Auction prices for used farm machinery have remained strong over the past 18 months, with the sprayer sector experiencing notable demand and price shifts due to advances in technology, according to a May 29 report. The auction price for John Deere 4830s has increased by 4.8% this year compared to a 3.5% rise in 2025, with the average price reaching just over $73,100 in 2026 versus $69,800 last year. On May 20, a 2010 John Deere 4830 sprayer with 2,341 hours sold for $93,000 through Steffes Group, Inc.
Casey Seymour, co-host of the “Moving Iron” podcast, said: “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. Lately you’re watching those sell and there’s shockingly some pretty high prices.”
The availability of retrofit options has made it possible for older equipment to be upgraded with new technology. Machinery Pete said: “You can take advantage of the latest technology. Hats off to manufacturers for making those components available back down the chain.”
Inventory is now limited for three- to seven-year-old combines as well. Machinery Pete argued that this situation creates an opportunity for aggressive buyers: “We’re coming out of the busy planting season … mindset-wise farmers were just kind of in a holding mode,” he said. “When others are pulling back or waiting, our data shows quite a noticeable dip [in prices].”
Machinery auctions are up by 19.5% through early May compared to last year due to retirements, bankruptcies and farmers downsizing operations. Farmers are also extending their trade cycles rather than rolling equipment every year—leading to what Machinery Pete described as a “slow grind” toward recovery instead of a rapid rebound.
The “2026 Equipment Dealer Network Insights Report” indicates there are more than 18,000 construction and agriculture equipment stores owned by about 10,000 owners; since 2011 ag dealer ownership has been cut in half while large dealers now operate more than two-thirds of construction branches and about two-fifths of all ag stores.
AgWeb authors publications on topics ranging from commodity markets to farm leadership strategies and presents awards such as Top Producer Awards while partnering with organizations like the American Soybean Association on conservation honors; it functions as a subsidiary of Farm Journal and aims to supply farmers with essential news and educational resources, according to AgWeb’s official website.
