How to Choose Quality Used Earth Moving Equipment Without Risk
Earth moving equipment is very crucial when it comes to building, mining or extensive landscapes. You can dig, push, lift or grade with the right machine, and it can be a dramatic difference in terms of efficiency and safety on-site. Being a financially wise decision, many businesses consider investing in used earth moving equipment as a cheap method of saving money and yet still receive quality performance.
This guide will take you through the key categories of earth movers; backhoes, dozers, excavators, loaders and smooth steer loaders and give you tips on how to select the appropriate earthing mover in your projects.
What is Earth Moving Equipment?
It is heavy machinery meant to move soil, rocks and other materials in construction and industry. These machines have been constructed to be strong, durable and versatile and they are therefore a necessity in all kinds of road building for mining activities.
Key Features:
Types of Earth Moving Equipment
1
Backhoe Loaders
Backhoe loaders are hybrid machines that have a digging arm on the rear and a loader on the front. They are flexible and, therefore, are favored by contractors and utility workers.
Why It Works:
- Two-in-one machine for digging and loading.
- Compact enough for urban work yet powerful for construction sites.
- Compatible with many attachments for added versatility.
- Ideal for roadwork, landscaping, and small to medium construction projects.
Best-Selling Used Backhoes:
2019 Caterpillar 420F2 IT
2020 John Deere 310SL
2022 Hinowa Lightlift 33.17
2
Bulldozers (Dozers)
Bulldozers are used to push masses of earth, debris or sand. Their rough tracks and blades are heavy, and their use cannot be ignored in clearing and grading land.
Why It Works:
- Heavy pushing power for tough terrains.
- Tracks provide excellent traction and stability.
- Ideal for road building, land clearing, and mining operations.
- Built for long-term durability under extreme conditions.
Top Wheel Spider Lifts of 2025:
2018 Caterpillar D6T
2021 Komatsu D61PXi-24
2022 Dino 210XTC II
3
Excavators
The best-known earth movers are excavators, which come with a boom, stick, and bucket to dig and lift. They are required in building, demolition and utility works.
Why It Works:
- Ideal for digging, trenching, and demolition.
- 360° rotating cab for flexible operation.
- Wide size range.
- Multiple attachments available for specialized jobs.
Best-Selling Used Excavators:
2020 Volvo EC220EL
2019 Hitachi ZX350LC-6
2022 Dino 210XTC II
4
Wheel Loaders
Wheel loaders are customized to scoop, transport, and fill materials such as gravel, soils and debris. Their speed and lifting power are such that they must be a necessity on construction sites and quarry sites.
Why It Works:
- Fast material handling with high-capacity buckets.
- Wheel mobility ensures quick movement between tasks.
- Works well on paved and semi-rough terrain.
- Essential for roadwork, quarries, and bulk loading.
Best-Selling Used Loaders:
2019 Caterpillar 950M
2020 Komatsu WA270-8
2022 Dino 210XTC II
5
Skid Steer Loaders
Skid steers are small maneuverable loaders that fit in small areas. They find applications in landscaping, small construction and material handling.
Why It Works:
- Compact size for indoor and outdoor use.
- Quick-attach system for buckets, augers, trenchers, and more.
- Highly maneuverable, can turn within its own footprint.
- Cost-effective solution for contractors.
Best-Selling Used Skid Steers:
2021 Bobcat S650
2019 John Deere 332G
2022 Dino 210XTC II
Quick Comparison: Earth Moving Equipment Types
Why Buy Used Earth Moving Equipment?
The usefulness of secondhand earth moving equipment cannot be disputed. Rather than the high depreciation of new equipment, you can pay 30-60 percent less than new on a well-maintained, low-hour backhoe, dozer, excavator, loader or skid steer. This enables you to place your funds where it counts most. on performance, reliability, and uptime.
Top Reasons to Buy Used:
What Earth Moving Equipment Size Do You Need?
It is not just a matter of horse power when it comes to selecting the correct earth moving machine, rather a matter of fitting the equipment to your exact project needs. Such aspects as the capacity of the bucket, the depth of the dug hole, the operating weight, land type, and transportation considerations are essential in the search of compatibility. Five tips to help you decide are presented here:
| Specification | Why It Matters | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Weight | Determines stability & lifting power | 3,000 – 100,000+ lbs |
| Digging Depth | Max depth for trenching/excavation | 6 – 30+ ft |
| Bucket Capacity | Volume of material per load | 0.1 – 6+ cubic yards |
| Horsepower | Power for digging, lifting, pushing | 20 – 500+ HP |
| Power Type | Diesel, hybrid, or electric | Jobsite and emissions-based |
| Drive Type | 2WD, 4WD, tracked | Terrain-specific (mud, rock, etc.) |
Electric vs. Diesel vs. Hybrid Power in Earth Moving Equipment
Electric Machines
Diesel Machines
Hybrid Machines
2023 JLG T500J $45,900.00 For Sale
2017 Genie TZ50/30 $37,850.00 For Sale
2017 JLG T350 $19,875.00 For Sale
How Much Do Used Earthmoving Machines Cost?
Pricing for used earthmoving equipment depends on the type of machine, brand, age, working hours, and overall condition.
Smart Buying Tips:
| Equipment Type | Typical Specs (Size/HP) | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Backhoe Loader | 70–100 HP, 14–18 ft dig depth | $25,000 – $75,000 |
| Bulldozer (Dozer) | 90–300 HP, various blade sizes | $30,000 – $150,000 |
| Excavator | 14–35 tons, 20–35 ft reach | $40,000 – $180,000 |
| Wheel Loader | 2–5 yd³ bucket, 100–250 HP | $35,000 – $120,000 |
| Skid Steer Loader | 1,500–3,000 lb capacity | $20,000 – $60,000 |
For the best return on investment, purchase from a reliable reseller like NLEQ that offers verified service history, professional inspections, and transparent pricing.
Where to Find Used Earth Moving Equipment
When searching for used earth moving equipment like backhoes, dozers, excavators, loaders, and skid steer loaders, you’ll usually come across three main sources:
At NLEQ, every piece of earth moving equipment we sell is carefully inspected, serviced, and ready to perform, so you don’t run into surprises later.
We don’t just flip machines; we recondition, document, and stand behind every unit, whether it’s a backhoe, dozer, excavator, loader, or skid steer.
Key Inspection Points for Heavy Earth Moving Equipment
A careful inspection can help you avoid costly repairs and make sure the machine is ready for the job. Here’s a checklist to review before finalizing your purchase:
Best for:
Why Choose Us for Used Earth Moving Equipment?
Our range of backhoes, dozers, excavators, loaders, and skid steer loaders is extensive, and each is checked and serviced to match industry standards. We are determined to provide the world with the most reliable, durable and ready-to-work machines, so you can be assured to do any job.