Decline in Used Equipment Inventory During Summer Machinery Market Slump
LINCOLN, Nebraska — August 6, 2025
According to recent market reports from Sandhills Global, the inventory of used construction equipment on platforms like Machinery Trader shifted from being stable to a declining trend in July. This change is indicative of the usual seasonal slowdown in the machinery market. Notably, inventory levels for used crawler excavators and mini excavators experienced the most significant drops in the heavy-duty and medium-duty equipment segments, respectively.
The market analyses encompass a variety of equipment categories, including construction tools, agricultural machinery, trucks, and trailers. In the agricultural sector, the inventory of used tractors over 100 horsepower, along with asking prices and auction values, showed a continued decline in July, while compact tractor auction values experienced an upward trend. In the transportation market, the substantial returns on individual used sleeper trucks are propelling heavy-duty truck values higher, while asking prices for day cabs are decreasing.
The Sandhills Equipment Value Index (EVI) serves as the primary indicator in these reports, providing essential insights for both buyers and sellers. Users can leverage the EVI to track market conditions and optimize acquisition and liquidation strategies. The index includes data on auction and retail market equipment as well as those actively in use, measuring the percentage disparity between asking prices and auction values.
Key Insights from Market Reports
Sandhills market reports emphasize crucial shifts within the heavy-duty truck, semi-trailer, farm machinery, and construction equipment sectors. Below are significant highlights from the latest findings. Detailed reports are accessible upon request.
U.S. Used Heavy-Duty Construction Equipment
In this category, inventory saw a month-over-month decline of 0.65% and a year-over-year drop of 7.72% during July, continuing a downward trend. The used crawler excavator segment fell by 1.41% month over month and 11.12% year over year. Asking prices also decreased by 0.31% month over month and 3.12% year over year, indicating a downward trajectory. Auction values slightly decreased by 1.52% month over month and 0.63% year over year, remaining stable.
U.S. Used Medium-Duty Construction Equipment
In July, inventory for used medium-duty construction equipment dropped by 0.96% month over month and 9.52% year over year, primarily driven by significant declines in used mini excavators. Asking prices experienced a minor increase of 0.02% month over month but decreased by 0.28% year over year. Auction values also fell by 0.76% month over month but saw a 2.02% year-over-year increase, suggesting stability in the market.
U.S. Aerial Lifts
July saw a 2.07% month-over-month and a 4.09% year-over-year increase in inventory levels for used aerial lifts, which are currently on an upward trajectory. Despite this, asking prices fell slightly by 0.49% month over month and 5.64% year over year. Auction values also decreased, revealing a continuing trend of depreciation in the segment.
For More Information
For further insights or to obtain comprehensive analyses from Sandhills Global, please reach out via email at [email protected].
About the Sandhills Equipment Value Index
The Sandhills Equipment Value Index (EVI) is a vital tool for gauging estimated market values of used assets over time in the construction, agricultural, and commercial trucking sectors. This index, supported by Sandhills’ proprietary asset valuation tool, provides valuable insights into ever-evolving supply and demand conditions within each industry.
