Komatsu PC88MR-10: A Proven Midi Excavator Ready for Your Fleet
The 2017 Komatsu PC88MR-10 midi excavator strikes a practical balance between compact maneuverability and full-size digging capability. Listed at $54,000 with 10,400 hours, this machine occupies the sweet spot for contractors who need more reach and power than a mini excavator delivers, without the transport headaches and fuel costs of a 20-ton class machine. The PC88MR-10's reduced tail swing design, rubber track pads, and integrated push blade make it particularly well-suited for tight job sites where space comes at a premium.
Komatsu built the PC88MR-10 from 2012 to 2018, refining the platform through its production run. This 2017 unit represents late-model reliability with Tier 4 Final emissions compliance, meaning it meets current EPA standards without the experimental technology found on first-generation Tier 4 machines. For fleet managers evaluating cost-per-hour ownership, the SAA4D95LE-6 engine's established service record and widely available parts support translate to predictable maintenance budgeting.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | KOMATSU |
| Model | PC88MR-10 |
| Year | 2017 |
| Hours | 10,400 |
| Operating Weight | 19,000 lbs |
| Engine | Komatsu SAA4D95LE-6, 65.5 net HP |
| Emissions | EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage 3B |
| Digging Depth | 15'2" (15.17 ft) |
| Max Digging Reach | 24.1 ft |
| Max Dumping Height | 15.6 ft |
| Reach at Ground Level | 23.4 ft |
| Tail Swing Radius | 58.5" |
| Track Type | Rubber pads |
| Ground Pressure | 5.41 psi |
| Travel Speed | 3.1 mph (2-speed) |
| Hydraulic Flow | 42.2 GPM |
| Fuel Capacity | 33 gal |
| Hydraulic Tank | 14.8 gal |
| Bucket Capacity | 0.26 cu yd |
| Blade Width | 91.3" (2,320 mm) |
| Cab | EROPS with heat and A/C |
| Controls | Joystick |
| Quick Coupler | Included |
| Auxiliary Plumbing | Included |
| Push Blade | Included |
| Swing Speed | 10 RPM |
| Drawbar Pull | 15,040 lbs |
| Track Gauge | 73.6" |
| Ground Clearance | 16.1" |
| Listing Price | $54,000 |
Condition Assessment
This PC88MR-10 carries a Condition Score of 6.7/10 (Condition Tier 2), placing it in the work-ready category for used equipment. The 10,400-hour reading falls within expected range for a 2017 machine in commercial service — approximately 1,300 hours annually, consistent with steady but not excessive utilization.
The condition notes highlight several operational strengths. The enclosed EROPS cab retains working heat and air conditioning, a critical factor for operator retention and year-round productivity. The seller reports operational videos available upon request, which Proxy Equipment recommends reviewing to assess engine startup behavior, hydraulic response, and track drive performance.
At this condition tier, buyers should anticipate normal wear consistent with hours and age. The rubber track pads, auxiliary plumbing, quick coupler, and push blade all represent functional value — these are not stripped-down components but work-ready attachments that would cost thousands to add aftermarket. The HydrauMind closed-center load-sensing hydraulic system, a Komatsu hallmark, should deliver precise control if properly maintained.
For inspection priorities, focus on undercarriage wear given the 10,400-hour total. With 39 shoes per side, 5 track rollers, and 1 carrier roller per side, replacement costs scale predictably. The X-frame center frame and box-section track frame design provides good structural integrity, but pin and bushing wear at the blade linkage and boom foot merit close examination.
Pricing Analysis
At $54,000, this PC88MR-10 positions competitively in the auction-comparable market. The valuation confidence of 0.80 indicates solid data backing for this price point, derived from actual auction market transactions rather than theoretical retail pricing.
To assess value, consider the replacement cost context. A new machine in this class from Komatsu or comparable manufacturers runs substantially higher, with delivery timelines often extending months. For a contractor needing immediate production capacity, the used premium over auction prices — typically 15-25% for retail-ready units — buys convenience, inspection opportunity, and direct seller negotiation.
The included attachments add measurable value. The quick coupler alone enables rapid bucket and tool changes, reducing downtime on multi-task job sites. Auxiliary plumbing supports hydraulic attachments — hammers, thumbs, augers — without field modification. The push blade expands utility to light grading and backfilling, reducing the need to mobilize additional equipment.
For financing evaluation, this price point typically qualifies for equipment loans with reasonable down payment requirements. The 2017 model year supports stronger residual value assumptions than older Tier 3 or interim Tier 4 machines, potentially improving loan terms.
What Makes This Machine Stand Out
Several features distinguish this PC88MR-10 from typical mid-size excavator listings:
Reduced Tail Swing Design: The 58.5-inch tail swing radius lets this 19,000-pound machine work confidently alongside structures and in confined utility corridors. Contractors regularly paying for road closure permits or working in developed areas will recognize the operational efficiency gain.
Rubber Track Pads: Unlike steel-track machines that damage asphalt and concrete, these pads enable direct travel on finished surfaces. This expands the machine's utility to roadwork, landscaping, and urban utility jobs without track swap downtime.
Tier 4 Final Maturity: As a 2017 build, this unit benefits from five years of production refinement after Komatsu's initial Tier 4 launch. The cooled EGR and aftertreatment system represents proven architecture, not early-adopter complexity.
Integrated Work Tools: The quick coupler, auxiliary plumbing, and push blade arrive factory-integrated, not cobbled together from aftermarket sources. This matters for hydraulic compatibility, warranty traceability, and resale documentation.
Operator Environment: Working climate control in an EROPS cab directly impacts productivity in extreme weather markets. The 91.7-inch cab width and joystick controls reflect modern ergonomic standards that reduce operator fatigue during long shifts.
Who This Machine Is For
This PC88MR-10 fits several buyer profiles:
Growing Utility Contractors: The digging depth and reach handle standard trenching for water, sewer, and electrical installation. Rubber tracks permit road crossings without surface damage. The auxiliary plumbing supports compaction wheels and plate tampers for backfill operations.
Site Development Specialists: The push blade and grading capability reduce the need to bring in a dedicated dozer for finish work. The compact footprint navigates tight residential lots where larger excavators require extensive site preparation.
Rental Fleet Operators: The 6.7/10 condition score and 10,400 hours represent a machine with remaining productive life but realistic rental-rate pricing. The enclosed cab and climate control support premium daily rates.
Municipal and Institutional Fleets: Tier 4 Final compliance satisfies procurement requirements in emissions-regulated jurisdictions. Komatsu's dealer network provides parts and service support that smaller manufacturers cannot match.
Demolition and Recycling: The quick coupler enables rapid attachment cycling — grapples, thumbs, specialized buckets — while the enclosed cab protects operators from debris and dust.
Bottom Line
The 2017 Komatsu PC88MR-10 at $54,000 offers a calculated value proposition: proven Komatsu engineering, work-ready attachments, and hours that indicate honest commercial use without excessive wear. The Condition Tier 2 rating and 6.7/10 score set appropriate expectations — this is not a refurbished machine with fresh paint hiding problems, but a straightforward unit ready for immediate deployment.
For buyers comparing against auction alternatives, factor in the time cost of inspection travel, unknown repair needs, and transport coordination. This listing's transparency on hours, features, and condition supports confident decision-making.
View this listing to examine the 7 available images and request operational video. Proxy Equipment's marketplace connects you directly with the seller for additional questions, inspection scheduling, and purchase negotiation.