When you are buying heavy machinery such as graders, the initial cost is not the only thing. It is also important to consider the resale value in the future to the contractors, the fleet managers, and those investing in equipment. The best motor graders are not necessarily the latest or most costly, but the ones that retain their value as time goes on and still have buyers willing to buy them when you are willing to sell or exchange. In 2026, some of the models will be unique in the resale market, and high demand, reliability, and wide appeal will make them valuable in the long term.
Why Resale Value Matters
Heavy equipment is subject to depreciation, though there are motor graders that depreciate less than others. Strong resale value results in a lower total cost of ownership, increased return on investment, and increased flexibility in upgrading fleets. The models that remain popular are often supported by strong availability of parts, extensive service networks, and brand loyalty.
What Makes a Grader Hold Its Value
Not every grader model ages equally. There are always reasons that make machines maintain their value:
- Brand power and reputation: Equipment from reputable manufacturers is more likely to be purchased in the second-hand market.
- Reliability and longevity: Machines that have a lower number of breakdowns and a longer service life attract a higher resale price.
- Parts and service support: Accessibility to parts and dealer networks creates confidence in buyers.
- State of the art but long-lasting technology: Helpful technology, such as auto-grading packages and GPS compatibility, can increase the popularity of a machine even several years after the purchase.
- Flexibility of application: Machines that contractors can use across a broad spectrum of applications, from municipal work to heavy road construction, remain more marketable.
These features not only render machines usable but also attractive even after a few seasons of use.
Top Motor Grader Models With Excellent Resale Value
By 2026, some of the models have stood out in the secondary market based on their performance, demand, and consistency on auction blocks and dealer lots:
Caterpillar 140 Series
- Consistently ranked among the top sellers in new and used markets.
- Versatile, mid-sized units that excel in everything from road maintenance to finish grading.
- Good brand awareness and recognition among buyers contribute to maintaining a high resale price.
John Deere 770G and 872G
- Frequently featured on resale lists due to the contemporary hydraulics, cab comfort, and intelligent control choices.
- These models command price premiums, particularly when equipped with advanced features or showing low hours.
Volvo G900‑Series
- These machines are known to be powerful, comfortable to the operators, and fuel efficient-qualities that appeal to the used buyers.
- Their proven efficiency and frame life usually translate into a strong retained value over time.
Komatsu GD655‑6 and GD675‑5
- Long-lasting, fuel-efficient graders that are known to be able to perform heavy-duty jobs.
- Although a bit less common than Cat or Deere, they are also of great value to those buyers who need reliable alternatives.
These are some of the best motor graders that are frequently auctioned and listed by dealers, consistently fetching high prices many years after initial sales.
Why Caterpillar Graders Lead the Resale Market
Caterpillar leads the market in both new and used sales. The Cat 140 series, with several variations, is one of the most liquid assets in the grading industry. It implies that such machines are simpler to sell at the right moment, and their resale prices tend to be higher in comparison to other brands. This is further increased by the global support network and availability of parts that is widespread in Caterpillar.
John Deere: Balancing Comfort and Value
The G-series graders, such as John Deere’s 770G and 872G, combine strong build quality with features contractors value, including ergonomically designed cabins and precise hydraulic control systems. Not only do these qualities enhance performance on the job site, but it also makes Deere grads appealing to buyers who want a combination of power and operator comfort.
Volvo: Tech and Comfort That Last
Volvo graders offer a distinct value proposition since they focus on operator experience and high-end machines. This provides efficiency and durability. Contractors find these graders highly attractive in areas where technology and comfort remain valued well beyond their early years of use.
Komatsu and Other Value Champions
Komatsu models may not take over all the resale charts, but they tend to add a competitive advantage in terms of longevity and fuel efficiency. Such characteristics are particularly appreciated in markets where the cost of operation is important. These machines are a good long-term investment for those buyers who are concerned about high-quality work, whether it be long-range highway grading or heavy infrastructure projects.
What Buyers Should Look For
Not every used grader performs equally, even among the best models. How owners maintain a machine plays a crucial role in its long-term value. Best practices in ensuring resale value are:
- Keeping comprehensive service documentation.
- Using OEM replacement parts.
- Performing preventative maintenance to minimize structural and mechanical wear.
- Retaining any grade-assist or advanced tech.
Properly recorded maintenance history and low operating hours can significantly enhance the resale value of a grader.
Tips for Selecting High‑Value Used Graders
To buyers who are interested in resale in the future:
- Prioritize models with a proven history of holding their value.
- Check the availability of parts in your area.
- Take into account the features that will make the work more productive without introducing any unneeded complexity.
- Compare prices between auctions and dealer stocks to determine reasonable market prices.
A combination of brand, model, condition, and features can be a big difference in the returns of a long-term investment.
Choosing from the best motor graders is not about picking the newest machine, it’s about understanding which models continue to attract buyers, operate reliably, and hold value through multiple ownership cycles. In 2026, that knowledge can translate directly into smarter purchases and better financial outcomes.
FAQs
1. What makes certain motor grader models retain value better?
A: Brand reputation, parts availability, durability, and technological features maintain a machine’s resale value.
2. Are newer tech options worth paying for in terms of resale?
A: Yes, such characteristics as compatibility with auto-grades and built-in GPS may make a machine look more appealing several years later.
3. Which brand typically holds value strongest?
A: Caterpillar leads the industry in market share, dealer support, and buyer demand, followed by Deere and Volvo.
4. How much does maintenance history affect resale value?
A: Full service history can be a major boost to the resale value, as it guarantees the purchaser that the machine is reliable
Tags: best motor grader in the world, 2016 Caterpillar 140M3, 2004 Caterpillar 140H
