HOME>>FAQs

FAQ about Buying Used Excavators & Machinery from China

Welcome to the Fair Trade Machinery Knowledge Base. We understand that purchasing heavy machinery from overseas is a significant investment. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled the most common questions our global buyers ask about sourcing used excavators, logistics, quality assurance, and payment security.

Trust & Verification: Is Buying from China Safe?

Q: How do I know the used excavator I see on your website is the actual machine I will receive?

A: This is the #1 concern for international buyers. At Fair Trade Machinery, we operate with a strict "What You See Is What You Get" policy.

1. Real-Time Video Verification: Upon request, we can arrange a live video call (via WhatsApp, WeChat, or Zoom) to walk you around the specific machine. We will start the engine, operate the hydraulics, and show you the serial number plate in real-time.
2. Unique Identification: Every quote includes the machine’s specific VIN/Serial Number. We encourage you to match this number with the machine delivered to your port.
3. No "Bait and Switch": Unlike some brokers who show photos of a mint-condition machine but ship an older one, we own or directly control our stock. The photos listed are of the specific unit sitting in our yard.

Q: Can I send a third-party inspector to check the machine before I pay?

A: Absolutely. We highly encourage this. Transparency is our core value. You are welcome to hire a third-party inspection agency (such as SGS, Bureau Veritas, or a trusted mechanic friend in China) to visit our facility in Hangzhou or Shanghai. We will provide them with full access to the machine for a comprehensive inspection, including:

Undercarriage wear measurement.
Hydraulic pressure testing.
Engine compression checks.
Oil sample analysis.
If the inspection report does not match our description, your deposit is fully refundable.

Q: Are you a trading company or do you own the machines?

A: Fair Trade Machinery is a platform that connects you directly with the source. We hold a massive physical inventory of over 10,000 units in partnership with major leasing companies and regional stockyards. By cutting out multiple layers of middlemen, we can offer prices that are typically 20% to 30% lower than traditional trading companies, while maintaining direct control over the quality verification process.

Machine Condition & Quality Assurance

Q: What is the difference between "Used," "Refurbished," and "Reconditioned"?

A: Understanding these terms is crucial for getting the right value:

Original / Used: The machine is in its original working condition as it came off the job site. It may have cosmetic scratches or dents, but the core components (engine, pump, valve) are untouched. This is the most affordable option.
Refurbished: We perform necessary repairs. This includes repainting the body, replacing worn hoses, fixing leaks, and ensuring the cabin interior is clean. The machine looks new but retains original core parts.
Reconditioned: A deeper overhaul where major components (like the hydraulic pump or engine) are serviced or replaced with genuine parts, and the undercarriage (tracks, rollers) is renewed to at least 80% life.

Q: How accurate are the hour meters on used excavators?

A: In the used machinery market, hour meters can sometimes be inaccurate due to sensor replacements or past interventions. Therefore, we do not sell machines based solely on "hours." Instead, we sell based on "Condition."

We evaluate the wear on the bucket pins, the tension of the tracks, and the sound of the engine. A machine with 8,000 hours that was well-maintained is often a better buy than a 3,000-hour machine that was abused. We provide a truthful assessment of the machine's mechanical health regardless of what the meter reads.

Q: Do you test the machines before shipment?

A: Yes. Every machine undergoes a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) checklist:

1. Engine Load Test: Running the machine at full throttle to check for overheating or black smoke.
2. Hydraulic Strength: Lifting the machine off the ground using the boom (the "push-up" test) to verify pump pressure.
3. Travel Motor Check: Ensuring both tracks move straight and at equal speeds.
4. Swing Bearing Check: Checking for play or grinding noises in the turntable.
5. We record this final test and send you the video before the machine is loaded onto the truck.

Shipping, Logistics & Customs

Q: What are the shipping methods available? Which one is cheapest?

A: We offer three main shipping methods depending on the size of the excavator and your budget:

Container (40HQ): The most cost-effective method. For smaller excavators (e.g., 6-ton to 20-ton), we may need to disassemble the boom, arm, and cabin to fit them inside. Pros: Cheapest, protected from sea salt. Cons: Requires assembly at destination.
Flat Rack: For mid-sized machines that are too wide for a container but you don't want fully dismantled. The machine is strapped to a flat container base. Pros: Minimal disassembly. Cons: More expensive than standard containers.
RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) / Bulk Cargo: The machine is driven directly onto the ship. Pros: No disassembly required; ready to work upon arrival. Cons: Highest cost and shipping schedules are less frequent.

Q: How long does shipping take to my country?

A: Transit times vary based on global shipping lines, but here are general estimates from Shanghai/Tianjin ports:

Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia): 7 - 15 days.
Middle East (Dubai, Saudi Arabia): 20 - 30 days.
Africa (Mombasa, Durban, Lagos, Dar es Salaam): 35 - 50 days.
South America (Chile, Peru, Brazil): 40 - 60 days.
Note: We handle all export paperwork in China, but you will need a local clearing agent at your destination port.

Q: What documents do you provide for customs clearance?

A: We provide a full set of commercial documents required for import:

1. Bill of Lading (B/L): The official transport document (Telex Release or Original).
2. Commercial Invoice: Detailing the value and description of goods.
3. Packing List: Weight, dimensions, and HS Code (usually 8429.52 for excavators).
4. Certificate of Origin (C/O): To help you potentially reduce import duties (e.g., Form E for ASEAN countries, Form F for Chile).
5. Contract of Sale.
6. If your country requires specific inspections (like CCIC for Pre-shipment Inspection), please inform us before booking shipping.

Q: Can you ship to the USA or Europe? What about EPA/CE emission standards?

A: Yes, we ship globally. However, the USA (EPA) and Europe (CE/Euro Stage V) have strict emission regulations for engines.

For Buyers in USA/EU: You must verify if the specific used machine has the original EPA label or CE mark. Many used machines used domestically in China do not meet Tier 4 Final standards required for new imports to the US, but there are exemptions for older machines or specific "personal use" imports.
Our Advice: Please consult your local customs broker about "Non-Road Compression-Ignition Engines" regulations before purchasing. We can source specific EPA-compliant units upon request, but availability is lower than standard units.

Payment & Business Terms

Q: What are your payment terms?

A: To ensure safety for both parties, our standard terms are:

30% Deposit: Paid via T/T (Bank Wire Transfer) to secure the machine and start maintenance/cleaning.
70% Balance: Paid via T/T after we send you the final inspection video/photos and copy of the Bill of Lading (B/L), but before the shipment arrives (or before release of the B/L).
Letter of Credit (L/C): We accept Irrevocable L/C at sight for large orders (typically over $100,000 USD) from reputable banks.

Q: Why do you not accept 100% payment after arrival?

A: As international sellers, once the machine leaves China, we lose physical control over it. The heavy machinery market operates on low margins and high capital turnover. The deposit covers our costs for inland transport, port fees, and refurbishment. The balance payment ensures we can release the ownership documents to you.

Q: Can I pay in my local currency (e.g., Naira, Shillings, Pesos)?

A: We primarily transact in USD (US Dollars) or CNY (Chinese Yuan). However, we understand foreign exchange difficulties in some regions (like Nigeria or Ethiopia). We can recommend trusted currency exchange agents who can help facilitate the payment to China, or we can accept CNY payments if you have business partners in China.

After-Sales & Maintenance

Q: Do you offer a warranty on used excavators?

A: Unlike new machines, used equipment is sold "as-is." However, Fair Trade Machinery offers a Core Component Guarantee for 3 months on select premium units.

What is covered: Major failure of the Engine block or Hydraulic Pump (cracking/seizing) not caused by operator misuse.
What is NOT covered: Wear parts (tracks, teeth, hoses, filters, seals), electrical issues, or damage from lack of maintenance (oil/water).
Resolution: If a covered part fails, we ship the replacement part to you free of charge via DHL/FedEx. We do not cover labor costs for local repairs.

Q: Where can I get spare parts?

A: This is a major advantage of buying from China. We are located near the factories for Sany, XCMG, Komatsu, and Caterpillar OEMs. We can supply:

Maintenance Kits: Filters, belts, seals (we recommend buying a kit with your machine).
Undercarriage Parts: Track shoes, rollers, idlers.
Attachments: Hydraulic breakers, buckets, rippers.
We can ship parts via air freight (3-5 days) or include them in your next container shipment.

Q: I have a fault code on my machine. Can you help?

A: Yes. We have a dedicated technical team. If you encounter an error code (e.g., E05, P22), send us a photo of the monitor panel. Our technicians will translate the code, identify the issue, and guide your local mechanic on how to fix it via WhatsApp video support.