The pandemic pushed prices of just about everything sky high. If you’re in construction, you watched as 2 x 4 prices went from about $2 to $6 or more. Equipment prices rose similarly. Thankfully prices are coming back down, though they aren’t quite down to pre-pandemic levels. This begs the question: if you’re in the market to buy, what kind of construction equipment prices can you expect?

The Most Popular Types of Construction Equipment

Here are the types of construction equipment we’ll be looking at:

• Excavators
• Backhoes
• Bulldozers
• Skid steer loaders
• Wheel loaders
• Concrete mixer trucks
• Motor graders
• Forklifts
• Augurs
• Sod Cutters
• Floor sanders
• Log splitters
• Paint sprayers
• Cranes
• Bucket trucks

Remember that you may find outliers that are cheaper or more expensive than what we list here. The price ranges offered are meant to give you a reasonable expectation so you can budget accordingly. Learn about the most expensive construction equipment here. Note that maintenance costs can be high. 

How much does construction equipment cost? Let’s get into it.

Excavators

Expect to spend between $100,000 and $500,000. Heavy machinery prices vary mostly based on the size and capability of the machine. For a large name-brand excavator with massive digging power, $500,000 is not out of the question.  

Backhoes

You’ll notice a wide price range, with small budget models at around $15,000 and heavier duty brand name backhoes inching close to the $100,000 mark. You may want to stick to brands that have ready parts availability and a wide network of support.

Bulldozers

A 40-hp dozer could be as little as $30,000, while a 400-hp model could be as high as $200,000. Most bulldozers are around 130 hp and cost between $75,000 and $175,000, depending on brand and features.

Skid Steer Loaders

The ubiquitous Bobcat might be the most familiar skid steer loader, and you may have even heard someone call one a Bobcat despite it being from a different company. 

If you want a new skid steer loader, expect to pay $15,000 to $50,000 for the name brand with more power and features. Capacity also plays a large role in cost, with a 1,350-pound capacity loader costing near the low side of the price range, a 1,600-pound capacity loader in the middle, and a 2,200-pound loader occupying the top end.

Loader attachments can add up, too. Want to add a bucket? There’s a grand. Forklift forks? About $3,000. Want hydraulic actuated tools like hammers or backhoes? They can cost as much as the skid steer loader itself. 

Wheel Loaders

When discussing wheel loader prices, it’s important to remember that there’s a huge diversity of size and capability. These equipment pieces can come with around 100 hp and cost as little as $40,000. A 200-hp model will run over $100,000. 350  hp will cost up to 500,000. A 500-hp model will be as high as $1,000,000. The average price range for a wheel loader sized for most construction companies is between $100,000 and $200,000.

Concrete Mixer Trucks

Concrete is exceptionally heavy, and the mixer trucks that carry it are also. Your concrete mixer truck might weigh between 25,000 and 30,000 pounds. The size and weight of the truck directly impact how much concrete mix you can transport.

Expect to pay around $100,000 to $150,000 for a new model. Concrete mixing trucks might seem like a big investment, but they usually make up for it in profit for the owner.

Motor Graders

When it’s time to pave a road, parking lot, or any area of land that needs to be billiard table smooth, a motor grader is essential. For smaller, 130 hp to 180 hp graders, expect to pay between $200,000 and $300,000. Larger companies with big contracts for highways might need 250 hp or more, which will mean they’ll be spending $400,000 to $500,000. If you can get away with a compact grader with less than 100 hp, you could spend $100,000 and get a quality machine. 

Forklifts

If you want internal combustion, expect to pay $20,000 to $50,000. For an electric forklift, the cost is about the same, but you’ll need to spend about $2,500 to $5,000 for a battery and charger. More capacity equals more cost, so determine how much your forks will need to lift before you buy. Accidents happen, too, so don’t forget to ask about warranties and protection plans.

Sod Cutters

You could spend as little as $35 for a handheld electric sod cutter or as much as $1,200 for a gas-powered version with wheels. If your company is constantly landscaping, you will probably be best served by a larger gas-powered model that can do the job in a fraction of the time.

Floor Sanders

Making hardwood shine is a floor sander’s job. That shine comes at a cost, though, because floor sanders can cost $1,500, $2,500, and more.

Log Splitters

An ax can only take you so far. The average cost of a gas-powered log splitter is $1,000. There are cheaper manual versions for a few hundred dollars, but those work best if you don’t have a lot of logs to split. The high end of the range is about $7,500.

Paint Sprayers

Paint sprayers make the job of painting faster, more consistent, and give professional results. It’s worth spending between $50 and $300. Lower-priced models may be battery or plug powered, while the finer models will run off compressed air.

Cranes

Here’s another piece of equipment with a massive variety of sizes. A truck-mounted crane, low-end all-terrain crane, or rough terrain crane might cost about $100,000. Size increases bring price increases, and the largest examples can exceed $1,000,000. Crawler cranes are in a league of their own and can cost between $2,000,000 and $5,000,000. That’s the cost of heavy equipment.

Bucket Trucks

For sign maintenance, line service, and landscaping, a good bucket truck is a must-have. Low-end light-duty examples might be only $37,000, while higher-quality light-duty trucks could run as much as $140,000. The size, sturdiness, and features depend on the type of work you do.

Of Course, You Can Always Rent Thanks to Quipli

Discover additional construction equipment rental business ideas to improve revenue or take a look ahead at the construction equipment rental market with Quipli. Quipli is making equipment rental easier than ever.

Quipli is dramatically improving the process by making rentals as easy as an Amazon purchase. Our rental ecommerce platform embeds directly into existing websites which means its never been easier to create a business plan for a construction company or start your own generator rental business, and lets customers do the entire rental transaction online.

Ready to streamline your rental business operations with powerful, dedicated rental software? Contact us today to book your demo, and find out more about how Quipli can help you take your business to the next level!

Learn About Quipli’s Construction Equipment rental Software

Excavators are a major workhorse at construction sites and in the landscaping industry. Just as an excavator can make a solid investment for any construction company, buying an excavator for your equipment rental business can provide a solid rate of return.

How much does an excavator cost, exactly? The answer depends on a number of factors. Here’s what you can expect when you’re in the market for an excavator.

How Much Does an Excavator Cost?

The cost of excavator equipment depends on several factors, such as:

• Age
• Condition (if used)
• Number of hours used
• Size
• Features and specifications
• Model/brand

As you might expect, some machines are pricier than others.

Different brands can also represent greater levels of value. If you’re purchasing an excavator for your equipment rental business, a brand name can give you greater credibility but may increase the cost of purchase and maintenance.

Typical Excavator Price Ranges

How much is an excavator when buying brand-new? The price range can be anywhere from $100,000 to $500,000, depending on the aforementioned factors.

Some of the most popular brands (such as John Deere, Komatsu, and Caterpillar) can run to the higher end of the price spectrum, though they offer superior quality and value compared to other manufacturers.

The Lowest Costs You’ll Find for Excavators

The least expensive excavators are mini-excavators. Brand-new, these machines start at around $75,000. Used models can cost around $50,000 or even less. Full-sized excavators tend to be much more expensive, though used models will always offer a more affordable option.

How Much Does a Brand-New Excavator Cost?

A new excavator from the factory can cost anywhere from $80,000 to $500,000. The final price is dictated by factors like the brand, model, size, and specific features of the machinery itself. For instance, extra buckets and attachments can easily add between $5,000 and $10,000 to the final cost.

How much are excavators when you buy used? Used excavators typically sell for about 25% of the original price, which naturally makes these an affordable option for certain types of operators and business owners.

With such a steep discount, what are the advantages of buying a new excavator? Generally, a brand-new machine will offer benefits like:

• The full manufacturer’s warranty
• Better overall condition
• Less chance of requiring maintenance
• Access to the latest features and specifications

However, there are also some disadvantages to buying a new model, such as:

• Higher upfront cost
• Delayed production schedules
• Unnecessary or redundant features
• Fewer product reviews to inform your buying decision

The main advantage of a used excavator is the money you’ll save, which can be a good option for users who only need an excavator for a short period. The flip side is that used excavators often require more frequent service, and depending on the age and condition of the machine itself, they may not perform at the same level as newer models.

Professional rental companies might consider investing in a new excavator, as this will ensure the longest lifespan of the equipment itself and guarantee a higher rate of return. The added cost might even be factored into the price of the rental agreement, allowing you to balance the performance of a new machine with the added costs of a brand-new model.

How Much Does a Large Excavator Cost?

Standard-sized and large excavators can weigh anywhere from ten to 45 tons. Brand-new, these machines cost between $200,000 and $600,000, on average, while used models can run as low as $50,000.

This is where the brand can make a dramatic difference. A new Caterpillar or Komatsu machine will likely be priced higher than competitors’ models, though they also offer advanced features to add value to their products. 

How Much Does a Small Excavator Cost?

Compact or mini-excavators typically weigh less than six tons. A mini-excavator can be slightly larger but generally won’t exceed ten tons. Small excavators often start at around $75,000 for a new model. Used mini-excavators can be considerably cheaper — it’s not unusual to see used excavators for sale in the $10,000-$20,000 range, depending on brand and condition.

Which Excavator Is Right for You?

Choosing the right excavator is an important decision. Explore our guide on what to look for when buying an excavator to get more information.

If you’re an equipment operator, you’ll want to select a model that has the features you need for the type of work you do, whether it’s construction, landscaping, or other projects. Likewise, equipment rental companies should invest in tools that offer versatility and value, ensuring a high rate of return.