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Excavators overview

Excavators are the most expensive equipment we cover here on EquipmentResource.com. The power to lift tons of dirt and rocks and the reliability to work for thousands of hours don't come cheap. As usual, the biggest factor that determines price is overall size. Whether you're looking at gross weight, horsepower, or dig depth, you'll be paying more for bigger, more powerful machines.

The smaller end of the excavator price spectrum is machines that weigh between 10 and 20 tons, dig between 8 and 10 feet deep, and boast 60 to 120 HP. Prices for new models in this power range can range from around $100,000 to $250,000. The most popular price point is around $150,000.

Larger excavators can dig 20' deep or more and usually have between 130 and 180 HP. These 20 to 30 ton machines can range from $150,000 to $400,000, with the most common being around $200,000.

Additional buckets or other attachments are somewhat more expensive for excavators than for compact machines: you can expect to pay several thousand dollars for a new bucket in any configuration. Hydraulically powered attachments can cost $6000 to $10,000 or more. If your excavator doesn't come standard with a quick coupler, expect to pay $4000 to $6000 to add one.

Excavators are available with a wide range of other add-ons for ergonomic improvements, increased productivity, and safety. Air conditioning and AM/FM radio can drastically improve operator comfort and satisfaction for a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. If your excavator will be kept on job sites for extended periods of time, it may be worth investing in anti-vandalism features. For a relatively small cost, this protects your excavator with upgraded locks and window grates.

You get what you pay for
When buying heavy equipment, it's important to think about the long-term results you're going to get from it. You've got to get a machine you can depend on day in and day out for years to come. Part of that reliability comes from the manufacturer: well-known brand names are often more expensive, but they also come with higher overall quality.

Try to resist the urge to save as much as you can. "Saving" even a few thousand dollars on a purchase this large isn't going to seem so good if the machine wears out in just a couple of years, or if it breaks down, leaving you with workers who can't do their jobs and a schedule that's slipping behind.

Another important component is the maintenance plan. Simply put, if you can't afford the maintenance, you can't afford the vehicle. Whether that means paying your own mechanic or buying a service plan from the dealer, make sure you figure that cost into your overall purchase price.