Used Equipment Prices Holding Steady in Q2 2026 as Tariff Costs Stay With Manufacturers
According to Engineering News-Record, used construction equipment pricing remains largely stable heading into mid-2026, with normal seasonal trends dominating despite broader market turbulence. EquipmentWatch sales analyst Brendan Gallagher notes year-over-year values are down 5.52% in resale and 10.89% at auction, but says the declines are not unusual. Deere & Co. reported a 29% year-over-year rise in net sales for its construction and forestry division, suggesting manufacturers are absorbing tariff pressures rather than passing them to buyers.
What It Means for Subcontractors
- Used equipment prices are soft but stable, making this a reasonable window to refresh aging fleet before tariff costs eventually reach secondary markets.
- Rental rates may climb in coming months as rising diesel prices get folded into hourly rates, so locking in longer-term rental agreements now could offer savings.
- OEMs are currently absorbing tariff costs, but that buffer won’t last indefinitely. Companies planning major equipment purchases should factor potential price increases into second-half budgeting.
