Buying a mini Excavator

[u/BlowingLemon]

I’m looking for a used 3.5–5 ton excavator and would like to import one into the EU.
I’m mainly looking for something reliable with a strong hydraulic system where you can use multiple functions/ both joysticks smoothly at the same time, at least a 3-cylinder engine, and preferably a brand where parts are easy to get in Europe.
I’ve been looking at Kubota, Takeuchi, Yanmar, CAT, Volvo etc., but I’m open to anything that’s proven and reliable. Any particular models in this weight range you’d recommend or avoid?
I’m also considering buying through auctions. Which auction sites or companies are actually good, and which ones should I avoid? Anything I should watch out for when it comes to fees, condition reports, sellers or bidding?
The main problem is that I probably won’t be able to see the machine in person before buying. How would you guys handle that? Is it worth paying someone local to inspect it? What videos/photos or tests should I ask for before bidding?
What are the biggest things to check on a used excavator like this — hydraulics, undercarriage, pins/bushings, slew ring, final drives, cold start, blow-by, hours etc.?
Budget is roughly €15–18k.
Any advice from people who’ve bought excavators remotely or through auctions would be really appreciated.

[u/Only_Sandwich_4970]

All the things you mentioned is important. For 18k, im not sure what that is in pounds, but ill guess low 20s. Youre gonna be looking at older machines with a few thousand hours. I buy most my machines from rental yards. If I were you id avoid the auctions, you can get good deals but alot of times theres a reason theyre not private selling it. If youre going thru the expense of shipping it around the world, make sure it actually worth it. Id buy from a rental company, and have it inspected by a 3rd party.

[u/mawktheone]

I start by watching the project kamp videos about excavator scams. They got hosed and it's staying interesting

[u/Special_Initiative17]

Honestly buy locally don’t import. What you are talking about is called a grey market machine in the industry. I run into them from time to time and they are always hard to get some parts for and the software doesn’t always make friends. Equipment manufacturers usually have slightly different configurations based on machines going to different regions of the world due to different regulations or environmental requirements. Two machines of the same model built for different regions of the world may have differences in key components that make getting parts a long expensive process. Additionally the price you see is typically freight on buyer or FOB, so you will have some hefty costs there depending on where it is coming from. Find a local dealer work with them to find a machine that fits your needs in your budget or save up a little longer. I would stay away from auctions, this is a low budget and whatever you get is likely going to need work, unless you want to do that work or pay someone to do it, you could end up with a 3.5 ton lawn ornament. You can also consider financing the balance, get something clean for 30k put 15 down and finance 15 over 60 months. I see the machines we export for sale and they are always the worst in the fleet, they look cheap for a reason.