u/BlowingLemon

I’m looking for a used 3.5–5 ton excavator and would like to import one into the EU.
I’m mainly looking for something reliable with a strong hydraulic system where you can use multiple functions/ both joysticks smoothly at the same time, at least a 3-cylinder engine, and preferably a brand where parts are easy to get in Europe.
I’ve been looking at Kubota, Takeuchi, Yanmar, CAT, Volvo etc., but I’m open to anything that’s proven and reliable. Any particular models in this weight range you’d recommend or avoid?
I’m also considering buying through auctions. Which auction sites or companies are actually good, and which ones should I avoid? Anything I should watch out for when it comes to fees, condition reports, sellers or bidding?
The main problem is that I probably won’t be able to see the machine in person before buying. How would you guys handle that? Is it worth paying someone local to inspect it? What videos/photos or tests should I ask for before bidding?
What are the biggest things to check on a used excavator like this — hydraulics, undercarriage, pins/bushings, slew ring, final drives, cold start, blow-by, hours etc.?
Budget is roughly €15–18k.
Any advice from people who’ve bought excavators remotely or through auctions would be really appreciated.

I’m looking for a used 3.5–5 ton excavator and would like to import one into the EU.
I’m mainly looking for something reliable with a strong hydraulic system where you can use multiple functions/ both joysticks smoothly at the same time, at least a 3-cylinder engine, and preferably a brand where parts are easy to get in Europe.
I’ve been looking at Kubota, Takeuchi, Yanmar, CAT, Volvo etc., but I’m open to anything that’s proven and reliable. Any particular models in this weight range you’d recommend or avoid?
I’m also considering buying through auctions. Which auction sites or companies are actually good, and which ones should I avoid? Anything I should watch out for when it comes to fees, condition reports, sellers or bidding?
The main problem is that I probably won’t be able to see the machine in person before buying. How would you guys handle that? Is it worth paying someone local to inspect it? What videos/photos or tests should I ask for before bidding?
What are the biggest things to check on a used excavator like this — hydraulics, undercarriage, pins/bushings, slew ring, final drives, cold start, blow-by, hours etc.?
Budget is roughly €15–18k.
Any advice from people who’ve bought excavators remotely or through auctions would be really appreciated.

I’m looking to buy a used 3.5–5 ton excavator and import it into the EU, and I’d really appreciate some advice from people who have actually bought machines this way.
My main requirements are:
3.5–5 ton operating weight
at least a 3-cylinder engine
good/strong hydraulics with smooth simultaneous operation of both joysticks/functions
preferably a reliable, well-known brand with parts and service easily available in Europe
used is completely fine, but I want something mechanically solid rather than just cheap
I’ve mainly been looking at Kubota, Takeuchi, Yanmar, CAT, Volvo etc., but I’m open to other recommendations. Are there any models/brands in this size that you would specifically recommend or avoid?
I’m also looking at auctions such as Euro Auctions and other European machinery auction sites. For those of you who buy excavators at auctions: which auction companies have you had good experiences with, and which ones would you stay away from? What extra costs or common traps should I be aware of besides the purchase price, auction fees, transport and VAT/import costs?
My biggest concern is buying without seeing the machine in person. If I can’t travel to inspect it myself, how would you approach it?
Would you hire an independent mechanic/inspection company near the auction yard? What photos, videos, tests or documents would you absolutely request before bidding?
I’m especially interested in how you check:
undercarriage wear, hydraulic pump condition, play in pins/bushings, slew ring, leaks, engine blow-by/cold start, final drives and whether the hour meter looks believable.
Basically, if you had around €15–18k to buy a good 3.5–5t excavator in Europe today, how would you go about it and what would you buy?
Any experience with importing machinery into any EU country would also be really useful.