-weight range, destination country and port, and the work you need the machine to perform. We can provide current stock options, machine-specific photos and videos, a live inspection appointment, and an FOB or CIF quotation.
