It is the first thing every excavator buyer asks, and the honest answer frustrates them: hours matter, but far less than how those hours were put on and whether anyone can prove the machine was looked after. I have seen 10,000-hour excavators that outwork 4,000-hour ones. Here is how to read the number properly instead of fearing it.
Hour bands for a standard (20-ton class) excavator
| Hours | Condition | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Under 3,000 | Lightly worn | Original components, minimal wear. Premium price, best resale. |
| 3,000–6,000 |