Auction prices for used machinery have been hot the past 18 months. That includes the sprayer sector, which is setting itself up for demand and price shifts thanks to technology.
For example, the auction price for John Deere 4830s has increased by 4.8% this year versus 3.5% in 2025. The average price in 2026 is just over $73,100 compared with $69,800 last year. Case in point: On May 20, a 2010 John Deere 4830 sprayer with 2,341 hours sold for $93,000 by the Steffes Group, Inc.
“When I first started in this business, if 3,500-, 5,000- or 6,000-hour sprayers were for sale, they weren’t a hot item,” says Casey Seymour, co-host of the “Moving Iron” podcast. “Lately you’re watching those sell and there’s shockingly some pretty high prices.”
In this day and age where older equipment can be made almost new again with retrofit options, age isn’t always a deterrent.
“You can take advantage of the latest technology,” says Machinery Pete. “Hats off to manufacturers for making those components available back down the chain.”
Capitalize on the Depleting “Sweet Spot” in the Combine Market
When it comes to combines, inventory is now limited for three- to seven-year old machines, creating a floor for the market and forcing buyers to look at other options when it comes to age. Machinery Pete argues this is the perfect time to be an aggressive buyer.
“We’re coming out of the busy planting season … mindset-wise farmers were just kind of in a holding mode,” Machinery Pete explains. “When others are pulling back or waiting, our data shows quite a noticeable dip [in prices].”
Navigate the 19.5% Increase and the “Slow Grind” Toward Recovery
Machinery auctions are up by 19.5% through early May in 2026 versus 2025 due to retirements, bankruptcies and farmers downsizing. Farmers are also extending their trade cycles and moving away from rolling equipment every year. This is leading to a “slow grind,” rather than a rapid rebound, for the machinery market recovery.
The market is in a completely different place than it was in 2024, Machinery Pete says.
According to the “2026 Equipment Dealer Network Insights Report,” construction and ag equipment stores total more than 18,000 with 10,000 owners. Since 2011, ag dealer ownership has been cut in half. Big dealers now operate more than 66% of construction equipment branches and 40% of all ag stores.
Listen to the latest “Moving Iron” podcast for more from Machinery Pete and Seymour as they continue to break down the evolving agricultural machinery market.
