FleetNow's latest mid-year analysis of construction equipment trends in North America has identified a notable surge in demand for compact machinery, with runabouts making a significant leap into the top 10 categories by lead count. The report, based on sales inquiry data from January through June 2025, confirms the continued dominance of boom lifts, scissor lifts, and telehandlers in the market. However, mini excavators and excavators are generating the most leads per listing, indicating a tighter inventory and a market of more serious buyers. This trend suggests that while certain equipment categories maintain their popularity, the market is experiencing a shift toward more versatile and compact machinery that can operate in constrained spaces.
Jill Lackey, Marketing Manager at FleetNow, advises buyers to act swiftly on popular categories like boom lifts and to consider purchasing from reputable rental yards or dealers for well-maintained equipment. The report highlights the importance of flexibility in brand, hours, or specifications to navigate the competitive market effectively. For sellers, FleetNow recommends listing equipment online frequently, completing listings with detailed photos and maintenance records, and emphasizing compact equipment to attract more buyers. These strategies are crucial in a market where inventory is tight and serious buyers are actively seeking specific equipment types.
The implications of these findings are significant for both buyers and sellers in the construction equipment industry. The surge in compact machinery demand reflects broader industry trends toward urbanization and smaller job sites, where space constraints require more versatile equipment. The continued dominance of boom lifts and scissor lifts indicates sustained demand for aerial work platforms, likely driven by ongoing construction and maintenance projects across various sectors. The high leads per listing for mini excavators and excavators suggest that these machines are in particularly short supply, potentially leading to increased prices and faster sales cycles.
For those interested in a deeper dive into the 2025 construction equipment trends, FleetNow provides a comprehensive breakdown, including FAQs and visuals, in their Construction Equipment Trends 2025 article. Additional insights and current trending machines can be found in their latest equipment demand data. This report serves as a valuable resource for industry professionals looking to make informed purchasing or selling decisions in a rapidly evolving market. The data-driven approach provides concrete evidence of shifting preferences and can help stakeholders anticipate future trends and adjust their strategies accordingly.
The report's findings underscore the importance of staying informed about market dynamics in the construction equipment industry. The shift toward compact machinery represents both a challenge and an opportunity for equipment manufacturers, dealers, and rental companies. Those who can adapt to these changing preferences by offering the right mix of equipment and services will likely gain a competitive advantage. Meanwhile, buyers who understand these trends can make more strategic purchasing decisions, potentially securing better deals on in-demand equipment or identifying undervalued categories. The tight inventory situation for excavators suggests that sellers in this segment may have increased pricing power, while buyers may need to be more flexible in their specifications to secure the equipment they need.
