Excavator for sale in South Africa — 2026 buyer's guide

The excavator is the most-quoted machine in my inbox. Every civil contractor, plumber, farmer, quarry operator and mining sub-contractor eventually needs one. The right size, spec and brand determines whether it makes you money or costs you money for the next 10,000 hours.

Shantui excavator pricing in SA (2026)

• SE60 (6-ton mini): R650k–R780k
• SE135 (13-ton): R1.25m–R1.45m
• SE215 (20-ton): R1.9m–R2.3m
• SE305 (30-ton): R3.0m–R3.4m
• SE370 (37-ton): R4.1m–R4.6m

Sizing your excavator

• 5–7 ton: landscaping, small trenching, tight urban sites
• 13–15 ton: services, pool digs, farm dams, small civils
• 20–22 ton: general civils, foundations, road building, mining exploration — SA's most-sold class
• 30+ ton: bulk earthworks, quarry loading, mine stripping

Brand comparison

Read my full Shantui vs XCMG comparison for the honest side-by-side. Short version: all serious Chinese excavators run Cummins or Isuzu engines and Kawasaki or Rexroth hydraulics — the same components as Cat and Komatsu. The difference is parts network and aftersales, not the machine.

Used excavator checklist

• Full service book — no book, no deal
• Undercarriage under 40% wear (chains, rollers, idlers)
• Hydraulic oil analysis — insist on a fresh sample
• Pin play on boom, arm and bucket < 2mm
• Track motor and swing motor for leaks
• Cab electronics, aircon and cameras all working

Finance and Section 12C

All four big banks finance Shantui, XCMG and Sany excavators as readily as Cat. 15–20% deposit, 48–60 month terms. SARS Section 12C accelerated depreciation applies — 40% year one, 20% for years 2–4.