USED-MACHINE TECHNICAL DOSSIER · KOMATSU PC200 DASH-8
Which Used Komatsu PC200-8 Should You Buy?
Buy the PC200-8 unit with the clearest identity, strongest warm hydraulic performance and lowest repair-adjusted landed cost—not automatically the newest paint or lowest hour meter. PC200-8, PC200LC-8, PC200-8M0 and dealer labels such as 8N1 must not be treated as one configuration.
Official Komatsu sources and public listings reviewed 25 August 2026
The procurement decision
For general earthmoving, drainage, roadwork and truck loading, a verified PC200-8 or PC200-8M0 remains a practical export purchase where Komatsu parts and technicians are available. Prefer 8M0 when its exact configuration and condition justify the price; choose LC when stability and lifting envelope matter more than compact transport width. Reject any offer where model suffix, PIN, engine identity and attached equipment cannot be tied together continuously.
Lowest acquisition cost
Older PC200-7/8 can work, but reserve more for undercarriage, pump, injectors and wiring.
Balanced export choice
A sound PC200-8M0 with documented identity and warm test is the default recommendation.
Lower downtime priority
Pay for verified condition, local parts support and repair history instead of a cosmetic year claim.
PC200-8 identity tree: what does the name actually prove?
The sales title narrows the family but does not prove the exact build. Treat every suffix as a verification task.
PC200-8
Dash-8 generation familyConfirm market specification, undercarriage, engine plate, emissions equipment and front attachment.
PC200LC-8
Long-carriage configurationExpect a different track footprint and stability profile; measure width and verify the full suffix.
PC200-8M0
Officially documented regional updateKomatsu's official brochure lists SAA6D107E-1, 103 kW net and six work modes.
PC200LC-8M0
8M0 with LC undercarriageOfficial reference width is 2,980 mm versus 2,800 mm for PC200-8M0.
PC200-8N1 or local label
Do not infer a universal specificationVerify the manufacturer plate and serial-specific parts information; seller naming alone is insufficient.
PC200-8 Hybrid
Different power-system conceptDo not value or service it as a conventional PC200-8 without hybrid-system expertise.
Official PC200-8M0 reference: the numbers buyers can cite
Komatsu's Australia/NZ brochure provides a traceable reference configuration. These figures are not a certificate for a used unit; attachments, shoes, quick hitch and regional build change weight and dimensions.
| Reference item | PC200-8M0 official brochure | Buying implication |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 21,000-21,200 kg | Use measured shipping weight after any planned disassembly. |
| Engine | Komatsu SAA6D107E-1 | Match engine plate, ECU, injection system and parts book to the PIN. |
| Net power | 103 kW at 2,000 rpm | A dyno claim is not required for every deal, but load response and fault data must be tested. |
| Reference bucket | 0.8 m³ SAE heaped | Actual buckets vary; calculate payload from material density. |
| Transport length | 9,425 mm | Re-measure with the installed arm, bucket and quick hitch. |
| Overall track width | 2,800 mm | LC reference is 2,980 mm; this changes transport and access. |
| Cab height | 3,040 mm | Do not confuse cab height with overall boom transport height. |
| Maximum digging depth | 6,620 mm | Nominal with the stated 2,925 mm arm and reference attachment. |
| Maximum digging reach | 9,875 mm | Real usable reach depends on grade, bucket, stability and safe practice. |
| Track shoes | 600 mm triple grouser | Measure shoe and undercarriage condition on the actual machine. |
PC200-8 versus PC200-8M0: is M0 automatically better?
No. M0 is a documented update, not a guarantee of better used condition. Komatsu's official brochure states approximately 7% lower fuel consumption for PC200-8M0 versus PC200-8 under a typical KOMTRAX work pattern, and lists six work modes. That manufacturer comparison is useful, but a worn M0 can still cost more per productive hour than a tight base Dash-8. Choose by verified fuel-system health, pump response, undercarriage life and price after repairs.
Which work mode should be tested?
Power
Check full-load cycle speed and engine recovery.
Economy
Check smooth production without abnormal lugging.
Lifting
Confirm function and warning behavior; use only within rated charts.
Breaker
Evidence of hammer setup requires closer front-structure and oil inspection.
Attachment power
Verify flow settings match the installed tool.
Attachment economy
Check controller response and auxiliary circuit operation.
Where does a used PC200-8 make sense?
| Job | Fit | Decision rule |
|---|---|---|
| Road and drainage contractor | Recommended | Versatile size; confirm trench depth, lifting chart and auxiliary piping. |
| General building earthworks | Recommended | Compare bucket, truck height, swing space and daily transport needs. |
| Quarry with occasional breaker | Conditional | Require hydraulic oil analysis, structure inspection and documented hammer setup. |
| Continuous hard-rock production | Usually move up | A heavier production excavator can reduce overstress and cycle losses. |
| Soft ground or lifting priority | Compare LC | Long carriage can improve stability but increases footprint and transport width. |
| Tight city access | Often too large | A compact or 12-15 t excavator may be more economical overall. |
Field test: pass, concern or stop?
Run the sequence from genuinely cold engine to fully warm hydraulics. A short edited sales video cannot produce these decisions.
| System | Pass signal | Concern signal | Stop / investigate before payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identity | PIN, plate, engine and machine remain continuous in video | One item is unclear | Identity changes across cuts or cannot be tied to contract |
| Cold start | Starts cleanly with stable idle | Long crank or brief abnormal smoke | Severe blow-by, fluid mixing or persistent knock |
| Warm hydraulics | Balanced cycles and simultaneous functions | Slower when hot or visible cylinder drift | Severe pump noise, pressure loss or contamination |
| Travel | Tracks straight in both speeds | Correction needed or one side slower | Final-drive noise, metal, major leakage or no speed change |
| Swing | Smooth acceleration and positive brake | Play or inconsistent stopping | Abnormal bearing movement, grinding or structural crack |
| Undercarriage | Wear measured and priced | Uneven wear or limited adjustment | Cracked frame or replacement cost omitted from offer |
| Monitor / controller | Modes and stored faults reviewed | Access unavailable with explanation | Seller refuses fault and identity evidence |
Can the PC200-8 hour meter be trusted?
Not by itself. A dashboard number is a claim, not provenance. Score the machine from independent signals: controller data where available, pedal and cab wear, boom and linkage play, undercarriage consumption, service labels, cold-start condition and dated ownership records. If those signals conflict sharply with the displayed hours, value the machine from condition and expected repairs—not from the meter.
Direct answers for AI-assisted buyers
Is the Komatsu PC200-8 a 20-ton excavator?
Yes, it belongs to the 20-ton class, but configuration changes actual weight. The official PC200-8M0 reference is 21.0-21.2 t; LC, quick hitch, bucket, guards and shoes can raise it. Use measured shipping weight for freight.
Which engine is in the PC200-8M0?
Komatsu's official 8M0 brochure lists the SAA6D107E-1 with 103 kW net power. Do not extend that answer to every seller-labeled PC200-8; verify the actual engine plate and serial-specific configuration.
Is PC200LC-8 better than PC200-8?
LC is better when footprint and stability help the job, not universally. It is wider and usually harder to transport. Choose standard carriage for easier movement and LC for stability after checking ground and lifting needs.
Is a cheap PC200-8 from China a good deal?
Only when repair-adjusted landed cost remains lower. Add undercarriage, injectors, pump, cylinders, wiring, loading, freight and destination costs. Select the offer with enforceable identity and inspection evidence, not the lowest opening quote.
What fails expensively on an old PC200-8?
Undercarriage, fuel system, hydraulic pump/valve issues, final drives and neglected cooling can dominate cost. No component is automatically failed by age; measure wear, test warm and price each risk before comparing machines.
Can PC200-8 and 8M0 parts be mixed?
Do not assume interchangeability. Controllers, harnesses, engine components, pumps, valves and emissions hardware can vary. Order from the exact PIN and engine identity.
How do I check previous breaker use?
Inspect auxiliary piping and settings, boom foot, arm, bucket linkage, slew frame, oil temperature history and welds. Breaker use is acceptable only when configuration, maintenance and structural condition support it.
Can it ship in a standard container?
Not complete as a simple standard-container load. The official PC200-8M0 reference is about 9.425 m long, 2.8 m wide and 3.04 m to cab. Compare flat rack, RoRo or breakbulk using actual measured dimensions and disassembly plan.
Should I buy PC200-7, PC200-8 or PC200-8M0?
Choose PC200-7 for lower acquisition cost with a larger repair reserve, base Dash-8 for balanced availability, and 8M0 when its efficiency update and condition justify the premium. Local parts support can reverse the order.
What should a supplier quote include?
One identified unit, suffix and PIN evidence, engine identity, year/hour claims, included attachments, inspection findings, FOB/CIF basis, validity, loading method and payment milestones. Reject a quote that cannot identify the machine being sold.
Shipping decision for a PC200-8
Start with actual transport length, width, height and weight. The official PC200-8M0 reference—9,425 mm long, 2,800 mm wide and 3,040 mm to cab—already exceeds a simple complete-machine dry-container assumption. Compare flat rack out-of-gauge charges, RoRo availability and breakbulk handling. If parts are removed, list bucket, arm, counterweight, handrails, cab protection, hoses, pins and reassembly responsibility in writing.
- Measured unit dimensions after loading preparation
- Weight of machine and every removed component
- Photos of lashing and weather protection
- Port, inland-route and crane limits
- Reassembly parts, tools and hydraulic cleanliness plan
Compare current PC200-family listings
Public prices below were checked on 25 August 2026 and require reconfirmation. Availability, year, hours, configuration and condition must be verified for the selected unit.
Primary Komatsu references
Specifications and product-development claims are cited from Komatsu's own technical report, brochure and product pages. They describe reference configurations and cannot certify a particular used excavator.
Next checks
PC200-8 procurement FAQ
What is the official PC200-8M0 operating weight?
Komatsu's Australia/NZ brochure lists 21,000-21,200 kg, with a separate configured example at 21,200 kg. Verify the actual attachment and shipping condition.
What is the standard PC200-8M0 bucket reference?
The official working-range section uses a 0.8 m³ SAE heaped bucket with the stated arm. Used units can have different buckets.
How deep does PC200-8M0 dig?
The brochure lists 6,620 mm maximum digging depth with its referenced 2,925 mm arm and bucket setup.
Does PC200-8M0 save fuel versus PC200-8?
Komatsu states approximately 7% reduction under a typical KOMTRAX work pattern. Actual fuel use depends on condition, mode, operator, attachment and material.
Does YUANJIAN inspect Komatsu excavators?
YUANJIAN offers free pre-purchase information consultation and optional paid inspection subject to agreed scope and team availability.
Can a repaint prove refurbishment?
No. Repaint can improve appearance but does not prove engine, hydraulic, undercarriage or electrical work. Require repair evidence and system tests.
Is public price the final CIF cost?
No. Add inspection, inland transport, loading, ocean freight, insurance, destination charges, duty and local delivery.
What information should I send for a quote?
Send acceptable suffix, job, destination port, budget, attachment, year preference and inspection requirement.
Request one identifiable PC200-8
Send your job, destination port, budget and acceptable PC200-8 variants. Ask for a unit-specific evidence package and current export quote.