Mini excavators are becoming increasingly popular worldwide, with global sales approaching 400,000 units in 2023, valued at over $10 billion. Major mainstream brands worldwide are intensifying their research and development efforts on mini excavators, such as Caterpillar, Komatsu, Sany, and XCMG. While these major brands are making substantial profits, high-performance engines represented by Caterpillar, Kohler, Kubota, and Yanmar are also experiencing rapid sales growth.
Why are Chinese small and medium-sized excavator companies more adept at responding to market demands quickly?
Large enterprises tend to have slightly slower response times to market changes compared to small and medium-sized enterprises due to longer reporting lines, slower decision-making processes, and limited local team authority. In contrast, small and medium-sized enterprises have their owners at the forefront, enabling them to be the first to sense market changes and make decisions swiftly, making it easier for them to adapt to market changes. Many of China’s small excavator manufacturers operate under this model, with their owners frequently present in overseas markets and various exhibitions, allowing them to promptly relay customer needs back to the research and development and production departments, enabling quicker responses to market demands.
What are the characteristics of the most popular mini excavators? Analyzing the Xemach mini excavator as an example:
- High-quality cylinders: Mini excavators targeting the European and American markets primarily use engines from top brands such as Kubota, Yanmar, and Caterpillar. Engines above 3.5 tons generally utilize four-cylinder engines. They can meet Euro V and EPA 4 emission standards. For regions with relatively lower emission requirements, domestically produced engines like Koop engines are used, and some smaller mini excavators even have gasoline engine versions.
- Reliable hydraulic systems: Small mini excavators mainly use domestically renowned hydraulic systems, while medium to large mini excavators typically use imported brands such as Shimadzu hydraulic systems, Eaton motors, or Kawasaki motors. The design of the cylinders, the positioning of oil pipes on the upper side of the boom, internal oil piping, or installing of cylinder guard plates.
- Separate piping and shut-off valve for breaker, facilitating breaker hammer replacement.
- Sturdy and durable boom: A well-made product typically features a forged integrated boom. The requirements for mini excavators are not lower than those for medium and large excavators.
- Mini excavators are equipped with water-cooled engines and independent fan cooling, allowing them to operate continuously for 10 hours in high-temperature regions.
- Mini excavators primarily operate on hydraulic platforms, with some models offering mechanical operation, which naturally comes at a lower price.
- Mini excavators come with multiple bucket sizes, ranging from 300mm to 1000mm.
- One-touch start-up with safety locks, making mini excavators particularly suitable for beginners.
- Over ten types of attachments are available, including breakers, grass forks, augers, and forks, all of which can be easily interchanged with quick coupling.
The mini excavator technology primarily originates from Japanese brands, but with market changes, the research and development teams continuously incorporate feedback from European and American customers, making the products increasingly popular among them.
What are the price advantages of Chinese mini excavator?
Whether for individual or corporate customers, price is currently a primary concern. Compared to well-known brands, Xemach’s mini excavators offer significant price advantages both domestically and internationally.
Firstly, with its in-house research and development team constantly optimizing and innovating, the product design is notably advantageous.
Secondly, economies of scale are achieved through an annual production volume of tens of thousands of mini excavators, enabling cost advantages in the production process and a strong bargaining position in the supply chain.
Thirdly, the sales team, whether direct sales or through distributor, primarily operates through online channels, eliminating the costs of physical stores and passing on the savings to customers.
Lastly, a professional logistics team ensures that mini excavators are shipped more easily than large excavators, with standard packaging and lower shipping costs.
Therefore, high cost-effective Chinese-manufactured mini excavators are becoming increasingly popular worldwide, steadily increasing their market share.