Heavy equipment, light work: how to buy smarter, faster and safer via auction

What should you look out for as a buyer?

Trade in heavy equipment, from hydraulic excavators to bulldozers, rollers and articulated dump trucks, is changing rapidly. Where once buyers often had to physically travel to a location to make their move, it is now increasingly taking place online. The biggest international player helping to shape this change is Ritchie Bros. Since 1958 the company has been organizing auctions worldwide - since 1988 also in the Netherlands - without minimum prices, and since digitization the possibilities have only increased. But what does that mean for Dutch buyers, some of whom are even less familiar with the auction format?

Ritchie Bros. has a wealth of equipment data, experience with machines and employs local experts who guide buyers and sellers on a daily basis - this instills confidence. Bas Landheer, Senior Inspection Report Coordinator, emphasizes the importance of transparency: "Every machine in our Benelux auctions receives a detailed recording report, including 50 to 60 photos and a video of the engine and moving parts. We record not only the strengths, but also the showable defects. From cracks and leaks to worn parts, everything must be visible."

Same standards worldwide

That transparent process happens the same way worldwide, says Michel Talla, Regional Operations Manager for the Benelux and Nordics. "Inspectors are multi-deployable and trained to work to the same standards. So a buyer in the Netherlands knows that a report from Spain or Italy has the same quality. Moreover, we offer viewing days, when customers can physically view the machines alone or together with our people. Yet it turns out that surprisingly few buyers make use of these. Even customers who live near Moerdijk do not always come to see the machines but buy purely on the basis of our report."

Realistic image

Although the reports are very comprehensive, Ritchie Bros. still advises buyers to come see for themselves when making important purchases. So what do you look for? Experience shows that it starts with the engine: how does it sound, are vibrations perceptible, and what does the color of the oil tell you? Next, the cabin is important: do the controls work smoothly and without any strange noises? This is followed by a check of the pumps, bucket and structure: traces of heavy loading are often clearly visible. "By combining these insights with our report, buyers get a realistic picture," says Landheer. "Important in this regard: machines are sold at Ritchie Bros. 'as is, where is,' without warranty. The auction format is without hidden minimum prices or negotiating after the fact."

International offer

An auction offers buyers several advantages. "First, there is the huge international supply: from recently used bulldozers to unused excavators coming straight from the manufacturer," Talla explains. "In addition, the online auction process itself is transparent and user-friendly. Buyers can set a maximum price in advance; the system then automatically bids up to that amount. This allows them to decide at their leisure." Landheer adds: "Another important advantage is the additional service we offer through partners. Think of cleaning, light maintenance work or transportation to another location." We really are a one-stop shop in that respect, Talla says. "Whether it's shipping to Spain, export documents or customs clearance, our team in Moerdijk takes care of it."

Data as a foothold

For many Dutch buyers, the question remains: how do I know what a good price is? Ritchie Bros. offers a powerful tool for this. Anyone can create an account for free and thus access data on hundreds of thousands of previously sold items. By filtering by make, type and year of manufacture, buyers get a clear picture of market prices of comparable items, both locally and internationally.

What also helps in making informed decisions is the Ritchie Bros. Market Trends Report on the European equipment market. Published quarterly, this report zooms in on certain machine categories. The findings are based on transaction, sales and advertising data from the global Ritchie Bros. platforms.

Reliable and transparent

While the Dutch are traditionally less accustomed to buying at auction, Ritchie Bros. shows that its auction format is reliable and transparent. With comprehensive machine reports, international data, a strong service team and the ability to come and inspect itself, the company removes many concerns from buyers. And with the growth of both supply and buyers, the heavy equipment auction seems to become more and more established, in the Netherlands and far beyond. The volumes are impressive. Where in 2020, for example, over 1,000 mini-excavators were still sold through Ritchie Bros. auctions in Europe, that number rose to over 3,000 in 2024. In addition to well-known A-brands such as Caterpillar, Komatsu, Liebherr and Volvo, Chinese brands are increasingly appearing on the auction stage, both used and new. There is also increasing supply of all-electric machines.

More than auctions

If you're looking for ways (other than auctions) to purchase machinery, Ritchie Bros. has several platforms to choose from. The company has grown into a global heavy equipment marketplace and is no longer merely an auction house. For example, you can choose its online marketplace platform "Marketplace-E. This platform is active 24/7, has a wide offer - including in the Benelux - and you can buy there by placing a bid or buy directly with the 'Buy Now' price. You can also check out Mascus.nl, the online advertising platform where sellers can negotiate directly with buyers. Ritchie Bros. has something for every machine buyer.