CAT 340D Used Excavator Case Study – Johannesburg, South Africa

Introduction

The CAT 340D used excavator is one of the most in-demand heavy machines in the mining sector, especially in countries like South Africa where contractors require powerful and cost-effective equipment for intensive operations. In this case study, we showcase how a mining company from Johannesburg sourced a CAT 340D used excavator and an XCMG ZL50GN wheel loader from China to support its open-pit mining project.

Customer Background

The client is a privately-owned mining company based in Johannesburg, South Africa, operating under newly opened mineral extraction rights. Although the country is famous for its world-class gold mines, many smaller companies face challenges competing with large state-owned mining groups. As a result, they often seek machinery solutions that balance quality, durability and cost.

Why This Customer Needed Used Machinery

Mining operations in South Africa require machines with strong hydraulic power, high structural strength, and reliable working hours. However, brand-new large excavators and loaders remain extremely expensive in the local market. Furthermore:

Local mining equipment rental is dominated by white-owned leasing groups, leading to high rental costs.
New machines carry long delivery times and strict emission requirements.
Private mining companies often operate with limited capital, making used equipment a smarter choice.

Therefore, purchasing high-quality used mining machines from China became the most cost-effective option.

Why the Customer Chose to Purchase from China

China has accumulated massive volumes of second-hand construction machinery due to slowing infrastructure investment, reduced real-estate expansion, and the completion of major national projects. Consequently, the Chinese market now has:

A large stock of well-maintained used excavators and loaders
Machines from major global brands such as CAT, Komatsu, and XCMG
Competitive prices even after shipping + import duty
Units that already meet modern emission requirements

Because of these advantages, South Africa’s mid-size mining contractors increasingly choose China as their primary sourcing destination for used heavy mining equipment.

Customer’s On-Site Inspections in China

To ensure reliability and suitability, the customer visited China three separate times, traveling to multiple machinery hubs including Shanghai and Nantong. During these visits, they inspected several brands, tested machine performance, evaluated maintenance records, and compared multiple supplier quotations.

After thorough technical testing and cost analysis, the customer confirmed that our machines offered the best balance of condition, performance, and price. As a result, they selected Juexin Machinery as their long-term procurement partner.

Machines Purchased by the Client

1. CAT 340D Used Excavator (2019, 3500 hours)

Core keyword machine
Suitable for heavy mining and earthmoving
Strong boom/arm power and high digging force
Engine and hydraulics tested before shipment

2. XCMG ZL50GN Wheel Loader (2020, 3000 hours)

High-capacity loader for mine transport
Stable performance for long-cycle operations
Excellent value for cost-sensitive mining contractors

Project Outcome

With the deployment of the CAT 340D used excavator and XCMG ZL50GN loader, the customer successfully started production at their new mining site. The equipment has been performing reliably with minimal downtime, allowing the company to expand operations without excessive capital investment.

Client Cases