#United States #Lincoln #Used Equipment #Dealers #Construction Trucks

Dealers Show Cautious Optimism in Used Equipment & Truck Markets

The current landscape of the used equipment and truck markets reflects a mix of challenges and signs of potential recovery. While January has been marked by a decline in inventory levels and falling prices across various categories, dealers are expressing a note of optimism for the future.

Mixed Trends in Sales and Inventory

Despite facing downward trends, some sectors reported relatively strong sales in January, suggesting that the market may have reached a bottom point. This has led to a cautiously positive outlook for gradual recovery throughout 2026. For instance, the U.S. used heavy-duty construction equipment market saw inventory decrease by 2.6% month-over-month and 13.05% year-over-year., with wheel loaders facing the steepest declines in inventory level.

Inventory Trends Across Categories

In particular, the used loader backhoe category has experienced significant inventory reductions, dropping by 6.3% M/M and 24.56% YOY. Even with these declines in inventory, prices saw slight increases in some segments, indicating a complicated yet shifting market dynamics.

Aerial Lifts and Forklifts

Conversely, the U.S. aerial lift market demonstrated slight inventory increases, particularly in the used slab scissor lift category which rose 3.04% M/M and marked a significant 13.75% increase YOY. Asking prices have also climbed 5.06% M/M yet showed a 1.89% slip YOY, indicating that although values are stabilizing, they are still feeling the pressures of past declines.

Telehandlers and Tractors

The telehandler market witnessed a decrease of 2.66% M/M in inventory but interestingly an increase of 4.42% YOY, showcasing a resilience in demand amidst ongoing a downturn in inventory trends. Similarly, the high-horsepower tractor inventory has continuously trended down, reflecting a 1.12% drop M/M.

Used Trucks and Trailers

For the used heavy-duty truck market, January continued along a downward trajectory with inventory falling 3.9% M/M and 11.37% YOY. The largest declines came from sleeper trucks and day cab trucks, which may indicate shifting preferences among buyers.

Auction Trends and Pricing Analysis

Auction values have also been on a roller coaster, with mixed results across different segments. Notably, the used sprayer market faced a 3.11% M/M decline in inventory levels, and although asking prices saw minor increases, auction values remained relatively flat as trends shifted toward stabilization.

Conclusion

The Sandhills Equipment Value Index is crucial as it provides insight into trends in asking prices, auctions, and overall market conditions. Dealers are advised to keep a keen eye on these metrics to make informed purchasing and sales decisions. Overall, while the markets have faced significant pressures and declines, the cautious optimism exhibited by dealers indicates that we might be on the cusp of a recovery phase in the used equipment and truck markets throughout 2026.

For further details on specific inventory levels and trends for used equipment and trucks across different categories, contact Sandhills Global for comprehensive market reports.