When selecting used large excavators, over the years of helping buyers vet equipment, I’ve seen many fall into three common pitfalls: buying cheap mine‑used machines without proper inspection, only to spend half a year’s profit repairing the main pump; trusting “near‑new” labels yet discovering tampered hour meters; working with agents without a functional official website, resulting in customs documentation delays for months. A large excavator costs hundreds of thousands, so a bad purchase hurts far more than with compact models.
These 7 models are filtered based on stock availability, condition and export capability, covering the 30‑37‑ton sweet‑spot range — robust enough for mining and heavy earthworks, and compatible with standard trailers. Check the quick‑view comparison table first, then go through each model for target‑buyer profiles and risk‑avoidance tips.
Quick Comparison Table
| Model | Tonnage | Power (approx.) | Ideal Working Conditions | Key Highlights |
| CAT 336 | 36.9 t | 223 kW | Mining / Earth‑moving | Top Performer for Output & Resale Value |
| Komatsu PC300-8M1 | 32 t | 187 kW | Earth‑moving Workhorse | Japanese‑Built Durability · In‑House Components |
| Hitachi ZX350-6A | 33.7 t | 204 kW | General / Rental Applications | Smooth Hydraulics |
| Volvo EC360B | 36 t | 200 kW | Earth‑moving / Quarry | European‑Built Comfort · Affordable Older Models |
| Kobelco SK350LC | 35 t | 210 kW | Earth‑moving / Building Demolition | High Power · Robust Structure |
| Hyundai HX360L | 36 t | 220 kW | General‑Purpose / Overseas Projects | High Specs · Cost‑Effective |
| Doosan DX340LC | 34 t | 202 kW | Earth‑moving / Municipal Works | Rugged Build · Low‑cost Spare Parts |
1.CAT 336
The Caterpillar 336 is a 36.9‑ton large‑size excavator, powered by the Cat C9.3B diesel engine with approximately 223 kW power output. It delivers a maximum digging depth of around 7.55 metres and a standard bucket capacity of roughly 2.3 cubic metres. As a top‑performer for output and resale value among used large excavators, the 336 is a workhorse for mining, quarrying and large‑scale earth‑moving, backed by Caterpillar’s global spare‑parts network and strong residual value. Its used‑market price ranges from $120,000 to $185,000.
Key Advantages
- Superior production performance: Large pump and valve assembly enable fast compound movements, delivering superior truck‑loading efficiency against peer models.
- Industry‑leading resale value: Depreciation after three years of operation is typically 10‑15 percentage points lower than competing units.
- Global service accessibility: Extensive Cat dealer network makes wear‑and‑tear parts widely available worldwide.
Ideal For
- Mining, quarry and large civil‑construction contractors
- Buyers planning long‑term ownership or prioritizing strong resale value
2.Komatsu PC300-8M1
The Komatsu PC300‑8M1 is a 32‑ton large‑size excavator, powered by the Komatsu SAA6D114E diesel engine delivering approximately 187 kW power. It features a maximum digging depth of around 7.38 metres and a bucket capacity ranging from 1.4 to 2.0 cubic metres. Among used large excavators, the PC300‑8M1 is well‑known for its Japanese‑built construction and huge global population. It fits earth‑moving projects, rural infrastructure and medium‑sized mining sites, with used‑market prices from $90,000 to $140,000.
Key Advantages
- Japanese‑built durability: Long‑life structural components with consistently solid used‑unit conditions.
- In‑house core components: Matched engine and hydraulic parts from the original manufacturer, keeping repair costs low.
- Large global unit population: Wear‑and‑tear parts are widely accessible, minimising downtime‑related expenses.
Ideal For
- Earth‑moving contractors, medium‑small mining sites and rental companies
- Buyers prioritising low maintenance costs and easy spare‑part availability
3.Hitachi ZX350-6A
The Hitachi ZX350‑6A is a 33.7‑ton large‑size excavator, powered by Hitachi high‑performance diesel engine with approximately 204 kW power output. It reaches a maximum digging depth of around 7.4 metres and comes with a 1.6‑cubic‑metre standard bucket. As a benchmark among used large excavators for handling feel, the ZX350‑6A fully delivers Hitachi’s renowned smooth hydraulics, featuring fluid compound movements and steady fine‑control performance. It caters to buyers with high requirements for operating experience, with used‑market prices ranging from $95,000 to $145,000.
Key Advantages
- Smooth hydraulics: Fluid compound movements, capable of both precision fine‑work and heavy‑duty tasks.
- Japanese‑engineered fuel efficiency: Lower fuel consumption in daily operation compared to peer European‑built models.
- Extensive service network: Hitachi service points worldwide, making spare parts easy to source.
Ideal For
- Municipal projects, trenching, site levelling and general earth‑moving
- Operator‑focused buyers who value superior handling feel and long‑term reliability
4.Volvo EC360B
The Volvo EC360B is a 36‑ton large‑size excavator, a classic second‑hand B‑series unit. It is powered by the Volvo D12D diesel engine delivering approximately 200 kW power, with a maximum digging depth of around 7.3 metres and a standard bucket capacity of roughly 1.8 cubic metres. Among used large excavators, the EC360B strikes a great balance between European‑built comfort and cost‑efficiency. It features a spacious cabin and heavy‑duty undercarriage. Its used‑market price stands at $85,000‑$130,000, considerably lower than newer contemporary models.
Key Advantages
- European‑built comfort: Roomy cabin with excellent shock absorption for reduced operator fatigue during long‑hour shifts.
- Robust undercarriage: Reinforced lower frame built to withstand heavy workloads in quarry and earth‑moving conditions.
- Affordable older‑generation unit: The B‑series comes at a favourable price point with outstanding cost‑performance.
Ideal For
- Quarry operations, auxiliary mining tasks and long‑term on‑site assignments
- Budget‑conscious buyers seeking European‑grade build quality
5.Kobelco SK350LC
The Kobelco SK350LC is a 35‑ton large‑size excavator equipped with a high‑efficiency diesel engine delivering approximately 210 kW power. It has a maximum digging depth of around 7.2 metres and a standard bucket capacity of roughly 1.6 cubic metres. Standing out among used large excavators for its powerful performance, the SK350LC features reinforced front‑end components and ample lifting capacity, well‑suited for heavy‑duty jobs such as earth‑moving and building demolition. Its used‑market price ranges from $100,000 to $150,000.
Key Advantages
- Ample lifting capacity: Class‑leading digging and lifting force within its tonnage for demanding heavy‑duty applications.
- Reinforced structure: Durable front working attachments, ideal for demolition and breaker operations.
- Japanese‑engineered reliability: Consistently solid used‑unit conditions for hassle‑free maintenance.
Ideal For
- Building demolition, breaking work, heavy‑duty earth‑moving and foundation excavation
- Buyers requiring high lifting power while trusting Japanese‑origin build quality
6.Hyundai HX360L
The Hyundai HX360L is a 36‑ton large‑size excavator, an upgraded model from the HX‑series. It is fitted with a high‑efficiency diesel engine delivering approximately 220 kW power, offering a maximum digging depth of around 7.3 metres and a standard bucket capacity of roughly 1.8 cubic metres. Within the used large excavator lineup, the HX360L stands out for high‑end specs and approachable pricing. It comes complete with a large LCD display, spacious operator cabin and multiple intelligent working modes. Its used‑market price ranges from $95,000 to $140,000.
Key Advantages
- High‑end specifications: Intelligent controls and comfortable cabin comparable to premium‑tier brands.
- Strong cost‑effectiveness: Lower price point than Japanese and American peers in the same tonnage class.
- Ample power output: The 220 kW engine handles routine earth‑moving and truck‑loading tasks effortlessly.
Ideal For
- Overseas engineering teams, general earth‑moving and rental fleets
- Buyers seeking high‑spec large excavators on a tighter budget
7.Doosan DX340LC
The Doosan DX340LC is a 34‑ton large‑size excavator powered by the Doosan DL08 diesel engine with approximately 202 kW power output. It delivers a maximum digging depth of around 7.2 metres and a standard bucket capacity of roughly 1.6 cubic metres. Renowned for its rugged build among used large excavators, the DX340LC features durable construction with abundant, affordable aftermarket spare parts, making it well‑suited for earth‑moving and municipal works. Its used‑market price ranges from $90,000 to $135,000.
Key Advantages
- Rugged and reliable: Well‑proven undercarriage and hydraulic systems from this classic model.
- Low‑cost spare parts: Wide availability of aftermarket components keeps repair expenses below premium brands.
- Versatile performance: Capable for earth‑moving, municipal assignments and light‑duty mining applications.
Ideal For
- Earth‑moving contractors, municipal projects and rental companies
- Buyers prioritising low maintenance costs and easy spare‑part access
Summary
These seven used large‑size excavators span the 32‑ton to 37‑ton weight class. The Caterpillar 336 leads in output and resale value; the Komatsu PC300‑8M1 delivers proven Japanese‑built durability; the Hitachi ZX350‑6A features the smoothest hydraulics; the Volvo EC360B offers European‑built comfort at an affordable price; the Kobelco SK350LC boasts high power and a robust structure; the Hyundai HX360L provides high specs with strong cost‑effectiveness; and the Doosan DX340LC stands out for its rugged build and low‑cost spare parts. Start by matching the tonnage to your actual job requirements, then compare budget, working‑hour conditions and certification status before making your final selection.
Whichever used large‑size excavator you ultimately select, always stick to two bottom‑line requirements before payment: secure the inspection report and export documentation. If you are comparing actual machine conditions and quotations, browse our certified inventory or contact us to enquire about inspection reports and real‑time status for specific units.