How Heavy Equipment Excavator Shipping From China

How Heavy Equipment Excavator Shipping From China.

Discover everything you need to know about shipping an excavator with our comprehensive website. Get expert advice and guidance for a smooth and hassle-free shipping process.

excavators imported from China have been growing in popularity over the last few years. Thousands of these excavators are exported every week.

We’ve been shipping cargo from China for over a decade, hundreds of excavators ship by us every month from china by sea freight to other countries.

Types Of Excavators That We Usually Buy From China

Crawler Excavators

Crawler excavators are some of the most frequently used excavators. They are equipped with steel tracks similar to the ones used in the army, which gives them the ability to scale hills and uneven terrain. The extra weight also allows crawler excavators to be more stable when lifting heavy material above their center of gravity.

This type of excavator is used in a wide range of industries, including heavy-duty construction and mining. They can be utilized to dig large holes – such as trenches or foundations – move earth, demolish existing improvements, etc.

Dragline Excavators

Dragline excavators use a rope system to lift and move debris. They are commonly used in civil engineering, to build roads or ports, for example, as well as a pond and canal dredging. Some dragline excavators can be dismantled to be transported more easily on flatbed trailers.

Skid Steer Excavators

Skid steers are smaller than other types of excavators. They include different steering systems for right and left wheel pairs, allowing them to operate independently and at different speeds. Skid steer excavators come in handy in narrow areas, such as residential neighborhoods or transporting raw material around a construction site.

Vacuum Excavators

Vacuum excavators, sometimes called suction excavators, are a type of excavator that produces powerful suction through a wide pipe. It is used to clear up loosened earth, debris, and litter. Vacuum excavators are more precise and less damaging for the rest of their environment than other types of excavators. Therefore, they may be used in delicate underground construction sites.

Long Reach Excavators

Long-reach excavators feature a lengthier extendable arm that can reach over 100 feet horizontally, allowing this type of excavator to operate in hard-to-reach locations. They are used for dredging and industrial demolition since their reach allows them to tear down structures starting with the upper stories, making demolition safer than explosives or wrecking balls.

No matter what style, excavators produced in China are of various styles, cheap prices and reliable quality. More and more people purchase excavators directly in China and then transport them to the local area by sea.

Purchase excavators from China

Benefits of Buying Excavators from China

• Cost-Effectiveness

The most obvious benefit of buying an excavator from China is going to be the savings. excavators sold in China are significantly more affordable than the machines you are able to find domestically. The savings here can be crucial for businesses looking to build a fleet or start a business.

• Wide Selection of Brands and Models

China is a big country that recently underwent a massive industrial boom. At the height of their own infrastructure development, world-renowned brands were all eager for the opportunity to sell their machines in China. This has allowed the Chinese market to be flooded with various brands and models. And today, it has led to established brands strengthening their presence in China.

• Availability of Parts and Services

Not only is the original excavator very cheap, but you can also save a lot on later maintenance parts. Chinese excavators continue to expand their market scope around the world, and their after-sales maintenance can also be expanded to many countries, so there is no need to worry about subsequent maintenance.

• Proven Durability and Performance

The excavator brands speak for themself. When it comes to machines that are built to last and perform, you will notice the same name brands you’ve grown to love having a similar level of popularity amongst industry users in China. We have seen hundreds of excavators come from projects in China where they were meticulously maintained and serviced, ensuring their reliability and functionality remain consistent with their expectations.

• Eco-Friendly Option

Eco-friendly is not something all buyers are expecting to hear when purchasing machines and shipping them from China. However, the purchase of a excavator extends the machine’s life. Thus reducing the demand for new manufacturing and the associated carbon footprint.

Where to buy Excavators from china

The most straightforward way to find sellers is through Alibaba.com. 

Identifying a Good Excavator

Buying an excavator from China requires a careful and strategic approach since you won’t be able to inspect the machine in person. 

A good excavator requires a good seller. This is why you are going to want to communicate with as many sellers as you can. Once you’ve found a list of sellers that are willing to answer your questions and provide you with information of the machines they are selling, you can begin to look closely at a short list of excavators. 

Remember the mantra we discussed in the section about Alibaba? 

Always ask, and then verify. 

This holds incredibly true to the stage when you are analyzing the various excavators that catch your attention. 

• When a seller says the machine only has 210 hours on it, ask for a photo. 
• When a seller tells you the tracks are barely worn, request detailed photos. 
• When a seller tells you what the engine is, request photos of both the engine and the engine tag.

While you want to remain professional during your communication, you don’t want to take anything at face value.

Why?

The analogy here is akin to buying anything used off a lot. The seller’s job is to sell the machine, not convince you why you should not buy it. So be careful when details are provided and the proof isn’t delivered.

Inspection Checklist
Services exist where an inspector can visit the lot and test the machine for you. However, most of the tests can be done by the seller while they are recording videos of the tests taking place.

When buying a excavator, there is a well-known 5-point inspection a buyer should perform. Here’s how you can adapt the five key inspection points for an online purchase:

1. Undercarriage:
   1. Request Detailed Photos & Videos: Ask for clear, close-up images and videos of the sprockets, rollers, idler wheels, and tracks from different angles.
   2. Inquire About Wear & Replacement History: Ask the seller about the history of undercarriage maintenance, including when parts were last replaced and any known wear issues.
2. Engine
   1. Ask for a Cold Start Video: Request a video of the excavator starting from cold. This can reveal issues with smoke or unusual noises during startup.
   2. Service Records: Request detailed service records to understand the engine’s maintenance history, focusing on any major repairs or recurring issues.
3. Final Drives
   1. Oil Condition Check: Ask for a video or photo evidence showing the oil level and condition from the inspection plug.
   2. Metal Filings Inquiry: Specifically ask if there have been any issues with metal filings in the oil, indicating internal wear.
4. Swing Motor
   1. Oil Level and Quality Confirmation: Request visual proof of the oil level and ask if there have been any issues with water contamination or leakage.
   2. Maintenance History: Inquire about the frequency of oil changes and any past issues with the swing motor.
5. Swivel Motor
   1. Leakage Check: Ask for detailed images or videos focusing on the swivel motor area to spot any potential leaks.
   2. Recent Maintenance or Issues: Inquire about any recent repairs or known issues with the swivel motor, especially regarding seal integrity.

When should you request these details? 

We suggest making a list of the main features you want in an excavator. Pick ones that are easy to spot to help you focus your search better.

Characteristics such as model, engine, year, hours, and photos can be used as your first phase of narrowing down your search. 

Once you’ve found a list of contenders, then work on chipping away at this list by finding reasons why an excavator is not right for you. 

Over time your list will shrink, or it could even disappear requiring you to start the search again. But eventually, you’ll have a list of 1-3 machines you feel are viable options. Tell the seller you’ve shortlisted a few machines and ask for their help to take a closer look at each one. This will help you make your final choice.

To not waste your time or theirs, only start this stage if you are certain you will buy the machine if it passes. 

If you’re just browsing without serious intent, sellers might not treat you seriously. Later on, when you’re ready to buy, you might not receive the same good service because they might think you’ll just waste their time again. So, it’s important to respect both their time and yours.

All You Need to Know About Shipping an Excavator

Maintain communication with your freight forwarder, as they will be liaising directly with the seller to arrange a day and time to pick up the machines. 

When the machines are picked up, the ball is now in your freight forwarders court. 

A good freight forwarder will provide you with points of contact during each stage of the journey. They will provide you with detailed updates, and walk you through each step of the shipping, importing, customs clearance, and delivery process. 

Any reputable freight forwarder wants this shipment to be just as much of a success as you do. This is why it is important to find a forwarder you can trust and feel confident will be reliable and accessible during the entire shipping process. 

Anywhere from 30-60 days after the cargo is picked up from your seller, the cargo will arrive at your requested destination. Your goal during that day is to unload the equipment as fast as possible, so the container can be returned to the port. 

With your new to you excavator on your lot, you are free to begin testing and inspecting before you put it to good use. 

make sure you have all the correct details noted down before your excavators are shipped:

• Excavator Information
• Engine Manufacturer
• Engine Serial Number
• Engine Family Name
• Engine Factory Address
• Equipment Model Number
• Equipment Serial Number

Understanding Heavy Equipment Shipping Freight

When shipping heavy equipment from China, it’s important to understand the different types of equipment rates and freight available. The most common types of equipment rates are flat rates, weight-based rates, and volume-based rates.

Flat rates are a fixed price that is charged for shipping a specific item, regardless of weight or size. Weight-based rates are calculated based on the weight of the equipment being shipped, while volume-based rates are based on the size of the equipment.

Freight, on the other hand, refers to the cost of transporting the equipment from the port of departure in China to the port of arrival in the destination country. This can include charges for loading and unloading the equipment, as well as any other fees associated with the transportation of the equipment.

It’s important to note that equipment rates and freight can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of equipment being shipped, the distance between the ports of departure and arrival, and the shipping method used.

How Heavy Equipment Excavator Shipping From China

There are several shipping options available for Chinese heavy equipment, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Below list the most common

FCL Container shipping

which involves loading the equipment into a shipping container for transport. This method is ideal for smaller equipment or for shipments that do not require specialized handling.

Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping

which involves driving the equipment onto a specialized RoRo vessel for transport. This method is ideal for larger equipment, such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators.

Flat racks or open-top containers

may be used for oversized and overweight equipment, Flat racks are ideal for equipment that cannot fit inside a standard container, while open-top containers are used for equipment that is too tall to fit inside a standard container.

Tips for Shipping Oversized and Heavy Equipment from China

Shipping oversized and heavy-duty equipment from China can be a challenging process, but there are several tips that can help make the process smoother.

First, it’s important to ensure that the equipment is properly secured and protected during transport. This may involve using specialized packing materials or securing the equipment to the transport vessel using straps or chains.

It’s also important to ensure that the transport vessel is equipped to handle the weight and size of the equipment being shipped. This may involve using a specialized transport vessel or using multiple vessels to transport the equipment.

Finally, it’s important to work with a reputable Chinese freight forwarder who has experience in shipping oversized and heavy-duty equipment. This can help ensure that the equipment is transported safely and efficiently and that any potential issues are addressed before they become a problem.

To learn more about sourcing excavator from china and shipping from China, please contact XCJD Freight Forwarder.

When it comes to shipping heavy equipment, we offer a wide range of transportation solutions. We can accommodate the transportation needs of various types of heavy equipment and large vehicles, including:

• Construction equipment and vehicles necessary for building projects.
• Mining equipment, as well as oversized and overweight industrial vehicles like bulldozers, dump trucks, cranes, excavators, and pavers.
• Power generators, nacelles, turbines, and components used in the energy industry.
• Rail vehicles and equipment of all kinds, such as carriages, railcars, and locomotives.

No matter the type of heavy equipment you need to transport, we have the expertise to handle it efficiently and securely.

What Documents are needed when Importing excavators From China 

To ensure a smooth import of heavy equipment like excavators, you’ll need to have these documents ready:

1. Arrival Notice: Collaborate with a shipping agent to issue this notification. It’s your heads-up that the shipment is on its way, detailing the freight, units, and specifics of the contents.
2. Bill of Lading: This is the carrier’s contract with you, outlining the destination, transport specifics, and estimated delivery timeline.
3. Packing List: The shipper or your freight forwarder will draft this list, which aligns with the invoice and is checked by Customs before your shipment is cleared.
4. Commercial Invoice: This doc is crucial. For machinery imports, like a mini excavator, the invoice should clearly list:
   • The delivery address
   • Manufacturer’s name and address
   • Receiver’s name and address
   • Business address
   • Country of origin
   • Value of the machinery
   • Detailed description (e.g., Mini Excavator)

Factors Affecting excavators When Shipping from China

There are several factors that can affect construction equipment shipping from China, including the distance between the ports of departure and arrival, the type of equipment being shipped, and the shipping method used.

Another factor to consider is the time of year. Shipping during peak season, which typically occurs from August to October, can result in higher equipment rates and freight costs due to increased demand.

Finally, it’s important to consider any regulations or restrictions that may affect construction equipment shipping from China. This may include restrictions on the size or weight of the equipment, as well as restrictions on the type of equipment that can be shipped.

Transportation and Shipping Costs for excavators

Freight and shipping costs for Chinese heavy equipment can vary depending on some factors, including the type of equipment being shipped, the distance between the ports of departure and arrival, and the shipping method used.

It’s important to consider all of the costs associated with equipment shipping, including equipment rates, freight, loading and unloading fees, and any other fees associated with the transportation of the equipment.

Additionally, it’s important to consider any potential customs duties or taxes that may be incurred during the shipping process. Working with a reputable freight forwarder can help ensure that all of these costs are considered and accounted for.

It is important to consider any potential duties or taxes that may arise during shipping. Working with a reputable freight forwarder can help ensure that all of these costs are considered and accounted for. And make the entire transportation process safe and efficient.

Contact XCJD Freight Forwarder now to inquire about transportation solutions for large equipment