Home /
Blog /
How to Compare Used Excavator Quotations

How to Compare Used Excavator Quotations

How to Compare Used Excavator Quotations From Different Suppliers

A practical guide to comparing the machine, evidence, included scope and trade terms—not only the final price

Written and reviewed by KAN, Owner of Anhui Gangya Construction Machinery Sales Co., Ltd.

Experience basis: This guide is based on KAN’s direct experience preparing used excavator quotations, explaining model-generation differences, comparing machine condition, attachments and preparation scope, reviewing EXW, FOB and CIF offers, and helping overseas buyers understand why two quotations may not represent the same machine or included value.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Two used excavator quotations may show different prices even when both suppliers use the same general model name.

Before deciding which offer is cheaper, confirm whether the quotations describe comparable machines and comparable commercial terms.

Table of Contents

Quick Answer: How Should Buyers Compare Used Excavator Quotes?

First confirm the complete model, generation and configuration.

Then compare displayed hours with current engine, hydraulic, undercarriage and overall-condition evidence.

Check what attachments, preparation work and China-side support are included.

Do not compare EXW, FOB and CIF quotations by the final number alone. Align the trade term, named port or delivery point and included cost scope first.

Only compare the final price after the machine, evidence and quotation scope are clear.

Two used excavator quotations are not truly comparable until the exact model, generation, configuration, condition evidence, attachments, preparation scope and commercial terms are aligned. A lower price may represent a different machine or a narrower included scope. Buyers should connect important price claims with current photos, videos, machine information or written terms before deciding which quotation provides better value.

Five Checks Before Comparing the Final Price

Confirm the exact model and generation.
Compare hours with current condition evidence.
Align attachments and preparation.
Confirm the same trade term and named location.
Compare price only after the other items are clear.

Reading Navigation

Make the Quotations Comparable
Confirm Model Generation and Machine Identity
Compare Condition, Preparation and Attachments
Align Trade Terms and Commercial Scope
Understand the Lowest-Quote Risk
Use the Quotation Comparison Worksheet

1. First Make the Quotations Comparable

When comparing used excavator supplier quotes, start with the comparison basis, not the final number.

A quotation or pro forma invoice may include the exact model, quantity, price, currency, trade term, quotation validity and attachments.

Other details can be added after the buyer confirms the machine and requirements.

Ask:

“Are these suppliers offering comparable machines under comparable terms?”

Compare the:

Model generation
Configuration
Machine condition
Attachment scope
Preparation scope
Trade term
Named port or delivery point

“Two quotations are not truly comparable until the exact model generation, configuration, condition evidence, preparation scope and commercial terms are aligned.” — KAN

A lower quotation may describe a different machine or include a narrower service scope.

That does not automatically make the offer unsuitable.

It means the differences should be identified before the prices are compared.

Any item that affects price, included service or delivery scope should be recorded in the quotation, PI, attachment list or another agreed written document before payment.

How to Compare Used Excavator Quotations

2. Confirm the Same Model, Generation and Configuration

A general model name may include several generations.

For example, CAT 320 may refer to different versions with different engines, systems, production periods and configurations.

Confirm the complete model before comparing prices.

Review the:

Full model
Generation
Configuration
Available machine identity information
Visible machine features

A Real Buyer Example

A buyer from Myanmar once compared our CAT 320D2 quotation with a lower quotation for what he believed was the same CAT 320.

At first, he focused on price because both machines were described as CAT 320 excavators.

After we compared the complete models, he understood that one offer was for a CAT 320D2 while the other involved an older CAT 320D generation.

The quotations were not based on equivalent machines.

Compare the full model first. Compare the price second.

When the complete model is unclear, request available machine identity information and compare it with the visible configuration before treating the quotations as equivalent.

Current evidence and machine identity information are more useful than exterior appearance alone when confirming a repainted or externally modified machine.

3. Compare Condition, Preparation and Attachments

Year and displayed hours are useful references, but they are not complete condition judgments.

Two machines with similar displayed hours may have different:

Engine behavior
Hydraulic response
Undercarriage wear
Cab wear
Maintenance condition

Compare the reading with:

Hour-meter image
Current photos
Cab and control wear
Cold-start evidence
Working video
Undercarriage photos or video

Maintenance records can add context when available, but current condition still needs to be reviewed.

“Displayed hours should not be used as a price adjustment by themselves. The engine, hydraulics, undercarriage and overall wear still need to support the claim.” — KAN

Descriptions such as good engine, strong hydraulics and good undercarriage should be connected to current evidence.

This article does not replace a technical inspection. It helps buyers connect quotation claims with the evidence available for the machine.

Compare the Machine Before and After Preparation

A clean appearance does not explain machine value by itself.

Ask:

Is the machine in original paint, partially repaired or fully repainted?
What was its condition before preparation?
What work was completed?
What work is included in the quotation?

Preparation may include:

Painting
Leakage repair
Seal replacement
Undercarriage work
Maintenance
Oil and filter replacement
Engine repair
Hydraulic repair

The actual work depends on the machine and the agreed order.

“Preparation can improve a machine’s appearance and working condition, but buyers should also understand the machine’s original condition and what work was actually completed.” — KAN

Two excavators may look equally clean after repainting, but one may have required only cosmetic work while the other required more mechanical or hydraulic repair.

The key issue is whether the original condition, completed work and included scope are explained clearly.

Earlier photos or preparation records can help when available.

Compare Attachments by Value, Not Name Alone

The words “Attachment included” are not enough.

For buckets, hydraulic breakers, piping, quick couplers, grapples and other attachments, confirm:

Type and quantity
New or used condition
Brand and specification
Compatibility with the machine
Included piping and connections

A new attachment from an established brand may have a different value from a lower-cost alternative.

A poorly matched breaker may also provide less practical value.

“An included attachment does not automatically make two offers equal. New or used condition, brand, specification, machine compatibility and included piping can create a large value difference.” — KAN

4. Align Trade Terms and Included Commercial Scope

EXW, FOB and CIF do not represent the same included cost scope.

Do not compare them by the final number alone.

Confirm:

Trade term and named place or port
China-side transport
Dismantling and loading
Ocean freight
Insurance when applicable
Destination-side costs

Compare quotations using the same trade term and named location whenever possible.

A machine-only quotation should not be compared directly with an offer that includes China-side transport, port delivery, loading or ocean freight.

Also compare:

Currency
Deposit amount
Balance-payment stage
Payment timing
Written payment conditions

Unexpected changes to seller or beneficiary information should be checked separately before payment.

This section does not replace a full Incoterms, landed-cost or payment-safety guide.

Its purpose is to align the commercial basis of the offers.

5. Why the Lowest Quote May Not Be the Best Value

A lower quotation may still be the better offer, but only after the buyer understands what is different. The price may reflect another model generation, different machine condition, fewer attachments, less preparation or a narrower commercial scope.

Quotation comparison is not about choosing the highest offer. It is about finding the most suitable combination of machine condition, included value and acceptable risk.

6. Evidence-Adjusted Quotation Comparison Worksheet

Use this worksheet to compare Supplier A and Supplier B on the same basis. Do not mark an item as aligned until it is supported by current evidence or written confirmation.

Exact Model, Generation and Configuration