When you buy a used CAT excavator from China, the FOB price is only the beginning. This FAQ explains what FOB covers, what it doesn't, and how to estimate your total landed cost. We use real inventory examples, including a 2022 CAT 306E2 at $16,000 FOB and a 2011 CAT 320DIMPORT at $15,000 FOB, both in stock and ready for inspection. All prices are in USD and based on actual listings from Anhui Gangya Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
What does FOB mean in a used excavator purchase?
FOB stands for Free On Board. It means the seller delivers the machine to the named port of shipment and loads it onto the vessel. After that, risk and cost transfer to you. In our listings, the FOB price covers the excavator, loading at the Chinese port, and export documentation. It does not include ocean freight, insurance, import duties, or inland transport to your site. For example, the 2022 CAT 306E2 is priced at $16,000 FOB. That $16,000 is the specific price for that one unit, as inspected, with 800 hours on the meter. You can see a start-up video, photos, and an inspection report before you commit.
What is typically included in the FOB price?
The FOB price includes the machine itself, basic cleaning, and loading onto the ship at the port. It also covers export customs clearance in China and the export license. For the 2011 CAT 320DIMPORT, the FOB price is $15,000. That machine is a 20–30 t class excavator with 8,000 hours, Grade B condition. The FOB price does not include any import duties, taxes, or fees at your end. It also excludes marine insurance and freight. If you need a container or flat rack, that cost is separate. Always ask for a breakdown: machine price, loading, and documentation. That way you know exactly what the FOB number covers.
What costs are not included in FOB?
Several costs fall outside FOB. Ocean freight from China to your destination port is one. Marine insurance is another. Import duties and VAT at your country are not included. Inland transport from the destination port to your yard is also extra. For instance, Nigeria charges 5% duty and 7.5% VAT on used excavators under HS code 8429.52. On a $15,000 machine, that’s $750 duty plus $1,125 VAT, totaling $1,875. Port handling, customs brokerage, and demurrage can add more. Always calculate these before you commit. We provide a sample cost sheet with every quotation so you can see the full picture.
How do I estimate total landed cost from FOB?
Start with the FOB price. Add ocean freight, which varies by route and size. For a mini excavator under 10 t, freight might be $1,500–$3,000 to West Africa. For a 20–30 t machine, it can be $4,000–$8,000. Add marine insurance, typically 0.5–1% of the machine value. Then add import duty and VAT based on your country’s rates. Finally, add port charges and inland transport. For the CAT 306E2 at $16,000 FOB, a rough landed cost to Nigeria could be $16,000 + $2,500 freight + $160 insurance + $800 duty + $1,200 VAT + $500 port = $21,160. These are estimates; actual quotes will vary. We help you get precise numbers from freight forwarders.
Why do FOB prices vary so much between models and years?
FOB prices reflect model, size class, year, hours, and condition. A 2022 CAT 306E2 with 800 hours is $16,000 FOB. A 2011 CAT 320DIMPORT with 8,000 hours is $15,000 FOB. The newer mini is smaller but newer and lower hours; the older 20–30 t machine is larger but higher hours and older. Size class matters: mini excavators under 10 t cost less to ship but may have lower resale value. Larger machines cost more to ship but can do heavier work. Condition grade also matters. Grade B machines may need repairs; as-inspected machines are sold as they are. Always compare on a like-for-like basis.
How can I verify the machine’s condition before paying FOB?
We provide a start-up video, photos, and an inspection report for each unit. You can see the machine running, check for leaks, and review the undercarriage. For the CAT 306E2, the report notes 800 hours and as-inspected condition. For the CAT 320DIMPORT, it notes 8,000 hours and Grade B. We encourage third-party inspection if you want. You can hire a local inspector in China to visit our yard. We also welcome your representative. The goal is transparency: you see the actual machine, not a stock photo. The year and hours are given as a reference, not as proof of use. Always rely on the inspection report and your own due diligence.
What are typical ocean freight costs from China for excavators?
Ocean freight depends on size, weight, and route. Mini excavators under 10 t can fit in a 40-foot container or be shipped on a flat rack. A 40-foot container from Shanghai to Lagos might cost $2,000–$3,500. A 20–30 t excavator like the CAT 320DIMPORT usually goes on a flat rack or breakbulk. Freight to Lagos could be $5,000–$8,000. Rates fluctuate with fuel and demand. We work with freight forwarders to get you current quotes. We can also arrange shipping if you prefer, but we separate the machine price from freight so you see the true FOB cost. Always ask for a freight quote valid for 30 days.
How do import duties and taxes affect my total cost?
Import duties and taxes are based on the CIF value (cost, insurance, freight) in many countries. For used excavators under HS code 8429.52, Nigeria charges 5% duty and 7.5% VAT. So if your CIF value is $20,000, duty is $1,000 and VAT is $1,500, totaling $2,500. Other countries have different rates. Some offer exemptions for used equipment. Check with a customs broker in your country. We provide commercial invoices and certificates of origin to help. We do not collect duties; you pay them directly to your customs. Factor them into your budget early.
Can I get a discount if I buy multiple units?
We price each unit individually because condition and hours vary. However, if you buy multiple units in one shipment, you can save on freight and handling. For example, two mini excavators in one container may reduce per-unit freight cost. We can also combine a mini and a larger machine on a flat rack if dimensions allow. Contact us with the models you want, and we will quote a package FOB price and estimated freight. We do not inflate FOB to give fake discounts. The price you see is the price for that specific machine.
What payment terms do you offer for FOB purchases?
We typically require a deposit to reserve the machine, with the balance due before shipment. For the CAT 306E2 at $16,000, a 30% deposit ($4,800) reserves it; the remaining $11,200 is due before loading. We accept bank transfers in USD. We do not offer financing. All payments go to our company account in China. We provide a proforma invoice with full details. Once payment clears, we schedule loading and send you photos of the process. We also handle export clearance. You receive the bill of lading and other documents for customs.
How do I choose the right machine for my project?
Match the machine to your work. Mini excavators under 10 t, like the CAT 306E2, are good for utility work, tight sites, and small digs. They are easy to transport and cost less to ship. Larger 20–30 t machines, like the CAT 320DIMPORT, handle heavy digging, trenching, and large site work. They cost more to ship but do more per hour. Consider your typical job, access, and budget. Also think about parts availability. Popular models have better parts support. We can advise based on our inventory. We have units in stock, so you can move quickly. Always request the inspection report and video before deciding.
What should I check in the inspection report?
The inspection report covers engine, hydraulics, undercarriage, and electronics. Look for hours, condition grade, and any noted issues. For the CAT 306E2, the report shows 800 hours and as-inspected condition. For the CAT 320DIMPORT, it shows 8,000 hours and Grade B. Check for leaks, cracks, and wear. Ask for specific photos of the undercarriage and engine. We can provide additional photos on request. Remember, year and hours are reference only. The report reflects the machine at inspection. If you need more assurance, hire a third-party inspector. We will cooperate fully.
Why buy from an independent exporter like Anhui Gangya?
Anhui Gangya Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. is an independent exporter. We are not affiliated with Caterpillar Inc. or any authorized dealer network. We buy, inspect, and export used machines directly. This means we can offer competitive FOB prices and transparent condition reports. We do not have the overhead of a dealer network. We focus on international buyers in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. We handle export customs and loading. We provide documents for your import. We are direct and factual. No marketing fluff. You see the actual machine, the actual price, and the actual costs. That is our promise.
How do I get a quote and reserve a machine?
Contact us with the model you want and your destination port. We will send a quote with FOB price, estimated freight, and a cost sheet. If you agree, we send a proforma invoice. You pay a deposit to reserve. We then schedule inspection and loading. We keep you updated with photos and documents. For the CAT 306E2 at $16,000 FOB or the CAT 320DIMPORT at $15,000 FOB, both are in stock. We can move quickly. Email us or use the contact form on our website. We respond within one business day. Let us help you get the right machine at a clear price.