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Strong Start for the Auction Market in the First Quarter of 2026
The used equipment market is showing clear signs of activity in the first few months of 2026. Auction house Ritchie Bros. recorded a large number of registrations and bids in the first quarter, indicating sustained demand for equipment both domestically and internationally.
The auctions in February and March collectively attracted 3,187 registered bidders and over 218,000 page views. The selection included a wide range of machines, such as excavators, wheel loaders, and cranes. This combination generated a great deal of interest and, in several cases, led to intense bidding wars.
According to the figures, this reflects not only the appeal of the auction model, but also a market that continues to evolve. Both buyers and sellers are finding it easier and easier to connect with one another through the platform.
A key feature of the auctions is their international reach. Equipment is traded between parties from more than eighty countries. This means that machines do not just circulate within the Dutch market, but find their way to new users worldwide.
For sellers, this increases the likelihood of achieving the best possible price, as it gives them access to a larger pool of potential buyers. On the other hand, it allows buyers to search specifically within an international selection, which is often broader than what is available locally.
Transactions are handled entirely digitally, with inspection data, photos, and technical specifications playing a key role in the bidding process.
The auction results are also reflected in a few notable transactions. For example, a 2024 Volvo LH90H2 was sold for €177,500. The machine, which is widely used on construction sites and in the recycling sector, remained in the Netherlands.
Among the items that attracted international interest was a 2008 Liebherr LTM 1070-4.1. This mobile crane fetched €130,000 and was sold to a buyer in Albania. The sale underscores the cross-border nature of the auctions.
A 2022 Hitachi ZX210LC-7 changed hands for €84,000 and found its way to Belgium. There was considerable interest in this relatively new excavator, partly due to its versatility and technical condition.
The first few months of the year show that demand for used machinery and transportation equipment remains stable. In a market where investments may be under pressure, used equipment remains an attractive alternative for many companies.
The combination of available supply, international demand, and digital sales channels has ensured that auctions have become an established part of the trade in construction and infrastructure equipment.
Whether this trend continues through the rest of 2026 will depend, among other things, on economic developments and the sector’s willingness to invest. In any case, the start of the year indicates that the market will remain dynamic for the time being.
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Founded in Canada in 1958, Ritchie Bros. is today the world's largest industrial auction house and service provider of heavy equipment and commercial vehicles. The company offers its customers a full range of services such as equipment buying and selling, tools to manage machine fleets, procurement of machine parts, data insights [....]
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