Excavator median prices up by 15 percent in the U.S. according to Ritchie Bros. report

With its January Market Trends Report, Ritchie Bros. looks closely at earthmoving and aerial equipment sales last year, with in-depth charts outlining volumes, median pricing, and more by asset category. Last year, Ritchie Bros. sold 3,888 excavators in the United States and the median price was approximately $57,500, up by 15 percent year over year (for the three months ending December 31, 2022).

This month's Market Trends Report highlights sales of excavators, dozers, wheel loaders, motor graders, articulated dump trucks, loader backhoes, multi-terrain and skid steer loaders, as well as telehandlers, boom lifts, scissor lifts, and forklifts.

"We attracted a record number of bidders in 2021, resulting in the strongest equipment pricing we have ever seen," said Doug Olive, Senior Vice President (Pricing), Ritchie Bros. "Truck tractor pricing over the past three months is up 65 percent year over year in the United States, while medium earthmoving, vocational trucks, and aerial equipment prices are up 45 percent, 44 percent, and 41 percent respectively. It's a seller's market and consignors around the world are taking advantage by turning their surplus assets into cash."

Doug Rusch, Managing Director of Rouse Sales, added, "In 2021 retail pricing for earthmoving and aerial equipment reached its highest level in years. Strong pricing coincided with healthy sales volumes, with retail volume down just slightly vs. prior year. Auction prices also reached record high levels, increasing more rapidly than the retail market, as is often typical in high-demand environments."