Komatsu Excavators: Model Guide, Pricing, and What to Inspect Before Buying
Komatsu: The Excavator Standard
Komatsu is the world's second-largest construction equipment manufacturer and the most popular excavator brand in the Eastern US market. Their PC series excavators are known for reliability, fuel efficiency (KOMTRAX telematics report real consumption), and strong resale value.
Model Lineup and Pricing
| Model | Class | Operating Weight | Engine HP | New Price | Used Price (3,000-7,000 hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC78US | Mini | ~18,000 lbs | 60 HP | $100,000 – $135,000 | $40,000 – $75,000 |
| PC138USLC | Compact | ~31,000 lbs | 98 HP | $175,000 – $225,000 | $75,000 – $135,000 |
| PC210LC | Standard | ~52,000 lbs | 165 HP | $250,000 – $325,000 | $100,000 – $200,000 |
| PC240LC | Standard | ~57,000 lbs | 177 HP | $300,000 – $375,000 | $125,000 – $225,000 |
| PC290LC | Mid-Size | ~67,000 lbs | 196 HP | $350,000 – $425,000 | $150,000 – $275,000 |
| PC360LC | Large | ~80,000 lbs | 257 HP | $400,000 – $500,000 | $175,000 – $325,000 |
| PC490LC | Large | ~108,000 lbs | 359 HP | $550,000 – $700,000 | $250,000 – $450,000 |
Choosing the Right Size
- PC78-PC138: Utility work, landscaping, residential site prep. Can work inside buildings and on finished surfaces.
- PC210-PC240: The workhorses. General excavation, trenching, loading trucks. The PC210LC is the most popular excavator model in North America.
- PC290-PC360: Heavy excavation, quarry loading, demolition. Enough reach and breakout force for demanding applications.
- PC490: Mass excavation, large quarry operations, heavy demolition. Production-class machine.
10-Point Inspection Checklist for Used Komatsu Excavators
- KOMTRAX report — Request the telematics printout. Shows actual operating hours, idle time, fuel consumption, and fault code history.
- Undercarriage measurement — Measure track link wear, roller condition, idler adjustment, and sprocket tooth profile. Budget $30,000-$60,000 for full undercarriage replacement on standard models.
- Hydraulic cylinder condition — Extend all cylinders fully and check for oil seepage at rod seals. Check drift rate (lower boom with no input — more than 2 inches in 5 minutes indicates internal bypass).
- Swing bearing play — With the machine on level ground, extend the stick fully and try to push the house sideways. More than 1/4 inch of play indicates swing bearing wear ($15,000-$30,000 to replace).
- Turntable bolt inspection — Check all turntable bolts for proper torque. Missing or loose bolts accelerate swing bearing failure.
- Bucket and linkage pins — Check all pins and bushings for play. Worn pins reduce breakout force and cause uneven bucket movement.
- Engine oil analysis — Request recent oil sample results. Elevated copper, lead, or iron indicate internal engine wear.
- Final drive condition — Check for leaks at final drive seals. Listen for grinding or whining when tracking — indicates gear wear.
- Cab condition — Check all controls, display functions, A/C, and heater. Verify all safety systems (travel alarm, camera, ROPS/FOPS certification).
- Structural cracks — Inspect boom, stick, and frame welds for cracks, especially at high-stress points near cylinder mounts and pivot pins.
