Wondering which used excavator to choose among CAT, Komatsu and Hitachi? This cross‑brand roundup ranks the Top 10 Recommended Used Excavators by weight class and application. Covering compact mini units all the way up to large mining machines, each model highlights its key strengths and ideal working scenarios. No deep technical knowledge required — simply match the options against your job‑site requirements.
At a Glance Comparison
| Model | Weight Class | Core Strengths | Best For |
| CAT 320D | 20‑ton | Best resale value and the most extensive parts network | General earth‑moving tasks, ideal for long‑term ownership |
| Komatsu PC200-8 | 20‑ton | Built for rugged durability and dependable performance, with strong resale liquidity. | Earth‑moving, municipal projects |
| Hitachi ZX200-5A | 20‑ton | Lowest price within its weight class, smooth hydraulics | Budget‑conscious buyers |
| CAT 305.5E2 | 5‑ton | Compact and agile, low‑cost transportation | Yard, landscaping, indoor works |
| Komatsu PC60-7 | 6‑ton | Workhorse among compact units, high reliability | Farms, foundation works, trenching |
| Hitachi ZX70-5A | 7‑ton | Responsive operation, low fuel consumption | Municipal works, light earth‑moving |
| CAT 336D2 | 36‑ton | Powerful large‑size unit, mining‑grade performance | Mining, large‑scale infrastructure |
| Komatsu PC300-8 | 30‑ton | High efficiency for heavy earth‑moving, complete service records | Heavy earth‑moving, quarrying |
| Hitachi ZX240-3 | 24‑ton | Well‑balanced mid‑to‑large unit, good cost‑performance | Mid‑size contracting teams |
| CAT 315D L | 15‑ton | Midsize & agile, balances cost and capability | Small‑to‑medium mixed‑site conditions |
1.CAT 320D
This used excavator is widely recognized as the benchmark within the 20‑ton class. It boasts top‑tier resale value and the most comprehensive global parts network, meaning you will suffer minimal losses if you resell it after two years of operation. Its hydraulic system and structural components stand up to heavy‑duty earth‑moving work, making it the reliable corner‑stone machine for numerous contracting teams.
Key Advantages
- Genuine CAT parts are accessible worldwide for hassle‑free after‑sales maintenance
- Large volume in the used‑equipment market, ensuring easy resale
- Comfortable operator cabin with linear controls, user‑friendly even for new operators
Best For
- Buyers planning long‑term ownership and concerned about depreciation
- Individuals or small teams focused on general earth‑moving with occasional municipal projects
Core Tip: The 320D is a hard‑currency asset among used excavators. Prioritize it if your budget allows. Pay close attention to the condition of the hydraulic pump and slewing bearing, as repairs for these two components are extremely costly.
View Official Specifications for CAT 320D
2.Komatsu PC200-8
Within the same 20‑ton class, this used excavator is built for rugged endurance. The PC200‑8 features extremely robust frame and undercarriage, holding up well in harsh operating environments such as Southeast Asia and Africa. It is a well‑recognized model among buyers, delivering excellent resale liquidity.
Key Advantages
- Wear‑resistant undercarriage and bucket, capable of near‑mining duty cycles
- Komatsu proprietary hydraulics; abundant repair documentation and widely available technicians
- Slightly more affordable used price compared to same‑tonnage CAT units
Best For
- Buyers with heavy‑duty applications who need a tough, forgiving machine
- Mixed municipal and earth‑moving work, prioritizing low failure rates
Core Tip: When inspecting a PC200‑8, focus heavily on wear of track shoes and idlers — these are its most costly components to replace. Units with 4,000‑7,000 operating hours represent the sweet spot for cost‑performance.
View Official Specifications for Komatsu PC200‑8
3.Hitachi ZX200-5A
Still within the 20‑ton class, the biggest selling point of this used excavator is its affordability. With equivalent specifications, the ZX200 generally comes at a lower used price than CAT and Komatsu alternatives, yet it delivers decent smooth hydraulics and reliable performance, making it highly attractive for budget‑conscious buyers.
Key Advantages
- Lowest acquisition cost in its weight class, reducing capital outlay
- TRIAS hydraulic system delivers smooth operation with low fuel consumption
- Highly‑shared core Hitachi components, affordable spare‑parts cost
Best For
- Budget‑limited buyers seeking capable performance at lower investment
- Independent contractors focusing on small‑to‑medium earth‑moving projects
Core Tip: The ZX200 offers great value for money. Verify whether it is genuine imported specification and check for odometer tampering. Request a full inspection report from the seller before negotiating price.
4.CAT 305.5E2
Moving down to smaller sizes, this used excavator stands as a representative of the mini‑excavator segment. Weighing around 5 tons, it can access yards, navigate green belts and perform indoor demolition, with low costs for trailer transportation. Many landscapers and farm owners purchase this as their very first machine.
Key Advantages
- Narrow body and smooth swing performance, excellent for tight spaces beside walls and narrow passages
- Low fuel consumption, keeping operating costs low for light‑duty tasks
- Universal attachment coupling, compatible with breakers and grapples
Best For
- Landscaping, yard renovation and indoor demolition works
- Farm owners for private use and occasional small‑scale jobs
Core Tip: For mini excavators, prioritize tail‑swing clearance and attachment compatibility. If you handle diverse jobs, models equipped with quick‑coupler interfaces deliver better value.
5.Komatsu PC60-7
This used excavator is the most reliable workhorse in the compact segment. At 6 tons, it handles foundation digging and farm clearing while fitting on most rural roads, acting as the versatile workhorse for many small contracting teams. The PC60‑7 generation enjoys an outstanding reputation and is highly sought‑after in the used‑equipment market.
Key Advantages
- Top‑tier durability among Komatsu compact excavators, generally clean service histories
- Easy transportation, transportable on standard flatbed trailers
- Strong resale value with minimal depreciation after several years of use
Best For
- Light earth‑moving work including foundations, trenching and farm projects
- Operators seeking an all‑round capable entry‑level machine
Core Tip: When inspecting a PC60‑7, carefully check for weld repair marks on the boom and arm. Compact units often suffer structural damage from inexperienced operators.
6.Hitachi ZX70-5A
In the same class as the PC60, this used excavator leans toward agility. The ZX70 delivers responsive operation and low fuel consumption. It performs exceptionally well for municipal and light earth‑moving tasks, ideal for precise, fast‑paced job‑site conditions.
Key Advantages
- Fast hydraulic response for precise work control
- 7‑ton operating weight balances stability and maneuverability
- Low maintenance costs for Hitachi compact‑series machines
Best For
- Light‑duty applications: municipal repairs, pipeline works and landscaping
- Operators preferring responsive controls and frequent precision tasks
Core Tip: The ZX70 is optimized for light‑duty work. Avoid heavy earth‑moving duties. Confirm the previous owner operated it under light‑load conditions; steer clear of units exposed to heavy‑duty cycles.
7.CAT 336D2
Moving up to the large‑size segment, this used excavator is a mining‑grade performer. Boasting 36‑ton power and large bucket capacity, it delivers outstanding efficiency for heavy earth‑moving, quarrying and large‑scale infrastructure projects. It offers the fastest return‑on‑investment if your work consistently involves high‑volume material handling.
Key Advantages
- High‑displacement engine paired with high‑flow hydraulics for fast truck‑loading cycles
- Reinforced undercarriage and boom, built to withstand heavy‑duty workloads
- Strong demand in mining‑rental and used‑equipment markets
Best For
- Mining sites, large‑scale infrastructure and quarries
- Buyers with steady high‑volume project pipelines
Core Tip: Large excavators are vulnerable to hidden structural damage. Thoroughly inspect welds on boom and arm, slewing ring gear and engine overhaul records. On‑site testing with a qualified technician is highly recommended.
8.Komatsu PC300-8
This used excavator stands out in the 30‑ton class for its efficiency and comprehensive service records. The PC300‑8 is built for continuous heavy earth‑moving operations. Units sourced from Europe typically come with complete maintenance documentation and strong compliance credentials.
Key Advantages
- Lowest per‑hour operating cost for high‑volume earth‑moving
- European‑sourced machines feature full service and emission records
- Robust Komatsu large‑machine construction with stable residual value
Best For
- Heavy earth‑moving, site grading and quarry work
- Buyers prioritizing transparent machine history and customs‑clearance compliance
Core Tip: Machines of 30 tons and above incur high transport and mobilization costs. Confirm site‑access road conditions at your regular job‑sites before placing an order.
9.Hitachi ZX240-3
Falling between the 20‑ton and 30‑ton classes, this used excavator excels at balanced performance. The ZX240 delivers more power than a 20‑ton model while offering greater agility than 30‑ton units. It also comes at a more approachable price than larger machines, making it a popular pick for mid‑size contracting teams.
Key Advantages
- Well‑balanced weight class, capable of both light and heavy tasks
- Superior used‑equipment cost‑performance versus higher‑tonnage equivalents
- Smooth Hitachi hydraulics for comfortable operation
Best For
- Mid‑size contracting teams handling mixed‑scope jobs
- Buyers seeking an all‑in‑one solution within budget constraints
Core Tip: The ZX240 is a flexible all‑round option. During inspection, pay special attention for leaks at the central swing joint, a common failure point for this midsize machine.
View Official Specifications for Hitachi ZX240‑3
10.CAT 315D L
This final featured used excavator delivers well‑rounded agility. At 15‑tons, it handles small‑to‑medium earth‑moving tasks, while boasting easier transportation and superior site access compared to 20‑ton models. It features the lowest overall ownership cost, making it ideal for new independent buyers.
Key Advantages
- Most maneuverable within the midsize segment, works well in confined job sites
- Lower transport and fuel expenses versus 20‑ton class machines
- Widely‑available CAT spare parts for worry‑free after‑sales support
Best For
- Small‑to‑medium mixed‑site working conditions
- New individual operators or small teams prioritizing cost control
Core Tip: The 315D L is a top pick for cost‑effective entry‑level investment. As your first machine, it serves both for operator training and revenue‑generating work.
Summary
Choosing among used excavators ultimately comes down to balancing application requirements, machine condition and sourcing options. Whichever model you select from this list, stick to two non‑negotiable prerequisites before payment: a full inspection report and complete export documentation. If you are looking for certified imported units from Japan, South Korea or Europe, complete inspection reports and one‑stop global shipping service, browse our certified inventory or contact us for quotations and detailed machine condition information.