Top-Selling Used Wheel Loaders: Trends To Look Out For In 2024–2025

Wheel loader demand is quietly shifting rather than swinging, according to the most recent research report of the market. Sales of new financed wheel loaders increased slightly from year to year, but the used financed market was a bit lower, and the average age of used machines increased slightly. 

Whether you are a buyer comparing a new machine to a lightly used alternative or a dealer moving inventory, those trends are important to look out for. 

Did the demand for the new wheel loader from known brands increase?

The number of newly financed wheel loaders increased between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025, reaching nearly 12,000 units. Caterpillar, John Deere, and Komatsu collectively control a sizable portion of newly financed sales, and their percentages remain consistent from year to year. 

As a result, market share continues to concentrate around a small number of significant manufacturers. Because it influences both resale values and the ecosystem of parts and services that buyers will depend on after the sale, that concentration is significant.

Which wheel loader models topped the market?

During that time, the most popular new financed models combined modern operator technology, easier serviceability, and practical power. Following a May 2024 F-Series update that enhanced visibility, added an electro-hydraulic control layout, and made routine maintenance easier, Case’s small 321F topped the pack in terms of unit sales. 

These are the top selling wheel loaders from known brands along with their number of units sold in 2024-2025.

What is the current market situation?

During the 12-month period, average used prices decreased marginally, and sales of used financed wheel loaders decreased year over year. Together with a slight decrease in average price and a slight increase in average machine age, the drop in transaction volume suggests that the market for used units is seeing supply edging ahead of immediate demand. 

This can open up purchasing opportunities for a buyer: used mid-range loaders, particularly those that are not the top brands or models fetching premium prices at auction, may offer more negotiating leverage. 

It serves as a reminder to dealers to be selective about which used heavy construction equipment to stock and to set aggressive prices for fast turns when market windows are closing.

Is the market for rare, low-hour machines still dominated by auction?

A different aspect of the market is revealed by auction behavior: buyers are prepared to pay more for a machine with a well-specified, exceptionally low hourly rate. 

The wheel loader’s top auction sale during the review period significantly exceeded typical retail values, proving that model desirability and scarcity (very few hours, near-new condition) can drive prices well above average private-sale fair market value. 

Auctions are still a crucial source for machines for luxury rental fleets or resale where condition commands a premium, but be ready to compete on condition rather than age or hours.

Which region stays on top in selling wheel loaders?

Geographically, the need for new loaders is concentrated in states with high construction activity. The largest share of new purchases came from Texas, which was followed by Florida and Illinois. 

A mix of residential and infrastructure activity can be seen in those hotspots, which serves as a reminder to suppliers that demand geography should guide inventory deployment and aftersales planning. Compare the cost of freight and downtime when comparing a local used purchase to an imported unit if your business model includes moving machinery over long distances.

What should buyers learn from this market trend?

These U.S. market signals are still helpful if you are planning imports, because they affect global used flows and price expectations. On the other hand, mid-tier used machines are experiencing somewhat softer pricing and a slightly more available supply; expect the most sought-after models and the most recent updates to hold their value better. 

This means that you can get a reliable mid-range loader at a competitive price if you buy it at the right time. However, buyers who require the newest uptime features should spend their money on new or extremely low-hour models.

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