Is your commercial or industrial equipment starting to feel more like a relic than a reliable workhorse? You might be inclined to hold onto your old machinery, but the time will come to part ways eventually. Here are 14 telltale signs you’re better off auctioning that old equipment and possibly welcoming something shinier and more reliable into your fleet.
Is your machinery in the shop more than it’s on the job? Occasional repairs are expected, but fixing constant issues like leaking hydraulics, failing transmissions, and worn-out components add up fast. You might find that the cumulative cost of keeping an old unit running could easily be a down payment on a newer, more reliable model.
Like high-mileage vehicles, old machines with mounting operating hours have a higher risk of failure. Internal components like bearings, seals, and valves are designed to function for a specific number of hours. Once you push past that, you’re rolling the dice. Not only is performance affected, but resale value also plummets. If your hour meter is ticking toward the upper limit, selling now helps you extract value while there’s still something left to extract.
Old equipment tends to guzzle fuel without remorse. If you’ve noticed a steady increase in fuel costs, your equipment may be the culprit. Poor fuel efficiency slows things down and impacts your bottom line. Plus, every time fuel prices spike, your aging equipment becomes a liability you can’t afford.
No job is worth risking someone’s safety. Have your machinery’s safety features worn out, failed, or simply become outdated? That emergency shutoff switch might not respond as quickly as it used to, or the operator’s visibility could be compromised because the cab has seen better days. These little issues add up, leading to accidents, injuries, or fines for noncompliance. The risks aren’t worth holding onto that old rig.
Having a machine constantly out of commission gets expensive. Every hour of unplanned downtime is an hour your equipment isn’t generating income. If you’re always waiting for a technician or rigging up a temporary fix to keep things moving, your equipment is working against you. Offloading unreliable gear at auction allows you to reinvest in equipment you and your crew can count on.
When you’re spending more time searching for parts than actually fixing the equipment, that’s a major red flag. Manufacturers eventually phase out older models, making replacement parts scarce. You might have no choice but to source parts from third-party sellers at inflated prices or salvage parts from other broken machines. Either way, it’s inefficient.
Aging equipment often becomes more expensive to insure because of the higher risk profiles caused by outdated safety features, increased likelihood of breakdowns, and limited availability of replacement parts. Insurance providers may respond by hiking up your premiums or refusing coverage altogether. If your policy costs are creeping up, selling at auction and investing in newer, easier-to-insure equipment might make more financial sense.
Today’s commercial and industrial equipment is packed with advanced features that improve efficiency, safety, and ease of use. GPS systems, automated diagnostics, telematics, and predictive maintenance alerts are now standard on many new models. Such modern features reduce labor costs, speed up job completion, and ease compliance tracking. The longer you wait to upgrade, the further behind you fall.
Has your business expanded into new service areas, downsized, or taken a strategic turn? Some of your machinery may no longer be practical. If unneeded equipment no longer contributes to your bottom line, it’s not just sitting idle—it’s losing value when it could be turning a profit at auction.
Bigger fleets add complexity to your operations. More maintenance schedules to keep track of, more extensive storage needs, and more operator training are just the tip of the iceberg. If you have redundant or rarely used machines, streamlining your fleet will save you time, money, and stress. Auction off surplus units to support a more agile and profitable business.
Large equipment takes up space. If storing it costs more than the machinery generates in income, it’s time to reassess. Freeing up room in your warehouse, backlot, or shop lets you use it for things that actively support your business, such as newer equipment, materials, or vehicles.
Similar to cars, industrial equipment doesn’t become more valuable with age. The longer you wait to sell, the less you’ll get. Resale value declines sharply after certain usage milestones or once the next generation of models hits the market. Selling sooner means a better return, which helps cover the cost of your next machine.
Appearances matter, especially when clients visit your job site or facility. If your equipment looks like it barely survived the ’90s, it reflects poorly on your brand. Clients want to know you invest in your tools and take pride in your work, so consider selling it off and replacing it with clean, functional equipment to show you’re serious about quality and professionalism.
Timing matters. If a rare machine in your fleet experiences a supply shortage or a spike in demand, you could get top dollar at auction. The market is constantly shifting, so watching trends and acting when demand is high can work in your favor.
Selling your equipment at auction is a smart move. Whether you’re looking to unload one machine or clear out your entire fleet, Dakil makes the process smooth and straightforward. We’ve been Oklahoma City’s trusted auction team for over 30 years. As a family-run business, we combine personal service with the reach of in-person and online bidding. See what auctions are coming up, or contact us today to learn more about selling your equipment.
