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For contractors, having the right equipment is essential to keeping projects on schedule and maintaining a competitive edge. But what happens when you have aging, underutilized, or surplus machinery taking up space?

Rather than letting old equipment collect dust—or worse, continue to depreciate—smart contractors use auctions to free up capital for new investments. Here’s how selling through Backes Auctioneers can help you turn outdated equipment into cash and keep your business moving forward.

1. Get Immediate Cash for Your Old Equipment

Holding onto unused machinery ties up valuable resources. Selling at auction turns that idle equipment into immediate cash, giving you the liquidity needed for new purchases, payroll, or expanding operations.

• No waiting months for a buyer—auctions ensure a sale happens on auction day.
• Competitive bidding can drive up the final selling price.
• You get paid faster than listing equipment privately.

2. Avoid Depreciation & Maintenance Costs

The longer you hold onto older machines, the more they lose value. Auctions help you sell at the right time, maximizing resale value before depreciation eats into potential profits.

Example: A skid steer that’s five years old will sell for more today than in another year when it’s considered outdated.

• Save on storage and insurance costs for idle equipment.
• Eliminate costly repairs and maintenance on machinery you no longer need.

3. Make Room for Upgraded Equipment

If you're upgrading your fleet, don’t let old machines take up space in your yard or shop. Selling at auction clears the way for newer, more efficient models that increase productivity.

• Newer equipment often comes with better fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs.
• Avoid the risk of outdated technology holding your business back.

4. Auctions Create a Competitive Market for Your Equipment

Unlike private sales, where you wait for the right buyer, auctions create immediate demand through competitive bidding. With Backes Auctioneers:

• Your equipment reaches serious buyers across the Midwest and beyond.
• We handle the marketing and bring the buyers to you.
• You don’t have to haggle over price—bidders set the market value.

5. Auctions Help Contractors Scale Their Business

By selling off equipment that’s no longer essential, contractors can reinvest in the tools and machinery they actually need to take on bigger projects and grow their businesses.

• Sell old excavators to invest in a new fleet.
• Offload underused rental equipment and put that money toward new job opportunities.
• Strengthen your financial position by reducing unnecessary assets.

Ready to Sell? Let’s Get Started

Whether you need to sell one machine or an entire fleet, Backes Auctioneers is your trusted partner for getting the most value from your used construction and fabrication equipment.

Turn your old equipment into cash—because every great investment starts with the right move!

Book Your Own Auction