Used Hitachi ZX120 and ZX70 Excavator for Sale: 7 to 13 Ton Export Guide

The 7-ton and 12–13 ton classes are where small contractors, farms, municipal crews and rental fleets in Africa, South America and Europe spend most of their money, and the Hitachi ZX70 and ZX120 are two of the most trusted machines in those sizes. Shanghai yards hold a steady supply of low-hour units, many only one to three years old. This guide explains which size fits your work, what to check on video, and how a used Hitachi ZX120 or ZX70 from China is shipped.

ZX70 or ZX120: which size do you need?

• Hitachi ZX70 (about 7 tons): fits on a small trailer, works in narrow streets and farm plots, and is ideal for drainage, water pipes, cable trenches and landscaping. Examples: ZX70 (2023, 1000 h), ZX70 (2023, 991 h) and ZX70 (2022, 983 h).
• Hitachi ZX120 (about 12 tons): the step up for road shoulders, village roads, plantation work and loading small trucks, while still cheap to move between sites. Examples: ZX120 (2024, 760 h) and ZX120 (2023, 477 h).
• Hitachi ZX130 (about 13 tons): a little more reach and lift than the ZX120. Example: ZX130 (2022, 1300 h).

If most of your digging is deeper than 3 metres or you load 20-ton trucks all day, a 20-ton machine is the better buy; see our Hitachi ZX200-5 guide. All current Hitachi units are listed under used Hitachi excavators.

Why buyers like these two models

• Smooth, efficient hydraulics that new operators learn quickly.
• Strong parts support in most African and Latin American markets, plus plenty of aftermarket filters, undercarriage and bucket teeth.
• Good resale value, so a well-kept unit holds its price.

Video inspection checklist

1. Serial plate, hour meter and monitor in one uncut clip.
2. Cold start, smoke colour, then blow-by at the oil filler once warm.
3. Boom, stick and bucket at full speed together; there should be no hesitation or jerking.
4. Pins and bushings: move the bucket with the engine off and look for play at the bucket and stick joints.
5. Swing bearing: lift the bucket and rock it to check play; listen for noise during full swings.
6. Undercarriage: track tension, sprocket teeth, rollers and shoe height. Rubber-track ZX70s should show no deep cuts or exposed steel cords.
7. Travel in a straight line and full-speed in both directions.
8. Auxiliary piping if you plan to run a hammer or a tilt bucket.

Shipping from Shanghai

A ZX70 usually fits inside a 40HQ container, sometimes together with a second small machine or attachments, which keeps freight low. A ZX120 or ZX130 normally ships on a flat rack or by RoRo; with the bucket removed some units can go in an open-top container. Ask for FOB Shanghai and CIF to your port, and check age and inspection rules with your customs broker. Our mini excavator import guide covers container loading in more detail.

Ask for a walk-around video

Tell us the model, budget and destination port, and we will send available ZX70 and ZX120 units with a live video. WhatsApp / Tel: +86 180 1734 8066 · www.ychs-machinery.com