Excavator Price: New, Used & Ownership Costs

Size is the main driver of excavator pricing. A mini excavator that fits on a small trailer and digs residential trenches is a very different machine from a standard excavator used on commercial earthmoving jobs, and the price reflects that. Brand, engine, attachments and condition then move the figure inside each size class.

The prices on this page come from published equipment guides and were checked on Oct 13, 2026. Dealers price excavators by configuration, and they often quote the machine with a bucket and a few options already included. Use the ranges to plan a budget, then request written quotes for the exact model.

Excavators are grouped by operating weight, measured in metric tons in this guide. Mini machines weigh the least, then midi, standard and large machines, and the price climbs with each class.

The ranges are wide because brand and configuration differ inside each class. A machine with a cab, a thumb, auxiliary hydraulics and a set of buckets costs more than the same frame sold bare. Brand also matters. Caterpillar, Komatsu, John Deere and Kubota are among the names buyers compare, and a quote for the same size can differ from one brand to the next.

Used excavators cost much less than new ones, and they are the choice for many contractors and small businesses. Hours, age and condition set the price, and auction results give a realistic picture of what machines actually sell for.

The auction row covers closed auction sales, not dealer asking prices. Asking prices at dealers may sit higher because dealers add inspection, repairs and a margin. If you are buying used, ask for the hour-meter reading, the service history and any signs of leaks or heavy wear on the undercarriage, bucket pins and boom.

Guides do not use the same size classes. One may group everything under six tons as a mini excavator, while another splits the classes differently. Some guides quote machines from value brands, and others quote major North American and Japanese brands. The table below compares two guides for new mini excavators.

Because the sources use different class definitions and brand mixes, the ranges will not line up exactly. Match the size class and brand to the machine you want before you compare numbers.

• Operating weight. Heavier machines cost more, and the price jumps from one class to the next.
• Brand. The same size class can be priced differently from one brand to another.
• Tail swing. A compact radius design is useful in tight spaces and may cost more than a conventional design.
• Attachments. Buckets, hydraulic thumbs, hammers and augers are usually priced separately.
• Cab and controls. Enclosed cabs with heating and air conditioning cost more than open canopies.
• Technology. Machine control, grade guidance and telematics add to the price.
• New or used. Hours and age drive used prices, and condition matters as much as either.

A new excavator comes with a warranty, current emissions equipment and a known history. It is also the largest outlay and loses value as it ages. A used machine costs less, which can make a larger class affordable, but you carry the repair risk. Hydraulic pumps, final drives and undercarriage components are costly to replace, so inspect them or have a technician do it. For occasional work, renting is often cheaper than owning, and rental rates depend on machine size and region.

If you finance, compare offers from the dealer and from outside lenders. Look at the full cost of the loan, including fees. A tax professional can tell you how a purchase affects your business taxes.

Fuel, scheduled service, filters, hydraulic oil, bucket teeth and undercarriage wear all add up. Transport is another cost, since a mini excavator may need a truck and trailer, and larger machines may need a lowboy and a permit for the haul. Insurance for construction equipment depends on your trade and where you use the machine. Operators need training, and some job sites require certification. Plan for storage too, since leaving an excavator outdoors without cover can shorten the life of some components.

1. Does the quote include a bucket, a thumb and other attachments?
2. What is the warranty, and what does it exclude?
3. What are the delivery, freight and setup charges?
4. For a used machine, what are the hours, and can I see the service records?
5. What financing or lease options are available, and what is required for approval?
6. Where is the nearest service department, and how fast do they supply parts?