According to the new Sandhills Global market reports, which cover construction equipment, farm machinery, trucks, and trailers on Sandhills platforms, inventory levels declined in December as dealers sought to close end-of-year sales. 

Market Wrap: Inventory Levels Slide as Year-End Sales Slow
December’s Sandhills Global market data show used equipment inventory across most segments declined month-over-month as dealers pushed to close out the year, but sales remained sluggish in key verticals. Construction sector movement was slower than typical for year-end, and recent-model agricultural units proved harder to move. The revised IRS Section 179 incentives for equipment and trucks had minimal impact on sales without accompanying lower rates or stronger commodity prices.

Tractors: Continued Decline in Inventory and Asking Prices
Used tractors saw inventory fall for the eighth straight month, down 1.9 % M/M and a substantial 15.5 % Y/Y. Asking prices dipped slightly month-to-month and more materially year-over-year, while auction values remained sideways to modestly positive. The equipment value spread (EVI) narrowed, tracking tighter markets for mid-to-late-model used tractors.

Combines: Auction Values Climb, Inventory Steadies
In the combine harvester market, inventory ticked up modestly compared to November but remained below year-ago levels. Both asking and auction values trended sideways to slightly stronger, with auction values posting double-digit gains year-over-year, signaling selective demand even as broader agricultural markets stay soft. 

Compact & Utility Tractors: Broad YoY Drop, M/M Upturn
Compact and utility tractors showed a significant year-over-year inventory decline and a modest month-to-month inventory increase. Asking values were slightly lower, and auction values slipped, highlighting continued pressure in smaller horsepower categories despite some current month stability.

Construction Equipment: Inventory Falls, Values Flatten
Across heavy-duty construction equipment (excavators, dozers, loaders), inventory levels decreased both M/M and Y/Y. Asking and auction values were muted, with auction values slightly up year-over-year in specific segments like wheel loaders — but overall pricing remains subdued. Medium-duty construction equipment also saw inventory and values trend lower. 

Trucks & Trailers: Sideways to Soft Market Signals
Heavy-duty truck inventories edged down, with day cab segments showing larger YoY drops, while sleeper trucks trended sideways. Asking prices were mostly flat to slightly up, but auction values continued a downtrend. Used semi-trailers also recorded falling inventory and price softening across segments. Medium-duty trucks followed a multi-month inventory decline with corresponding value contraction.