2025 Machinery auction recap: what sold and what’s next

If 2025 proved anything, it is that heavy machinery auctions are no longer a side channel for distressed assets. They have become a primary buying and selling route for contractors, fleet owners, and exporters who understand value, timing, and machine fundamentals. 

Prices in 2025 were not driven by hype or speculation. They reflected hours, condition, inspection transparency, and how well each machine fit real jobsite demand.

This recap breaks down what happened across Makana’s 2025 auctions, what the sold prices actually mean in technical and market terms, and how buyers can use these results to prepare for upcoming auctions in 2026.

Before diving into numbers and models, it helps to understand why auction data matters more than ever.

Why 2025 auctions changed heavy equipment buying

Across global construction markets, contractors faced rising financing costs, tighter delivery timelines, and stricter equipment utilization targets. That shifted buying behavior toward used heavy equipment with verified condition rather than long factory lead times.

At the same time, auction platforms matured. Buyers expected more than photos and vague descriptions. They wanted inspection depth, operating data, and price transparency. That context shaped how Makana’s 2025 auctions performed.

Several trends became clear:

• Mid-life machines with honest hours sold faster than low-hour but poorly documented units.

• Compact and mid-size heavy machines outperformed oversized assets.

• Buyers priced maintenance risk more carefully than brand reputation alone.

These themes show up clearly when we look at our Dubai Machinery Auction that took place in October & November.

Makana Auction 01 recap: Bobcat S450 for sale

Makana’s first fully online heavy machine timed auction set the tone for how unreserved sales would work on the platform.

From a technical standpoint, the S450 sits at the lower end of Bobcat’s skid steer lineup. It is not designed for high-flow attachments or heavy demolition work. Instead, it targets utility contractors, rental fleets, and confined jobsites.

Same model, same year, sold for $19.500 in another Dubai auction. 

Explore Makana Upcoming and Ended Auctions

What this sale says about skid steer demand in 2025

Before moving on, it is worth stepping back and interpreting this result.

Skid steer loaders remained one of the most liquid heavy machines in auctions during 2025. Reasons include:

• Low transport cost compared to larger heavy machines.

• Broad attachment compatibility.

• Strong resale markets across MENA and Africa.

Machines like the Bobcat S450 and Bobcat S510 continue to act as “cash-efficient” assets. Buyers can deploy them quickly or resell them with minimal holding risk.

Makana Auction 02 recap: the earthmoving lineup

Makana Auction 02 expanded the scope significantly. Instead of a single asset, it tested market appetite across excavators, dozers, loaders, rollers, telehandlers, and graders.

Before analyzing individual sales, it helps to look at the structure.

Auction structure and logistics

• Auction type: Timed online, unreserved

• Location: Makana Showroom, JAFZA, Dubai

• Format: Highest bidder wins, no minimums

Excavators for sale at auction

Excavators drew consistent attention, but pricing separated clearly by hours and configuration.

Komatsu PC78UU sold at Makana auction 2

For buyers unfamiliar with hour-related valuation, Not all machine hours are equal: Here’s proof explains why raw hour numbers never tell the full story.

Wheel loaders for sale in auctions

Volvo L120F wheel loader sold at Makana 2nd auction The L120F result was one of the most instructive sales in Auction 02.

For technical background, check out Makana's research hub for heavy machines technical specs, owner ratings, expert reviews and comparison with similar heavy machines.

Bulldozer sold in machinery auction. 

How much the CAT D6R Sold for in Dubai

For a deeper comparison across Cat dozer generations, D8K vs D8R vs D8T: Which Cat dozer fits your job best? offers relevant parallels.

Telehandlers for sale at an auction

JCB 540-170 telehandler sold by Makana

The price of the JCB 540-170 reflected strong demand in logistics and industrial sites, limited availability of similar machines in comparable condition, and a clear, well-documented inspection history.

Compaction equipment for sale 

Sakai CR270 tandem roller sold at Makana auction 2

Low-capital machines with simple mechanics often sell quickly, even if margins are thin. Buyers are less concerned with resale value and more focused on immediate usability.

What buyers should prepare for Makana Auctions in 2026

Makana is getting ready for Makana Auction 03: Grand Machinery Auction, a fully online heavy machinery auction taking place in February 2026. Bidding will open on 02 February 2026 and close on 17 February 2026.

A wide range of heavy machinery categories will be added to Makana Auction 03, including excavators, dozers, wheel loaders, skid steers (Bobcats), graders, and power equipment. The full catalog will be released closer to the auction date.

To view the complete machine list as it goes live, buyers are encouraged to register early and receive updates directly on the platform.

Buyers can also visit the Makana showroom to inspect the machines in person, check inspection reports, and get help from the team. 

For buyers new to auctions, 7 steps to join makana.com auctions successfully offers a practical walkthrough.

FAQs

• Are used heavy equipment auctions reliable for buyers?

Yes. When machines are properly inspected and documented, used heavy equipment auctions are one of the most reliable ways to buy skid steers, excavators, dozers, and loaders at transparent market prices.

• Which machines performed best at auctions in 2025?

In 2025, skid steer loaders, compact and mid-size excavators, reliable dozers, and wheel loaders showed strong demand. These machines are easier to transport, widely used, and hold resale value well.

• How can buyers prepare for upcoming Makana auctions in 2026?

Buyers should register early, review inspection reports carefully, compare sold prices from previous auctions, and inspect machines in person when possible. Following auction results helps buyers bid with confidence.