Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know

Clear answers to the most common questions from international buyers -- from machine specs and pricing to shipping, installation, and after-sales support.

Category 01

Machines & Technology

What types of concrete blocks can your machines produce?

Our machines can produce a wide range of concrete products by simply changing the mold, including:

  • Hollow blocks (standard 4", 6", 8", 10")
  • Solid bricks and interlocking bricks
  • Paving stones and permeable pavers
  • Curbstones and kerbstones
  • Retaining wall blocks and slope protection blocks

Custom mold designs are available based on your local market requirements at no additional engineering charge.

What makes your machines different from other Chinese manufacturers?

Shandong Shiyue machines are built on three key differentiators that separate us from low-end assemblers:

European Patent Design

Structural architecture licensed from European engineering standards -- not copied.

Airbag Damping System

Pneumatic isolation reduces noise to ≤75 dB and extends machine life to 15+ years.

Four-Motor Vibration

Synchronous quad-motor compaction achieves Mu25+ block strength consistently.

We deliver quality close to European brands like Zenith and Poyatos at approximately one-third the price.

What is the actual production capacity per shift?

Our flagship automatic block machine produces up to 14,400 standard hollow blocks per 8-hour shift -- verified under real operating conditions, not theoretical maximums.

Actual output depends on block type, mold configuration, raw material mix, and operator experience. We provide honest ROI calculations during the consultation phase so you can plan your business accurately.

⚠ We never exaggerate capacity figures. Ask us for a video of real production runs before ordering.
What raw materials can the machines work with?

Our machines are highly adaptable to local materials. Common raw material combinations include:

  • Cement + stone aggregate (most common globally)
  • Cement + river sand or manufactured sand
  • Cement + fly ash or slag (industrial waste recycling)
  • Cement + volcanic rock or laterite (common in Africa)

During consultation, send us your local material samples or test reports. Our engineers will design the optimal mix ratio and machine configuration for your site.

What power supply do the machines require?

Standard configuration is 380V / 50Hz / 3-phase. However, we can customize the electrical system for any local voltage standard, including 220V, 415V, 440V, 460V, or 50Hz/60Hz variants used in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Please specify your local grid voltage and frequency when requesting a quotation so we configure the control panel accordingly.


Category 02

Ordering & Pricing

How much does a complete production line cost?

Pricing varies significantly based on automation level, capacity, mold types, and supporting equipment. As a general reference:

Semi-automatic starter line From USD 15,000
Fully automatic mid-capacity line USD 50,000 - 150,000
Turnkey high-capacity line USD 150,000+

Contact us with your target capacity and budget -- we will design the most cost-effective solution and provide a detailed quotation within 24 hours.

What payment terms do you accept?

We offer flexible payment structures to accommodate different buyer situations:

  • T/T (Bank Transfer): Typically 30% deposit before production, 70% balance before shipment.
  • L/C (Letter of Credit): Accepted for large orders -- at sight or usance L/C from reputable banks.
  • Western Union / MoneyGram: Available for small parts orders.

We understand that capital constraints are real for new investors. Contact us to discuss a payment plan that works for your situation.

Is there a minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

There is no minimum order quantity for complete machines. We supply everything from a single block machine for a startup investor to full turnkey production lines for large contractors.

For spare parts and molds, small orders are welcome. We ship spare parts via express courier (DHL/FedEx) for urgent needs.

Can I visit your factory before placing an order?

Absolutely -- and we strongly encourage it. Our 46,000 m² facility in Linyi, Shandong is open for buyer visits. We can arrange:

  • On-site factory inspection with live machine demonstrations
  • Airport pickup from Linyi/Qingdao and hotel accommodation assistance
  • Virtual video tour for buyers who cannot travel

We believe transparency builds trust. There are no hidden areas -- you will see the full production process, quality control procedures, and meet our engineering team.


Category 03

Shipping & Logistics

How long does production and delivery take?
Production:
25-45 days depending on machine model and customization complexity. We send weekly photo and video updates throughout.
Sea Freight:
15-45 days to most ports depending on destination (West Africa ~25 days, Latin America ~35 days, Southeast Asia ~12 days).
Total Lead Time:
Typically 45-90 days from deposit payment to arrival at your port.
Which ports do you ship from, and what incoterms do you offer?

We primarily ship from Qingdao Port, one of China's largest export hubs with frequent sailings to all major global ports. We can also arrange shipment from Tianjin, Shanghai, or Guangzhou if required.

Available incoterms:

FOB
CIF
CFR
EXW

CIF is recommended for buyers who prefer us to handle freight and insurance. We work with trusted freight forwarders to ensure competitive rates.

What documents do you provide for customs clearance?

We provide a complete export documentation package, including:

  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Bill of Lading (B/L)
  • Certificate of Origin (CO)
  • CE Certificate
  • Inspection Certificate
  • Insurance Certificate (if CIF)
  • Operation & Maintenance Manual

Additional documents such as Form A (GSP), legalization, or SGS inspection can be arranged upon request.


Category 04

Installation & After-Sales Support

Do you provide on-site installation and commissioning?

Yes. We send experienced engineers to your site for complete installation, commissioning, and operator training. Our on-site service includes:

  • Equipment installation and alignment
  • Electrical connection and PLC programming verification
  • Trial production run with local raw materials
  • Operator and maintenance staff training (typically 7-14 days)

The buyer covers the engineer's round-trip airfare, accommodation, and a daily allowance. This is industry standard for overseas equipment commissioning.

What warranty do you provide?

We provide a 12-month warranty on all machines from the date of commissioning, covering manufacturing defects and component failures under normal operating conditions.

Beyond the warranty period, we offer lifetime technical support -- including remote diagnostics via video call, spare parts supply, and the option to send engineers for major overhauls.

✓ Wear parts (molds, vibration motors, hydraulic seals) are consumables and not covered under warranty, but we maintain a comprehensive spare parts inventory for rapid dispatch.
How quickly can I get spare parts if something breaks down?

We maintain a large spare parts warehouse in Linyi. For urgent needs:

  • Express courier (DHL/FedEx/UPS): Most parts delivered within 3-7 business days to any country.
  • Air freight: For larger components, typically 5-10 days.
  • Sea freight: For bulk spare parts orders, 15-30 days.

We also recommend purchasing a starter spare parts kit with your initial order to keep critical components on-site for immediate replacement.

In which languages can your team provide support?

Our international sales and support team communicates in:

🇬🇧 English 🇸🇦 Arabic (العربية) 🇪🇸 Spanish (Español) 🇫🇷 French (Français) 🇷🇺 Russian (Русский)

All machine manuals, electrical diagrams, and training materials are provided in English as standard, with translations available upon request.

Can I become an authorized distributor or agent in my country?

Yes -- we actively seek established distributors and trading companies in key markets. As an authorized Shiyue agent, you benefit from:

  • Competitive agency pricing with healthy margins
  • Exclusive or preferred territory rights (market dependent)
  • Co-branded marketing materials and product training
  • Priority technical support for your customers

Contact our sales team to discuss partnership terms for your region.

Still have questions? Talk to an engineer.

Our senior engineers respond within 24 hours. We speak English, Arabic, Spanish, French, and Russian -- no question is too technical.

WhatsApp: +86 186 5397 5262 WhatsApp: +86 186 5392 9981 Response within 24 hours