Officials with the Stanislaus County Auto Theft Task Force were following up on reports of a stolen Caterpillar.
They conducted an inspection of the recycling business owned by 36-year-old Carl Means and found the excavator in use.
At the end of their search, they were able to confirm a total of 10 stolen vehicles, trailers and heavy machinery.
Most of the stolen property was found in bad shape or destroyed.
Authorities are filing a complaint against Means with the Merced County District Attorney's Office.