Pricing Data
Used Excavator Prices in 2026: What Every Model Is Worth
Model-by-model pricing data for CAT, Komatsu, Hitachi, Volvo, Deere, and Kobelco. Updated for Q1 2026 market conditions.
Last updated: March 2026
Used excavator prices have softened roughly 5-8% since their 2023 peaks, according to auction data from Ritchie Bros. That correction means better buying opportunities — and tighter margins for sellers who wait too long.
We've pulled pricing data from auction results, dealer listings, and industry valuation tools to build the most complete picture of where used excavator prices sit right now. Whether you're buying your first Cat 320, pricing out a Komatsu PC200, or figuring out what your aging Hitachi is worth, the tables below give you real numbers — not guesswork.
This post covers every major brand and size class. It breaks pricing down by operating hours, brand, and condition — the three variables that matter most in the used excavator market.
TL;DR
Used mid-size excavators (20-35 ton) trade between $45,000 and $310,000 depending on brand, hours, and year. CAT holds the strongest resale value at roughly 62% retention after 5,000 hours, per Equipment Watch residual data. Komatsu and Deere follow closely. The biggest single price driver isn't brand — it's the hour meter.
What Do Used Excavators Cost in 2026?
Used excavator prices currently range from about $19,000 for a high-hour mini to over $350,000 for a low-hour large machine, based on Q1 2026 Ritchie Bros auction results and Equipment Watch valuations. The wide spread reflects just how much size, hours, and brand matter in this market.
The most commonly traded excavator — the mid-size 20-ton class — sits in the $85,000 to $195,000 range for machines with 2,000-6,000 hours. That's where most commercial contractors shop. Mini excavators, popular with residential and utility crews, cluster between $25,000 and $65,000.
A contractor in Fresno recently picked up a 2019 Cat 320 with 4,200 hours at auction for $118,000 — right in the middle of the expected range. Had the same machine carried 2,000 fewer hours, he'd have paid $30,000-$40,000 more. Hours make that much difference.
Used Excavator Price Range by Size Class
How Much Do Used Mini Excavators Cost?
Mini excavators under 10 tons trade between $19,000 and $68,000, with the average transaction around $42,000 according to IronPlanet listing data. These machines depreciate faster than larger excavators because new-unit competition is fierce — manufacturers like Kubota and Bobcat push aggressive financing on new minis.
That said, demand for used minis remains strong. Landscapers, plumbers, and small general contractors keep the buyer pool deep. A well-maintained Cat 305.5 with under 2,000 hours will still bring $52,000-$68,000 in the current market.
Mini Excavator Pricing Table
| Model | Weight | HP | 0-2K hrs | 2K-5K hrs | 5K+ hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 305.5 | 11,574 lbs | 47.6 HP | $52,000-$68,000 | $38,000-$52,000 | $25,000-$38,000 |
| Kubota KX057 | 12,346 lbs | 47.6 HP | $45,000-$60,000 | $32,000-$45,000 | $22,000-$32,000 |
| Deere 60G | 13,448 lbs | 55.2 HP | $50,000-$65,000 | $35,000-$48,000 | $24,000-$35,000 |
| Bobcat E60 | 13,095 lbs | 55.7 HP | $48,000-$62,000 | $33,000-$46,000 | $21,000-$33,000 |
| Kobelco SK55SRX | 12,125 lbs | 42.7 HP | $42,000-$56,000 | $30,000-$42,000 | $19,000-$30,000 |
Prices reflect 2019-2024 model years in fair to good condition. Sources: Ritchie Bros, IronPlanet, Equipment Watch, Q1 2026.
Notice the Kobelco SK55SRX sits 15-20% below the Cat 305.5 at every hour bracket. That's not a quality gap — it's a demand gap. Kobi makes solid machines, but the buyer pool in the US is smaller. Fewer dealers, fewer parts in stock, fewer fleet managers who spec them. That translates directly to lower resale.
What Are Used Mid-Size Excavator Prices by Model?
Mid-size excavators (20-35 tons) are the workhorses of commercial construction, and they command the deepest resale market. Average sale prices for this class range from $45,000 to $310,000, with the Cat 320 and Komatsu PC200 series generating the most transaction volume according to Ritchie Bros (2025-2026 auction data).
This is the segment where brand premiums show up most clearly. A Cat 320 with 4,000 hours regularly outsells a comparable Volvo EC220 by $20,000-$35,000. Same hours, same year, same condition — the badge alone accounts for a significant chunk of the price gap. We'll break down those brand-specific numbers below.
Mid-Size Excavator Pricing Table (20-35 Ton)
| Model | Weight | HP | 0-2K hrs | 2K-5K hrs | 5K-8K+ hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 320 | 49,363 lbs | 153 HP | $145,000-$195,000 | $100,000-$145,000 | $65,000-$100,000 |
| CAT 330 | 69,886 lbs | 204 HP | $175,000-$245,000 | $125,000-$175,000 | $80,000-$125,000 |
| Komatsu PC200 | 45,636 lbs | 148 HP | $115,000-$165,000 | $80,000-$115,000 | $50,000-$85,000 |
| Komatsu PC210 | 51,478 lbs | 158 HP | $125,000-$175,000 | $90,000-$125,000 | $55,000-$90,000 |
| Hitachi ZX200 | 47,399 lbs | 155 HP | $110,000-$155,000 | $75,000-$110,000 | $48,000-$78,000 |
| Volvo EC220 | 49,400 lbs | 163 HP | $108,000-$150,000 | $72,000-$108,000 | $45,000-$75,000 |
| Deere 200G | 46,738 lbs | 159 HP | $120,000-$170,000 | $85,000-$120,000 | $55,000-$88,000 |
| Kobelco SK200 | 44,753 lbs | 148 HP | $100,000-$145,000 | $68,000-$100,000 | $42,000-$70,000 |
Prices reflect 2019-2024 model years. Sources: Ritchie Bros auction results, IronPlanet listings, Equipment Watch residual values, Q1 2026.
A paving company out of Houston shared this with us: they bought a 2020 Komatsu PC210 with 3,100 hours for $128,000 at a Ritchie Bros sale in late 2025. The same machine had listed for $152,000 on a dealer lot two months earlier. The auction discount came to 16% — consistent with the 15-25% spread we typically see between auction and dealer pricing.
What About Used Large Excavator Prices?
Large excavators in the 35-ton-and-up class represent the biggest dollar values in the used market, with prices ranging from $70,000 to $350,000 based on Equipment Watch residual data. These machines see fewer transactions than mid-size units, so individual sale prices can swing more widely.
The Cat 336 dominates this segment. It's the default spec for mass excavation, utility trenching on large-diameter pipe, and demolition work. Buyers shopping in this class tend to be established contractors who know exactly what they need — price sensitivity takes a back seat to machine condition and documented maintenance history.
Large Excavator Pricing Table (35+ Ton)
| Model | Weight | HP | 0-2K hrs | 2K-5K hrs | 5K-8K+ hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 336 | 79,987 lbs | 268 HP | $215,000-$310,000 | $155,000-$215,000 | $95,000-$155,000 |
| Komatsu PC350 | 79,145 lbs | 268 HP | $190,000-$275,000 | $135,000-$190,000 | $85,000-$135,000 |
| Hitachi ZX350 | 79,587 lbs | 270 HP | $180,000-$260,000 | $125,000-$180,000 | $80,000-$128,000 |
| Volvo EC350 | 79,587 lbs | 268 HP | $175,000-$250,000 | $120,000-$175,000 | $75,000-$122,000 |
| Deere 350G | 77,162 lbs | 271 HP | $185,000-$270,000 | $130,000-$185,000 | $82,000-$132,000 |
| Kobelco SK350 | 78,925 lbs | 268 HP | $165,000-$240,000 | $115,000-$165,000 | $70,000-$118,000 |
Prices reflect 2019-2024 model years. Sources: Ritchie Bros, Equipment Watch, dealer survey data, Q1 2026.
Why does the Kobelco SK350 trail the Cat 336 by $50,000-$70,000 at comparable hours? It isn't build quality. Kobelco actually offers lighter curb weight and better fuel efficiency in this class. The gap is about dealer infrastructure and brand trust in the US market. When a machine goes down on a job site and you need a swing motor by tomorrow morning, Cat's parts network wins every time.
Which Excavator Brand Holds Its Value Best?
Caterpillar leads all excavator brands in resale value retention, holding approximately 62% of original value at 5,000 hours according to Equipment Watch Residual Value Awards data. Komatsu follows at 58%, with Deere close behind at 57%. Hitachi, Volvo, and Kobelco all fall in the 48-52% range.
These retention numbers aren't just bragging rights — they directly affect your total cost of ownership. A machine that retains 62% versus 48% on a $300,000 purchase price means $42,000 more in your pocket at resale. For fleet operators running five or ten excavators, that gap compounds quickly.
Average Used Excavator Price by Brand (Mid-Size Class)
Brand Retention Comparison
| Brand | Value Retention @ 5K hrs | Price Premium | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caterpillar | 62% | +12-15% | Deepest dealer network, strongest parts availability |
| Komatsu | 58% | +8-10% | Strong in 20-ton class, reliable Tier 4 engines |
| John Deere | 57% | +7-10% | Ag crossover buyers, loyal owner base |
| Hitachi | 52% | Baseline | Solid machines, thinner dealer network in rural US |
| Volvo | 50% | -3-5% | Strong in Europe, less demand in US secondary market |
| Kobelco | 48% | -5-8% | Lighter weight, fuel efficient, smaller buyer pool |
Retention percentages are approximate based on Equipment Watch Residual Value data, Ritchie Bros auction results, and dealer market reports, 2025-2026.
One pattern we've noticed across hundreds of transactions: the brand premium actually widens on older, higher-hour machines. A 2016 Cat 320 with 7,000 hours doesn't just cost more than a 2016 Volvo EC220 with 7,000 hours — it costs proportionally more. Buyers of older machines are more risk-averse, and they pay extra for the brand they trust to keep running.
How Do Operating Hours Affect Used Excavator Prices?
Operating hours are the single biggest price driver in the used excavator market. A mid-size excavator loses roughly 8-10% of its value for every 1,000 hours accumulated in the first 5,000 hours, based on depreciation curves from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM, 2025 fleet data).
After 5,000 hours, the depreciation per hour slows — but it doesn't stop. The market is essentially pricing in the distance to the next major repair event. Undercarriage rebuild on a 30-ton machine? $20,000-$40,000. Engine overhaul? $15,000-$30,000. Buyers factor those costs directly into their offers.
How Hours Affect Excavator Value
Curve represents average across mid-size class, all major brands. Individual machines vary. Sources: Equipment Watch, AEM fleet data, Ritchie Bros post-sale results.
Price Impact by Hour Bracket
Here's the counterintuitive part: a high-hour machine from a top brand can be worth more than a low-hour machine from a lesser brand. We've seen 2017 Cat 320s with 6,500 hours trade above 2019 Volvo EC220s with 3,000 hours. Hour meters tell the story, but brand trust writes the check.
What Drives Used Excavator Values Up or Down?
Beyond hours and brand, several factors can swing an excavator's price by 10-30%. According to a 2024 survey of 500+ equipment dealers by For Construction Pros, the top value drivers in order are: maintenance records, emissions tier, attachment package, geographic location, and cosmetic condition.
Factors That Increase Value
- Complete service records. Documented maintenance adds 8-12% to resale. Buyers are paying for reduced risk — if they can see every oil change, filter swap, and undercarriage inspection, they'll pay more.
- Tier 4 Final emissions compliance. Machines built after 2014-2015 meet Tier 4 Final standards. These trade at a 15-20% premium over Tier 3 equivalents because they can work on government jobs and in California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulated zones.
- Hydraulic thumb and coupler. An attached thumb adds $3,000-$8,000 to the machine's value. A quick coupler with multiple buckets adds $5,000-$12,000. Buyers want turnkey machines.
- Recent undercarriage. New or recently replaced undercarriage components (tracks, rollers, idlers) remove the single biggest cost uncertainty for the buyer. This alone can add 10-15% to the sale price.
Factors That Decrease Value
- Missing or rolled hour meter. Nothing kills a deal faster. If the hour meter doesn't match dealer records or shows signs of tampering, expect a 20-30% discount — or no sale at all.
- Tier 2 or Tier 3 emissions. Pre-2011 machines face job site restrictions in many states. California's CARB regulations are the strictest, but the trend is spreading. These machines trade at steep discounts in regulated markets.
- Structural damage or weld repairs. Any sign of boom, stick, or frame welding signals past abuse. Buyers discount these machines 15-25% even if the repair is cosmetically clean.
- Fluid leaks. Active hydraulic leaks suggest seal failure, hose degradation, or cylinder wear. Buyers assume the worst — expect a 10-15% discount on top of repair cost estimates.
For sellers, the takeaway is clear: fix the cheap stuff before listing. A $500 pressure wash, $200 in touch-up paint, and $1,500 in new hoses can swing the sale price by $8,000-$15,000 on a mid-size machine. That's the best ROI in the equipment business. Our seller's guide walks through the full preparation checklist.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Used Excavator?
Seasonality matters. Auction volume peaks in Q4 and Q1 when contractors shed equipment before year-end and fleet managers rebalance for the new season. Ritchie Bros reports that Q1 auction volume runs 20-30% above Q3 levels (Ritchie Bros, 2025 annual report). More supply means softer prices for buyers.
January through March is the sweet spot for buyers. Sellers are motivated — they've already decided to move the iron, and carrying costs (insurance, yard rent, registration) add up every month the machine sits. We've found that patient buyers who shop in Q1 save 5-10% compared to the same machines marketed in spring and summer when construction demand peaks.
There's a broader market cycle at play, too. Used equipment prices tend to follow new equipment lead times. When new excavator delivery windows stretch to 6-12 months (as they did in 2021-2022), used prices spike. When new inventory normalizes, the used market softens. As of early 2026, new inventory is readily available from most dealers — which means used prices have room to ease further through the year.
The Sweet Spot for Sellers
If you're selling, the best time is before the machine hits 5,000-6,000 hours and before it needs undercarriage or engine work. That's the window where you've absorbed the steepest early depreciation but haven't yet reached the threshold where buyers start subtracting major repair estimates from their offers.
Wondering what your machine is worth right now? Our equipment value guide provides free pricing data by model, or you can request a cash offer on your excavator with a 24-hour turnaround.
How Much Are Used CAT Excavator Prices?
Cat excavators consistently command the highest prices in the used market. A 2020-2022 Cat 320 with 3,000-4,000 hours currently trades between $135,000 and $175,000 based on Ritchie Bros post-sale results. The Cat 330 in the same condition bracket runs $160,000-$215,000.
Cat's value advantage comes down to three things: parts availability at 1,600+ dealer locations in North America, a buyer pool that includes fleet managers who spec Cat by default, and the perception (mostly accurate) that Cat machines run longer between major service events. Whether that premium is worth it depends on your situation — but the resale data says the market believes it.
For model-level specs, pricing, and comparable machines, check our Cat excavator pages.
What Are Used Komatsu Excavator Prices?
Komatsu sits in the second-place position for resale values, and the PC200/PC210 series represents strong value for buyers who don't want to pay the Cat tax. A 2020 PC210 with 3,500 hours typically trades around $115,000-$140,000 — roughly 10-15% below a comparable Cat 320, per Ritchie Bros auction data.
Komatsu's Tier 4 engines have earned a reputation for reliability. The KDPF (Komatsu Diesel Particulate Filter) system requires less maintenance than some competitors' aftertreatment systems, and that shows up in lower lifecycle costs. For buyers doing their own maintenance, Komatsu offers a lot of machine per dollar.
Explore Komatsu excavator models and specs for detailed pricing by model.
Frequently Asked Questions About Used Excavator Prices
How much does a used CAT 320 excavator cost?
A used CAT 320 typically sells between $85,000 and $195,000 depending on year, hours, and condition. Models with under 3,000 hours trade at the top of that range, while machines above 6,000 hours tend to fall below $120,000. The CAT 320 is the most commonly traded mid-size excavator on the used market, so pricing data is abundant and reliable.
What size excavator holds its value best?
Mid-size excavators in the 20- to 35-ton class hold value best. They sit in the sweet spot of demand: large enough for commercial work, small enough for residential sites. According to Ritchie Bros auction data, mid-size machines retain roughly 55-65% of their original value at 5,000 hours compared to 40-50% for minis and 45-55% for large excavators.
How many hours is too many on a used excavator?
There's no universal cutoff, but the market applies steep discounts above 8,000 hours. At that point, buyers expect major repair costs — engine overhauls ($15,000-$30,000), undercarriage rebuilds ($20,000-$40,000), and hydraulic system work. Machines under 4,000 hours are considered low-hour and command premium prices. Between 4,000 and 7,000 hours is the working-class range where most transactions happen.
Is it better to buy a used excavator at auction or from a dealer?
Auctions typically offer 15-25% lower prices than dealer lots, but with trade-offs. Auction machines are sold as-is with no warranty. Dealers often inspect, service, and offer 30-90 day warranties. For buyers comfortable with mechanical inspection, auctions deliver better value. For those who need a production-ready machine immediately, the dealer premium covers real risk reduction.
Which excavator brand has the best resale value?
Caterpillar consistently leads resale value, followed closely by Komatsu and John Deere. CAT excavators retain roughly 10-15% more value than comparable Hitachi or Volvo machines at the same hours and year. The reason is parts availability and dealer network density — a buyer in any US state can source CAT parts locally, which reduces ownership risk and supports the price floor.
Get Your Excavator's Value
The tables and charts above give you a solid baseline for used excavator pricing. But every machine is different — year, hours, condition, attachments, and location all affect the final number. If you're looking to sell, we provide cash offers within 24 hours based on live market data. No listing fees, no auctions, no waiting.
If you're buying, start with our excavator spec pages to compare models side by side, then check the value guide for broader pricing context across all equipment types.