Construction machine sales strengthening during 2018

Newly available data reveals that construction equipment sales are showing further growth in in the second quarter of 2018. The report reveals that retail sales of construction and earthmoving equipment in the UK market grew by 3.8% in the second quarter of 2018, compared with the same period in 2017. This is according to the UK equipment statistics exchange provided by data processing specialist Systematics International and run in partnership with the Construction Equipment Association (CEA). Th
August 8, 2018 Read time: 2 mins
Newly available data reveals that construction equipment sales are showing further growth in in the second quarter of 2018. The report reveals that retail sales of construction and earthmoving equipment in the UK market grew by 3.8% in the second quarter of 2018, compared with the same period in 2017. This is according to the UK equipment statistics exchange provided by data processing specialist Systematics International and run in partnership with the 3418 Construction Equipment Association (CEA).         


This report reveals a continued trend towards a slowing rate of quarterly growth this year compared with 2017, with growth last year in the second quarter at just below 8%. The graph below shows quarterly sales on an index basis, using the first quarter of 2016 as 100. This illustrates a continuing upward trend in sales, but at a slowing rate of growth. Overall, this is an encouraging position for the industry, against the background of a weak construction market, which is anticipated to show flat output, or possibly a small decline this year.

In the first half of the year, equipment sales have recorded 5% growth in total compared with the first half of 2017, reaching over 16,000 units. The graph below illustrates a consistent seasonal pattern of sales across the last three years, with the second quarter remaining as the peak quarter of demand.

Amongst the most popular machine types, crawler excavators weighing over 10tonnes showed the strongest growth in the second quarter at 11% up on the same quarter in 2017. Telehandlers and mini/midi excavators (below 10tonnes) also continued to show growth at 10% and 3%, compared with the same quarter in 2017. The latest feedback from the rental industry, which is estimated to account for over 60% of equipment supply, remains positive, with confidence holding amongst the major national companies.

Sales of some of the lower volume equipment types show a mix of growth rates. Wheeled loaders and backhoe loaders showed growth in the second quarter, but compaction rollers remain weak, and continue to show declining levels of sales compared with 2017.

Finance & Funding

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • US sees decline in construction machine exports
    December 4, 2015
    Exports of US construction equipment are still in decline according to the latest Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) market update. The AEM report shows that exports of US-made construction equipment dropped 17.6% for the first three quarters of 2015 compared to January-September 2014, for a total $10.8 billion shipped worldwide.
    Read More
  • Sales of earthmoving equipment in France grew by 21% in 2017
    February 2, 2018
    The French earthmoving equipment market remains the third biggest market in Europe with sales of 21,630 machines last year. According to Cisma, the French equipment manufacturers’ association, 2017 stands out as the best year since the market crash in 2008. Growth in equipment sales for 2017 so far have been driven by crawler excavators, which were 22% higher than in 2016. This includes mini excavator sales, which are the most popular product, and reflect a strong house building market this year The mini
    Read More
  • Construction growth Italy: upwards but slower
    January 31, 2020
    Construction investment in Italy will grow between 2020-2021, albeit at a slower pace than 2019, according updated estimates by the SaMoTer-Prometeia Outlook.
    Read More
  • 2-4 year-old construction equipment tops buyer ‘wish list’
    May 11, 2012
    A leading used construction equipment auctioneer firm boss believes equipment aged between 2 and 4 years is now topping buyers’ ‘wish lists’, as 1 to 2-year-old used stocks deplete. Jonnie Keys, General Manager of Euro Auctions, said that with the cost of new equipment currently up by around 20% on prices in June 2009, the used market is still strong. “Euro Auctions has repeatedly seen over 30% of all plant sold leaving the UK and Europe for projects in Australia, South Africa, South America, Central Ameri
    Read More

Highlighted Content