Before ever listing a motor grader, consider its resale value. For contractors and fleet managers, brand preference can have an impact on buyer demand and recovered capital. Based on current market signals in the United States, five brands need special examination: Caterpillar, John Deere, Komatsu, Volvo CE, and CASE. This rating takes into account resale strength, liquidity, support, model demand, and configuration, rather than just advertised prices.
In this post, we will rate the top five motor grader brands by resale value using market demand, auction performance, model popularity, and support. We will also discuss the important aspects that can affect a grader’s resale value, allowing you to make a more informed purchasing decision.
How Were These Motor Grader Brands Ranked for Resale Value?
The rankings are based on used demand, auction performance, support, popular models, and desirable characteristics. Fusable/Equipment World reported that 1,075 used motor graders were financed in the year ending October 2025, a 15.2% decrease from the previous year. Caterpillar owned 47.3% of used financed graders, and Cat models filled 15 of the top 20 auction-price positions. This makes liquidity essential to resale value.
1. Caterpillar: The Strongest Motor Grader Resale Value
Why Caterpillar ranks first
Caterpillar leads because purchasers understand the brand and dealers service a big installed base. Its 47.3% share of used financed graders is the most obvious current market indicator. In 2026, Caterpillar upgraded the 150 and 160 to its Next Generation platform, which included enhanced controls, efficiency, and operator capabilities.
CAT models buyers should watch
Inspect 140M3 and 140M3 AWD machines, as well as 12M2, 150, and 160 models, for resale purposes. CAT is the best option when future customer demand is more important than minimizing purchasing price.
2. John Deere: A Strong Resale Alternative to CAT
Why does Deere rank second?
John Deere has a strong secondary market presence in grading. Deere trailed Caterpillar in the latest used funded data, with the 772G and 672G being the two best-selling used models, with 90 and 77 financed units, respectively. A common model, such as the 772G, may be simpler to sell than an odd design.
Models to Watch
The 772G, 772GP, and 672G, as well as the newer 770, 772, 870, and 872 P-Tier machines, merit your attention.
3. Komatsu: Strong Value Retention With a Lower Entry Cost
Why does Komatsu rank third?
Komatsu has a strong reputation for durability, an established GD-series, and extensive support. Komatsu says it has nine parts distribution centers and over 300 distributor sites in the United States and Canada.
Models That Matter
Concentrate on GD555, GD655, and GD675 grades. Komatsu is appealing when a reduced initial price allows for maintenance.
4. Volvo CE: Good Resale Potential, Especially in the Right Market
Volvo CE comes fourth, but that doesn’t mean a Volvo grader is a bad purchase. The G900 family has a proven track record, and the G946 includes AWD. Resale is more dependent on region and local fleet familiarity. A G940 or G946 can be advantageous when the purchasing discount offsets a smaller audience.
Models to Watch
Consider the G930, G940, G946, and G960 graders, paying attention to condition and local need.
5. CASE: Competitive Purchase Value, But Resale Depends More on Market
CASE ranks fifth because its used grader market is less liquid than Caterpillar, Deere, or Komatsu. That may appeal to purchasers looking for a reduced beginning price. CASE expanded their line in 2026 with larger GR-series machines ranging in horsepower from 240 to 325.
What Actually Determines a Motor Grader’s Resale Value?
Branding is just the starting step. Hours, maintenance records, tire condition, moldboard and circle wear, cab condition, grade-control readiness, AWD, attachments, and geographic demand can all impact resale. When purchasing a used motor grader, Machinery Trader recommends looking for leaks, cracks, rust, tires, engine and gearbox condition, and documented maintenance history.
Buyer liquidity is an important consideration that is often disregarded. A standard configuration may attract more purchasers, whereas a unique design may take longer to sell. The top motor grader brands generate personality, but the specific machine affects how readily demand is converted into a sale.
Technology can also influence how appealing a grader is to potential customers, especially when comparing machine-control and operator-assist capabilities. A closer look at the invisible technology behind today’s best motor grader brands will help explain why comparable machines may attract different buyers on the used market.
For a working fleet, this also includes planning for resale before purchasing:
- Choose a model with a broad buyer base.
- Keep your service records organized.
- Avoid configurations that a small number of contractors require.
- A clean inspection trail can later be used to market the property, rather than just as paperwork for the next owner.
Does Buying the Highest-Resale Brand Always Save Money?
No. The lowest ownership cost is not always associated with the strongest resale brand. Let’s say a CAT costs $25,000 more than a similar Komatsu but only makes $15,000 more when sold; the premium was not entirely recouped. Examine the purchase price, finance, upkeep, repairs, downtime, petrol, and expected resale value.
Which Motor Grader Brand Should You Buy If Resale Is Your Priority?
The top competitor is Caterpillar, followed by Komatsu and John Deere. When local support is strong or purchase prices are drastically down, Volvo CE and CASE become more enticing. The best purchase among the best motor grader brands balances acquisition expenses and future liquidity.
Conclusion: Buy for Resale, Not Just Purchase Price
Caterpillar is the top motor grader brand, followed by Volvo CE and CASE, John Deere, and Komatsu. However, the emblem alone does not generate resale value. Examine demand, hours, service history, configuration, buyer pool, and anticipated selling price before making a purchase. Top motor grader brands are important, but astute consumers choose the unit that the next buyer will want.
Are you planning to resell your purchase? Look through our used motor graders collection from leading brands for sale or rent and select a machine with the performance, configuration, and market appeal to make your investment worthwhile.
FAQs
Which brand of motor grader has the highest market value?
Due to its market share, participation at auctions, and buyer depth, Caterpillar now holds the best resale position in the United States.
Are Caterpillar motor graders more valuable than John Deere?
Although popular Deere models like the 772G can also be quite liquid, Cat has a greater market position.
Is a Komatsu motor grader suitable for resale?
Yes, if Komatsu is reasonably priced, well-maintained, and supported locally, it might be a good option for resale.
What keeps a secondhand motor grader valuable?
A well-known brand, a well-liked model, fair hours, comprehensive records, good condition, practical technology, and a large buyer base are all beneficial.
Does grade control raise the resale value of motor graders?
Although any premium is dependent on the system, condition, compatibility, and local demand, it can increase buyer interest.
Tags: Resale Value Of Graders, Top Motor Grader Brands, Used Motor Grader Value
