Where To Find Used Heavy Equipment in British Columbia
Used heavy equipment provides a convenient alternative to purchasing brand-new equipment from a dealer. It has the advantage of being cheaper, and with the widespread availability of machinery across several industries, it is easy to find what you’re looking for.
Auctions and used equipment marketplaces are popular venues to find many types of machinery, including backhoes, feller bunchers, and excavators. With heavy-haul transport companies shipping equipment across Canada and the United States, there is almost no restriction on where you can make your next purchase. Whether you live in British Columbia or are looking to expand your purchasing reach, here are the best places to find used heavy equipment in B.C.
Heavy Equipment Auctions
Auction houses are common across North America, with a growing trend toward online auctions. While in-person auctions provide the benefit of being able to examine the equipment in person, visiting the site may be difficult or require extensive travel costs.
Conversely, online auctions are easy to access, with bids made from the convenience of your office or even while at a job site. With so many options to choose from, it is easy to compare equipment to get the best deal.
Types of Heavy Equipment
While some auction houses specialize in specific types of industrial machinery, others offer a variety of equipment. They cover a range of industries, including construction, agriculture, forestry, oil and gas, and mining.
Popular Heavy Equipment Auction Houses in B.C.
There are several in-person auction houses located in B.C. While they do offer in-person bidding, they are also accessible to online bidders who may bid from any remote location.
Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers
Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers has auction sites in three locations in B.C.:
- Chilliwack
- Prince George
- Taylor.
If you live in B.C., this may be convenient when you prefer to visit the auction site and examine the equipment in person.
Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers sells equipment from a wide range of industries and are a well-established name in the heavy equipment auction world. They also operate 60 permanent auction sites, with the majority located in Canada and the United States and a few sites across the globe. They also offer online bidding for most of their auctions which opens up your choices considerably.
Avenue Machinery
Avenue Machinery has locations across British Columbia and specializes in construction and farming equipment. They offer both new and used equipment, including excavators, skid steers, tractors, and combines. With a large inventory of used equipment at a set price, Avenue Machinery provides a convenient option when you need to secure your machinery quickly.
Online Heavy Equipment Auctions in North America
The prevalence of online auction sites means that you are not limited to bidding in auctions within your local region. Other popular auction houses that you may wish to browse include:
- Michener Allen Auctioneering
- Iron Planet
- Global Machinery Auctions
Many online auction companies provide additional services, which include financing options, leasing options, insurance, warranties, and inspection services.
Tips For Buying Used Equipment at a Heavy Equipment Auction
Research your equipment in advance – Most auction sites post their listings in advance so you can research your equipment ahead of time. Important information that should be listed includes the year of manufacture, years of active use, and mechanical history. Some heavy equipment sellers get a third-party inspection which provides a more detailed account of the condition of the equipment.
Organize Your Finances
How much are you willing to spend on your equipment? By setting your price ahead of time, you are less likely to get caught up in the bidding frenzy that is a common feature of auctions.
Determine Your Shipping Costs
With the wide availability of used heavy equipment and the ease of online bidding, you may end up buying a machine that is located far away. Factoring in the cost of transporting your machine is important when considering the overall costs. Trusted Dispatch offers a free, instant shipping calculator so you can quickly and easily add up your budget. All you need is three pieces of information:
- The pick-up location
- The drop-off destination
- The weight and size dimensions of the machine
If you are unsure of the product specifications, use our powerful specs tool. This tool comes pre-loaded with over 60,000 pieces of heavy machinery. You will need the make and model of the equipment to find your specs.
Cross-Border Shipping
If you need to ship your equipment across international borders, you will need to present the relevant documentation to the customs agent. This includes a Bill of Exchange (BOE), a Bill of Lading (BOL), and a Proof of Delivery (POD).
While the documentation can be extensive and errors can cause delays, you may want to consider hiring a customs broker to reduce problems.
Securing Equipment Hauling Services
Once you’ve received your free quote for Trusted Dispatch shipping services, post your load to connect with a driver. Upload photos and other important information to make it easy for a driver to ship your load.
Posted loads are usually claimed within 24 to 48 hours, so check your email or the Trusted Dispatch App and accept the offer to secure a driver. Once the shipment is confirmed, you will receive the driver’s contact information.
Stay in touch with your driver and confirm the shipment before the shipping date. They will also give you important information that may be necessary to ship your load.
Heavy Equipment Transport in B.C.
When it comes to hauling your next heavy equipment purchase anywhere to and from B.C., get your free instant quote from Trusted Dispatch for expert and quality service.
