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The latest report from Ritchie Bros. on the European used machinery market shows stabilizing prices, rising demand and renewed investment in fleet renewal within construction and agriculture.
After months of stagnation, the European used equipment market is finally starting to pick up. The latest Ritchie Bros. Q3 2025 Used Equipment Market Trends Report - European Edition shows a market returning to balance - with stronger buying confidence, stabilizing prices and an increase in international trade.
Based on auction results from Ritchie Bros. and Mascus data, this edition shows that the European used machine market has moved from recovery to reconfiguration. Buyers are focusing on younger machines, while sellers are benefiting from improved liquidity and stronger residual values. At the end of 2025, compact equipment continues to lead this transition, contributing to a more resilient and pragmatic secondary market
The construction equipment sector continues to lead market growth, with compact and earthmoving equipment remaining resilient.
Articulated dumpers made a strong comeback, especially in infrastructure and quarry applications. The median auction price increased by 5% year-on-year to around €42,700, supported by an increase of 79% in lots sold. Younger fleet profiles and the continued shift to modern, fuel-efficient dumpers point to active fleet renewal in Northern and Western Europe. Volvo remained the top selling brand at auctions, with the United Kingdom, Belgium and the Netherlands leading buyer markets.
Crawler excavators performed strongly in Q3. At auctions, sales increased by 35% compared to Q3 2024, while median prices remained stable at just above €31,000. The most active buyer markets were the UK, Spain and Belgium, driven by continued investment in infrastructure and civil engineering. On Mascus, demand - measured by email inquiries and direct calls - also increased significantly, by 37% year-on-year, mainly from the UK, Germany and the Netherlands.
Mini Excavators remained the outlier, with an increase of 27% in demand on Mascus and an increase of 10% in auction volume, while the median price rose by 3% to €11,800. Italy led the auction purchases, followed by Spain and France, as contractors and rental companies renewed their fleets with compact, versatile models.
Wheel Loaders saw a 29% increase in demand on Mascus and 14% higher auction volumes, with a 5% increase in median price. This growth was driven by demand from the Netherlands, Spain and Poland. Replacement cycles remained healthy, especially in logistics, recycling and aggregates, while Caterpillar, Volvo and JCB dominated sales.
The agricultural equipment market remained more cautious. Obsolete inventories led to falling median prices and reluctant investment, reflecting lower margins, reduced subsidies and continuing costs. Despite these pressures, activity in the European tractor market remained stable:
Mascus recorded a 3% increase in demand, while auctions sold 1% more volume. Median prices fell 5% to €35,100, mainly due to older machines with more running hours.
Main buyer markets at auctions were Spain, Germany and France, while Mascus saw the highest demand from Germany, Sweden and Denmark.
The top selling brands at Ritchie Bros. auctions were New Holland, Deutz-Fahr and Claas, while John Deere, New Holland and Massey Ferguson were the most searched for on Mascus.
"Throughout Europe, we now see a more confident and aware market,” says Duncan Ainscough, Head of Sales at Ritchie Bros. EMEA. "Buyers are making informed, value-driven decisions - focused on efficient, compliant machines that support their long-term goals. At the same time, our data show that sellers are benefiting from renewed liquidity and a surge in cross-border transactions, as demand for quality used machinery continues to rise beyond national borders."
The Netherlands showed balanced demand in all major categories, with a strong focus on wheel loaders: number one in auction purchases and top three in Mascus demand. The Netherlands also ranked in the top five for crawler excavators and tractors at auctions as well as in Mascus demand. Mini excavators and articulated dump trucks also placed the Netherlands in the top three. The Netherlands remains an important hub for cross-border trade and re-export, playing a strategic role in the European market.
The full rapportionment is now free available and provides in-depth analysis of current market sentiment and actionable insights for industry professionals.
