Excavator Ads

Selling

How to sell your excavator

Six practical steps from preparing the machine to handing over the keys. General information only; every sale is different.

Ready now? Listing on the marketplace is free. Create your free excavator listing, then use the steps below to make it a good one.

  1. Gather the paperwork

    Service logbook, purchase invoice, manuals, attachment list, serial or PIN number and any inspection reports. If finance is owing, find out the payout figure early.

  2. Prepare the machine

    Wash it, grease it, fix cheap faults and check fluids. Clean machines photograph better and signal care. Do not hide defects; disclose them.

  3. Photograph it properly

    Shoot in good light from all sides, then close-ups of tracks, bucket, cab, hour meter and plates. Our blog has a full guide to photographing a machine for an ad.

  4. Write an honest ad

    Lead with make, model, year and hours. Add attachments, condition, service history and location. State what is included and what is not.

  5. Handle enquiries

    Reply promptly, answer questions plainly and let buyers inspect with an operator or mechanic. Be wary of requests to pay or ship before inspection.

  6. Settle safely

    Confirm any security interest is cleared (a PPSR search helps), issue a written receipt and agree collection details. Seek professional advice on tax and contracts.

Ad checklist

What every excavator ad should include

  • Make, model, year and operating weight class
  • Hours shown on the meter and when it was last serviced
  • Attachments included (buckets, hitch, hammer lines, thumb)
  • Undercarriage condition described in plain words
  • Any known faults or repairs, stated openly
  • Location and how inspection can be arranged
  • Asking price or "contact for price", whichever you prefer
A large excavator digging and flinging dirt

Thinking about timing and price

Many sellers wonder when to list. Demand for excavators often follows construction and agricultural activity, which varies by region and season, so there is no single best week. What helps in any season is a complete, honest ad and a fair asking price.

To set a price, look at comparable machines in the same size class with similar hours and condition, and allow for attachments and recent major work. We do not publish price figures here because prices vary widely by make, model and condition. Our blog post on valuing a used excavator explains the factors in more detail.

Selling when finance is owing

If you still owe money on the machine, the lender may hold a security interest. Ask your lender for a payout figure and agree how the debt will be cleared at settlement so the buyer receives clear title. The buyer can check with a PPSR search.

This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Speak to a qualified professional about your situation.

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