International buyers of used CAT excavators face a common set of questions: what will I actually pay, how do I judge condition, how long until the machine ships, and can I get it configured for my job site? This comparison answers those questions using real listings from Anhui Gangya Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., CAT Excavator Export, an independent exporter of used equipment from China. It is not affiliated with Caterpillar Inc. or any authorized dealer network.
We compare four dimensions—cost, quality, lead time, and customization—across three used CAT mini excavators currently in stock and available for export to Nigeria and other markets in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
| Dimension | CAT 305.5 / 305.5E2 | CAT 308E2 | CAT 307.5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model year | 2022 | 2022 | 2025 |
| Hour meter (reference) | 800 h | 800 h | 500 h |
| Size class | Mini, under 10 t | Mini, under 10 t | Mini, under 10 t |
| FOB price (USD) | $16,000 | $21,000 | $26,000 |
| HS code | 8429.52 | 8429.52 | 8429.52 |
| Duty (example: Nigeria) | 5% | 5% | 5% |
| Units in stock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Lead time | Ex-stock; typical ocean freight to Lagos 30–45 days | Ex-stock; similar transit | Ex-stock; similar transit |
| Customization | As inspected; attachments possible by request | As inspected; attachments possible by request | As inspected; attachments possible by request |
All three are single units priced on their own. The year and hours are given as a reference, not as proof of use. Buyers can see a start-up video, photos, and an inspection report of the actual machine before purchase. The FOB prices are specific to each unit.
Cost: What Drives the FOB Price
The FOB price is the starting point. For the CAT 305.5 / 305.5E2, the specific FOB price is $16,000. The CAT 308E2 is priced at $21,000 FOB, and the CAT 307.5 is $26,000 FOB. These differences reflect model year, hour meter reading, and market positioning rather than condition alone.
FOB means the exporter delivers the machine on board the vessel at the Chinese port. The buyer pays ocean freight, insurance, and destination charges. For Nigeria, the HS code 8429.52 applies, with a 5% duty. Other countries have their own tariff schedules. You should confirm current rates with a customs broker in your country.
Beyond the purchase price, budget for:
- Ocean freight and marine insurance (varies by destination and season)
- Destination port charges, customs clearance, and inland transport
- Any import duties, VAT, or inspection fees
- Potential repair or attachment costs before the machine enters service
Because each listing is a single unit, prices do not include shipping. Anhui Gangya provides a quote for freight on request. The FOB price is fixed per unit as shown.
Quality: What the Listing Actually Tells You
The condition grade on these units is "as inspected." That means the machine has been examined and the report reflects its actual state—no cosmetic upgrades, no hidden repairs. The year and hours are reference points, not guarantees. A 2022 machine with 800 hours may have been used differently from another 2022 machine with the same meter reading.
The real quality check is the evidence package: a start-up video, photos of the actual machine, and an inspection report. You see the unit running before you commit. This is standard practice for Anhui Gangya, an independent exporter that sources used equipment directly.
For the CAT 307.5, the 2025 model year and 500-hour meter reading suggest a newer machine, but the as inspected grade still applies. The CAT 305.5 / 305.5E2 is a 2022 unit with 800 hours. Both are mini class under 10 t, suited to small digs, utility work, and tight-access jobs. The CAT 308E2 is also mini under 10 t.
No listing implies a like-new condition. Buyers should review the inspection report and ask specific questions about undercarriage wear, hydraulic leaks, engine blow-by, and electronics. If a seller cannot provide a start-up video, treat that as a red flag.
Lead Time and Customization: From Order to Job Site
All three units are in stock, so lead time is driven by shipping and documentation, not production. Once payment is confirmed, the exporter arranges loading at the Chinese port. Typical ocean transit to Lagos, Nigeria, is 30–45 days, depending on the vessel schedule. Other destinations in Africa, Latin America, and Asia have their own transit times. You should add time for customs clearance and inland delivery.
Customization for used excavators is limited compared to new machines, but some options exist:
- Attachments: hydraulic breakers, thumbs, quick couplers, and buckets can be sourced and fitted before shipment.
- Configuration: boom and arm lengths are fixed by the model, but you can request specific bucket sizes.
- Shipping prep: machines can be partially disassembled to fit containers, though this adds cost and reassembly time.
Anhui Gangya can discuss attachment availability and shipping configuration on a case-by-case basis. No custom paint or major rebuilds are offered. The as inspected condition is preserved.
For buyers in Nigeria, the CAT 305.5 / 305.5E2 and CAT 308E2 are listed specifically for that market, with FOB prices of $16,000 and $21,000 respectively. The CAT 307.5 is also available for Nigeria at $26,000 FOB. All have HS code 8429.52 and 5% duty.
Who Should Pick What
- Pick the CAT 305.5 / 305.5E2 if you need the lowest FOB price for a mini excavator under 10 t and can accept a 2022 machine with 800 hours. It suits small digs and utility work.
- Pick the CAT 308E2 if you want a 2022 model with a slightly higher price point and the same mini class. It is a middle option between the 305.5 and 307.5.
- Pick the CAT 307.5 if you want a newer 2025 machine with a 500-hour meter reading and a higher FOB price. It is best for buyers who value a recent model year and lower hours.
For all three, the buying process is the same: review the start-up video, photos, and inspection report; confirm the FOB price and shipping quote; arrange payment and customs clearance. Anhui Gangya Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. is an independent exporter. It is not affiliated with Caterpillar Inc. or any authorized dealer. All machines are used and sold as inspected.
If you are comparing used CAT excavators for export from China, start with the specific unit details—model, year, hours, FOB price—and ask for the evidence package. That is the only way to judge cost, quality, lead time, and customization without relying on vague claims.