July 2026 Used Heavy Equipment Market Report: What You Should Know

The U.S. heavy equipment market showed signs of stabilisation in July 2026, though prices continued to decline. Used heavy-duty construction equipment inventory was up 0.4% month-over-month, according to the latest Sandhills Global market report published on August 10. However, it was still down 9.21% compared with July 2025 levels. Simultaneously, asking values fell 0.3% month on month and 3.07% year on year, while auction values decreased by 0.78% month on month and 2.44% year on year.

That creates a market with more negotiating room and relatively tight supply compared to last year for buyers. The numbers indicate a more competitive environment for sellers, where machine condition, pricing and time on the market are more critical than they were in the stronger equipment cycle.

Used Heavy Equipment Market Overview, July 2026

Most recent Sandhills Equipment Value Index (EVI) data show the used heavy equipment market is no longer experiencing the dramatic inventory swings seen earlier this year. Instead, supply is beginning to reach an equilibrium, and equipment prices are still moderate.

The overall picture is simple: inventories are relatively stable, but values are not.

That is a big difference.

A market can have stable inventory, and prices can continue to fall if buyers remain cautious, sellers are revising their asking prices, or auction results continue to put downward pressure on valuations.

Inventory Stabilization of Used Heavy Equipment

Inventories of heavy-duty construction equipment grew 0.4% from June to July, a much smaller monthly change than the 2.51% increase registered in June. However, July inventories were still down 9.21% from a year earlier.

This means that the market is moving to a more balanced supply pattern and not a big inflow of machines.

The wheel loader segment is a good example.

Among the heavy-duty equipment categories covered in the report, wheel loader inventory increased 1.92% month over month in July. But inventory was still 10.55% lower than July 2025.

For equipment buyers, that combination matters. More wheel loaders became available during July, but the overall supply remains considerably tighter than it was a year ago.

So it’s too early to say the market is oversupplied.

Used Equipment Prices Continue Their Slide

Inventory is beginning to level off, but equipment values are still going the other way.

Sandhills noted that asking values for U.S. used heavy-duty construction equipment were down 0.3% month over month and down 3.07% year over year in July. Auction values declined even more on a monthly basis, falling 0.78%, and were 2.44% lower than a year earlier.

That creates an important distinction between asking prices and auction values.

Asking prices indicate what sellers are asking for in the retail market. Auction values are derived from equipment sold at an auction. The two markets are for different buying situations and so do not always move at exactly the same pace.

Both were down in July.

This gives buyers another reason to compare retail listings against recent auction results, rather than just looking at a machine based on its advertized price.

Wheel Loaders Show One of the Most Obvious Market Changes

Inventory increased 1.92% M/M but was down 10.55% from a year ago. The asking value for wheel loaders declined 1.44% M/M and was the heavy-duty equipment segment highlighted by Sandhills that experienced the largest monthly asking-value decline.

And the combination is an interesting story.

There are a few more wheel loaders available than in June, but sellers are feeling downward pressure on asking values as well.

If you know exactly what kind of wheel loader you want, this could be an opportunity to negotiate on machines that have been sitting on the market, particularly if a seller wants to turn inventory.

But lower market values don’t necessarily make every used wheel loader a good buy.

Hours, maintenance history, tire condition, transmission performance, hydraulic condition, bucket wear and overall machine history can make a huge difference between two machines with similar model years.

Crawler Excavator Values Remain Under Pressure

Values of crawler excavators weakened in July as well.

Their asking values declined 4.63% year over year, the largest annual asking-value decrease among the heavy-duty equipment categories identified in the latest Sandhills report. Crawler excavator auction values were also 3.78% lower year over year.

But the real point of this trend isn’t the actual percentage.

Excavators represent a major portion of the used construction equipment market, serving applications ranging from site development and utility work to road construction, demolition, and material handling.

When excavator values soften, buyers who are ready to purchase can potentially find better value than they could during a stronger pricing cycle.

But a buyer should not use a drop in the market as an excuse to neglect machine condition.

An inexpensive excavator with an expensive hydraulic, undercarriage, or engine issue can quickly turn into a more expensive excavator with a maintenance history.

Crawler Dozer Auction Values Are Falling, Too

Another significant movement of crawler dozers occurred in July.

Auction values for crawler dozers decreased 1.35% month over month, the largest monthly auction-value decline among the heavy-duty categories highlighted in Sandhills’ July report.

Auction results can be particularly useful for buyers watching the market because they provide another reference point for determining whether retail asking prices appear competitive.

For sellers, the same data point to the importance of realistic pricing.

A machine priced substantially above comparable market evidence may remain listed longer while competing equipment becomes available at more attractive prices.

What the July 2026 Data Mean for Equipment Buyers

The July market does not point to a sudden collapse in used equipment values. Instead, it shows a gradual cooling in prices alongside relatively stable inventory.

That can be a favorable environment for buyers who are ready to invest.

Three things stand out, and buyers should know.

1- Buyers Have More Room to Compare

The inventory is no longer dropping off at a sharp rate month after month, and buyers can take more time to compare machine condition, hours, specs, location and price.

The cheapest machine isn’t the best buy. It is the machine that gives the right mix of purchase price, condition, productivity, and expected operating cost.

2- The Importance of Negotiation

Asking values declined in July while inventory remained relatively stable.

That combination can give willing buyers more leverage in negotiations, especially with machines that have been sitting on the market for a long time.

Sellers still have to account for transportation, reconditioning, financing, and holding costs. A realistic offer backed by a clear understanding of comparable equipment can therefore carry more weight than simply asking for a discount.

3- Quality Is Still More Important Than Market Direction

In a declining market, the quality of the equipment is not less important.

In fact, it may make condition even more important as buyers have more options to choose from.

A well-maintained machine with service records and a clean operating history can remain more A well-maintained machine with service records and a clean operating history can still be more attractive than a cheaper machine with uncertain maintenance or significant wear.

What impact does this report have on the sellers?

The market is getting tougher for sellers.

With heavy-duty equipment inventory only slightly higher than June but still below last year, sellers are not dealing with an oversupply situation. However, declining asking and auction values mean buyers have stronger reasons to negotiate.

Sellers can respond by focusing on the factors they can control.

Accurate specifications, detailed photographs, service documentation, verified operating hours, clear descriptions, and competitive pricing can help a machine stand out.

Pricing is particularly important.

A machine that is priced according to current market conditions has a better chance of attracting serious buyers than one priced according to historical market highs.

Used Equipment Market vs. Last Year

The year-over-year numbers provide perhaps the clearest picture of where the market stands.

Despite the softening of values, the data indicate that supply is still well short of last year’s level.

For one thing, it would be a mistake to call the market a “buyer’s market” at this time.

While buyers have more leverage than they did during times of rapid price increases, quality used equipment may still be somewhat scarce.

Is July 2026 a Good Time to Buy Used Heavy Equipment?

July may offer opportunities for buyers who are in a hurry to get equipment, as well as those who shop around and use market information to negotiate.

The drop in asking and auction values suggests buyers are not under the same pricing pressure as during more robust market times. Meanwhile, inventories are also down from a year ago, so don’t expect prices to drop forever.

A more practical approach when buying a machine is to not try to guess the bottom of the market but to look for a machine that will fit the project’s needs at a reasonable overall cost.

Waiting for the equipment to be cheaper again for the next project can also result in additional expenses for renting the equipment, project delays, or lost productivity.

What Should Buyers Watch in the Coming Months?

The coming months will be critical to see if July’s sideways inventory trend continues to become more stable.

The following are important signs to look out for:

Inventory

A sustained increase could give buyers more choice and put additional pressure on asking values.

Asking values

If they continue to drop, it means that sellers are still adapting to the softer market conditions.

Auction values

Additional evidence of weakening equipment valuations could be seen in further declines.

Wheel loaders

Their inventory increased more than the overall heavy-duty market in July, making this category worth watching.

Crawler excavators

The year-over-year value decreases are still significant to note.

Crawler dozers

Recent auctions may give a preview of the direction earthmoving equipment values will go.

Sandhills’ Equipment Value Index is especially helpful here, as it provides a measure of inventory, asking values, and auction values for equipment markets so that buyers and sellers can watch for changes in the markets instead of individual listings or transactions.

With used equipment values continuing to shift, timing and market knowledge matter more than ever. Explore MY Equipment’s inventory to find quality machines at competitive market prices.
Contact us today to discuss your next equipment purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the prices of used heavy equipment decrease in 2026?

Yes. Sandhills’ July 2026 market report shows that asking values for U.S. used heavy-duty construction equipment fell 3.07% year over year, and auction values fell 2.44% year over year.

Is the used wheel loader price going down?

Yes. Wheel loader asking values decreased 1.44% month over month in July 2026. Wheel loader inventory rose by 1.92% M/M but was still 10.55% lower than July 2025.

Are used excavator prices going down?

Crawler excavator values continued to decline in July. Asking values were 4.63% lower year over year, while auction values were 3.78% lower year over year according to Sandhills data.

Is July 2026 a good time to buy used construction equipment?

It may be a good time for buyers who are prepared to buy and are willing to do a careful comparison of equipment. Asking and auction values are on the decline, which can offer negotiating opportunities, but inventory is still lower than last year, so buyers shouldn’t assume that all categories are on the decline.

What are some things I should look for before purchasing used heavy equipment?

The buyer should consider the machine’s operating hours, maintenance history, service history, condition of the undercarriage or tires, hydraulic system, engine and transmission performance, attachments, overall wear, and any inspection documentation available. The actual condition of the machine and expected operating costs should be taken into account when deciding on the market price.

Source: Sandhills Global July 2026 Market Reports.

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