Ordering a Mini Excavator 2.5T from China via Alibaba - Entire Purchase Process and import to the US

I purchased a mini excavator, 2.5 Tons, on Alibaba. It is model SD25B from Shandong Davoo Machinery. This video describes the ordering process, import taxes, US handling charges, and getting ready for pick-up.

#alibaba #miniexcavator #passivehouse #ownerbuilder

[davidmays]

Thanks for sharing your experience and hidden costs. Looking forward to seeing video of your machine.

[Leo-fkch]

I own a 32 piece heavy equipment company, machines that range from 2T to 45T excavators, dozers and backhoes. Been at it for two decades. Four years ago, my company was engaged by two Chinese companies to use and review their mini (2.5T) and mid size (10T) excavators, I put three into use for six months. All of this in exchange for real world reviews.
I found that each were what I’d consider medium duty. Unlike major brands, I use Caterpillar almost exclusively, the power and pivot points of the Chinese machines were insufficient. Although the price of these units was a fourth of what the majors get, they were not able to do the same task. Wear and tear was an issue, the Chinese units required at least twice the upkeep.
So, you get what you pay for, as always. I alway recommend to the inexperienced to rent first. You’ll quickly and painlessly learn exactly the size and configuration of the machine you need. Then, you can do a cost breakdown. A majority of the time a person will quickly summarize that renting is the best option.
My conclusion on the Chinese units. They are over rated in digging force, stability and endurance. The engines and hydraulics are adequate but under heavy loads they don’t support the ratings. For light digging, they are fine. Hard soils, heavy boulders or stumps, not so. A comparable major brand will vastly out perform. I’d suspect we will see several of the Chinese units flood the market in the years to come, and they will eventually be sold used. That is where the cautious buyer will get the steep bargains without the shipping costs, delays and hassles.

[ChatterontheWire]

Thanks for the full run down on costs. Good to know about all the other pieces/parts!

[freddyf]

This is an interesting perspective. Here in Florida, I could hit a few local auctions and get a banging deal on an excavator like that or larger. (or even shop the local used market). It is not unheard of in this area to score a piece of equipment with similar specs, or better than the chinese unit, for around $10, 000.

All those taxes, unexpected fees, and paperwork would've been a test of my willpower lol.

[Dr.Reason]

I have looked a long time for this kind of useful information on YouTube.
Thank you very much.

[Theemersonday]

I have been thinking of doing the same as for for a while but I was scared to order from china. Thank you for making such an informative video. This is very well put together. Gives me some more data points to order local or from china.

[DoRC]

Yeah with all the fees and stuff I think it would be better just to buy locally. I'm sure you get a lightly used Kubota with similar specifications for that amount of money or maybe even less.

[xXB.FunkXx]

Thanks for making us aware of all the hidden costs. I was interested in getting one of these but the extra cost makes it out of budget.

[_Keto_Diet]

Very easy to unintentionally flip these over😬! New ones sell for around 3500us - 4500us plus buyer fees at auctions in my area. I would buy one for occasional work around the property.

[peep]

"the process was pretty straightforward" good god. you could probably start a business importing these things and handling all that. I wouldn't go near something like this. I have a hard enough time buying local things and having a successful outcome. Time is precious as well. My mind keeps wandering back to buying straight from china but in the end I always just go looking through the used machinery listings

[BrandonBurns]

Thanks for this. I always wondered. Now I know it’s an awful experience and stupid costs involved to even get it to your door.

[BoJoFohPah]

It always comes as a shock to first time buyers on Alibaba about just how many hidden charges and taxes are involved in getting the product to them. You'd think shipping would be as easy as using a courier but there's about 20 different companies involved in one shipment and it's near impossible to coordinate unless you are a forwarding agent. It still all works out cheaper than buying domestic over all.

[snozcocram]

Thank you for answering the question. What does it really cost? Too much.

[mattholland]

Yeah, I needed one for a big project, I just rented it. They delivered it to site and they picked it up when I was done. Had it the day I needed it.

[frontagulus]

Thanks for posting this Einar, it's great to have all the (inflated) fees exposed that are associated with importing products. Did you find any opportunity for negotiating the fees? Are there any that could be worked around or avoided using different tactics?

[robertmccully]

Thanks for the honesty, , that will take you far in life.

[caocaohehe]

A good cheap product but pay more tax and shipping vs a great used product but no shipping and less tax?

[basilyousif]

If there are these areas in the US where you can find a great deal on a excivator used or at local auctions it might be worth it to drive one back from say south carolina or Florida. Find the excavator on line and go pick it up. I doubt that the excavator police are going to check your machine out in the field to see if it is good to be used in your state as far as epa standards. You Dig!!!

[default_user_id]

5 year old used minis go for about $5k in Seattle, name brand with support and available parts

[BaconAstronaut]

Next time request DDP sea freight shipping... Your life would have been so much easier