New vs Used Heavy Equipment: Which Makes More Sense in 2026?

[SolidRockbreaker]

Hey everyone, with equipment prices and technology changing fast in 2026, I’m curious how people are deciding between buying new vs used heavy equipment. New machines offer warranties, better fuel efficiency, and updated tech, but the upfront cost is tough to justify. Used equipment can be a great value, especially from reputable auctions or dealers, but hours and maintenance history matter a lot. For those who’ve bought recently, what tipped the scale for you? Do the long-term operating and resale costs still favor used, or is new starting to make more sense?

 

[USVeteran]

If you're running high hours, go new for the efficiency and uptime. But for smaller projects, a solid used machine is still the best way to grow your fleet without the massive debt.