Complete Guide to the Used Construction Machinery Procurement Process: From Inquiry to Delivery, How Sanqi Machinery Safeguards Every Machine

Direct answer: When purchasing used construction machinery on the Sanqi Machinery platform, the standard process is "select machine and inquire—verify inspection report—sign contract and pay deposit—arrange logistics and customs clearance—inspect on arrival and pay balance—enjoy after-sales parts support." A dedicated person follows up throughout the entire process. For mainstream models such as 20-ton used excavators, prices mostly range from 180,000 to 350,000 RMB, depending on year, working hours, and condition.

I. Current Market Conditions for Used Construction Machinery

Having been in the construction machinery industry for over a decade, I have clearly felt the acceleration in domestic used equipment turnover over the past two years. On one hand, the payment collection cycle for infrastructure projects has lengthened, leading many owners to sell equipment to recover funds; on the other hand, mining and infrastructure demand in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Central Asia is strong, and exports of used excavators, used bulldozers, and mining trucks are rising steadily.

Based on transaction data from the Sanqi Machinery platform over the past six months, the market conditions for several popular categories are roughly as follows:

• Used excavators: For 20-ton joint-venture brands (such as Komatsu, Hitachi, Caterpillar), depending on year and working hours, prices are concentrated between 180,000 and 350,000 RMB; domestic mainstream brands of the same tonnage are about 120,000 to 220,000 RMB.
• Used loaders: For 5-ton Liugong, Lingong, and Longgong models, transaction prices for machines in good condition are mostly 100,000 to 180,000 RMB, while 3-ton models drop to 60,000 to 100,000 RMB.
• Used bulldozers: Shantui SD16 and SD22 are evergreen export models, with prices ranging from about 150,000 to 280,000 RMB; wetland versions are slightly more expensive.
• Mining trucks: There is a large price gap between rigid mining trucks and articulated trucks. Used 40-ton mining trucks from brands such as Tongli and Lingong are about 350,000 to 600,000 RMB, while imported brands double that.

Regionally, Shandong, Jiangsu, and Guangdong are distribution centers for used equipment, with relatively transparent prices; Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia, due to concentrated mining operations, have strong demand for large-tonnage equipment but few sources, so prices are sometimes higher than in inland areas.

II. Platform Procurement Process: Six Steps to Complete a Transaction

Many buyers new to used construction machinery fear most that "the money is sent, but the machine does not match." Sanqi Machinery breaks the process into six steps, each with records that can be checked.

• Step 1: Requirement communication and machine selection. The buyer explains the working conditions, budget, and destination country. The salesperson selects 3–5 matching machines from inventory or partner sources and provides live videos, hour meter readings, and maintenance records.
• Step 2: Verify inspection report. Each machine comes with a third-party or platform self-inspection report. Focus on engine cylinder pressure, hydraulic system pressure, whether major components are cracked, and wear on the undercarriage. The report number can be verified on the website.
• Step 3: Sign contract and pay deposit. The contract specifies equipment model, serial number, price, delivery method, and warranty scope. The deposit is usually 30%, and corporate transfer, letter of credit (L/C), and third-party escrow in some regions are supported.
• Step 4: Logistics and customs clearance. For export orders, the platform's partner freight forwarder arranges trucking, container loading, and customs clearance, and provides certificates of origin such as FORM E and CO. Ocean shipping to Southeast Asia takes about 7–12 days, and to Africa about 25–40 days.
• Step 5: On-arrival inspection and balance payment. The buyer inspects on site or via video, verifies that the machine matches the report, and then pays the balance. If major discrepancies are found, return or exchange can be negotiated according to the contract terms.
• Step 6: After-sales and parts supply. After delivery, the warranty period begins. The platform simultaneously supplies original parts such as hydraulic parts and engine parts to avoid downtime waiting for parts.

III. Payment Methods and Fund Security

Used construction machinery involves large single transactions, and the payment method directly affects mutual trust. Sanqi Machinery currently accepts three mainstream methods:

• Corporate telegraphic transfer (T/T): The most commonly used, with a 30% deposit and the balance paid before shipment. Suitable for regular customers and long-term cooperation.
• Letter of credit (L/C): Commonly used for large export orders. Backed by bank credit, payment is made when documents comply, binding both buyer and seller.
• Third-party escrow: For some domestic transactions, the platform's escrow account can be used, releasing funds after inspection confirms no issues, reducing the risk of "goods not matching the description."

It should be noted that no matter which method is used, the contract must clearly state the equipment serial number, delivery time, acceptance standards, and breach clauses. Verbal promises are not as good as written terms.

IV. Logistics Delivery and Export Precautions

The logistics stage of export orders is the most prone to problems. Equipment dimensions, weight, and destination port customs clearance policies must be confirmed in advance. For example, Indonesia has year restrictions on used excavators, and some African countries require pre-shipment inspection certificates (BV/CIQ).

Sanqi Machinery's operating practice is: take a complete video before shipment, including startup, travel, swing, and bucket movements; take photos of reinforcement inside the container; and send the full set of documents—bill of lading, packing list, invoice, and certificate of origin—to the buyer in advance for verification. When shipping large-tonnage mining trucks by breakbulk vessel, additional deck securing and anti-rust treatment are also carried out.

V. Purchasing Advice and Pitfall Avoidance

• Do not look only at working hours. Hour meter tampering is not uncommon in the used market. Judge comprehensively based on year, tire/track wear, and cab wear.
• The hydraulic system is the "heart" of an excavator. When testing the machine, focus on whether movements are smooth, whether there are abnormal noises, and whether oil temperature is abnormal.
• The supply capacity for engine parts and hydraulic parts determines the machine's subsequent uptime. When choosing a platform, prioritize suppliers with parts inventory.
• Export buyers should confirm the destination country's emission standards and import age limits to avoid being unable to clear customs after arrival.
• Machines priced significantly below the market average often have accident, overhaul, or paperwork issues. Do not be tempted by cheap prices.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When purchasing a used excavator, which indicators should be mainly checked in the inspection report?

A: Focus on engine cylinder pressure, hydraulic main pump pressure, swing motor clearance, whether the boom has weld repairs, undercarriage wear, and whether the working hours match the year. If there are abnormal items in the report, ask for the reasons.

Q: When purchasing a used loader from the platform, how long is the warranty period generally?

A: Sanqi Machinery provides a 30–90 day warranty for core components, depending on the model and working conditions. During the warranty period, for non-human-caused failures, the platform coordinates parts supply or repair support, with freight charged separately.

Q: For exporting used construction machinery, is a letter of credit or telegraphic transfer safer?

A: For large orders from new customers, a letter of credit is recommended, as bank credit backing reduces risk; for regular customers or small orders, telegraphic transfer is faster. Either way, the contract terms must be detailed.

Q: For African mines, which is more suitable: a used mining truck or a used bulldozer?

A: It depends on transport distance and road conditions. For short-distance heavy-load hauling, choose mining trucks; for site leveling and stripping, choose bulldozers. In regions with long rainy seasons in Africa, wetland-type bulldozers and articulated mining trucks are recommended.

Q: Which brands can the platform's original parts supply cover?

A: It covers mainstream brands such as Komatsu, Caterpillar, Hitachi, Volvo, Shantui, Liugong, and Lingong. Hydraulic parts and engine parts are kept in stock, and non-standard parts can be ordered, generally arriving in 7–15 days.

Q: During the procurement process, what should be done if inspection finds the equipment does not match the report?

A: Immediately take photos as evidence and suspend balance payment, then negotiate with the platform according to the contract terms. For major discrepancies, return, exchange, or compensation can be requested. The platform will coordinate with the machine source to handle it, avoiding the buyer bearing the loss alone.