If April was any indication, the auction season is heating up fast. Major wins at Yoder Lumber and IronRing set the tone, while our smaller virtual auctions quietly packed a punch behind the scenes. With a growing bidder base, strong market demand, and an exciting lineup ahead, May is already shaping up to be even bigger.
Yoder Lumber: Top Quality Equipment = Strong Demand
Yoder Lumber's auction proved to be a standout event. With roughly 800 registered bidders and a solid on-site turnout, the stage was set for a big day. The lineup featured some of the best equipment we’ve sold to date—and the results didn’t disappoint. The HMC trimsaw grading line system took the top spot, fetching $200,000, while the McDonough optimizing edger followed close behind at $170,000. The Salem Resaw hit $150,000, the Cleereman mill clocked in at $132,500, and the HMC debarker brought in a strong $130,000.
Some prices looked soft compared to new, but others exceeded expectations and balanced the results. An HMC log trough sold for $55,000, the MDI metal detector came in at $60,000, and a Webster vibrating conveyor hit $40,000—possibly a record high. Rolling stock stayed steady, with the 2023 Tigercat 234B knuckleboom at $152,500 and the 2019 Tigercat cable skidder at $120,000. Overall, Yoder was a winner, with high-quality offerings and strong demand.
Arrowhead’s liquidation was steady as expected. While some equipment was a bit soft, other pieces held firm. The 2019 MDI metal detector sold for $45,000, and the Cleereman mill entirety sold for $21,000.
IronRing: A Banner Day
April’s IronRing auction was easily one of the best we’ve seen. The star of the show was a 2012 John Deere tractor that sold for $155,000. A 2024 Peterbilt 389 rolled off at $115,000, a rock crusher hit $110,000, and a Morbark chipper followed at $95,000. A Doosan dozer grabbed $87,500, and a Woodpecker pallet nailer sold for $67,500. Skidders also performed well in this IronRing event, indicating an uptick in the forestry equipment sector. Strong interest, great turnout, and steady bidding kept the day moving fast.
April 14: Hardwood Holds Strong
The April 14th lumber auction followed a similar path. Hardwood lumber stayed strong, while softwood dipped slightly in price compared to previous auctions. The buyer pool expanded, with a good number of new bidders joining the action. With fresh materials lined up for the May 20th auction—including cants, fence posts, and a wave of flooring products—the excitement is building.
April 15: Four Liquidations, One Big Day
The April 15th virtual auctions made for a busy day, ending in success.
Salem Sawmill: Older line shaft equipment sold reasonably well, highlighted by a 2019 Case wheel loader that brought $60,000.
Lavern Yoder: Steady results across the board. The 2007 Baker mill sold for $18,500, and the Baker edger at $4,000—probably the deal of the day. Rolling stock stayed firm, with a 2016 Tigercat skidder at $70,000 and both a JD dozer and JD forwarder each selling for $40,000.
Precision Pallet: A quieter affair, but all items sold, and the seller was satisfied.
E&E: Wrapped up the day on a high note, nearly doubling projected values. Line shaft equipment brought strong prices across the board, with standouts including the Hochstetler band mill at $19,000, the Morgan double head resaw at $24,000, the Pro-Cut chopsaw at $11,500, and the double head notcher at $12,500.
Small Virtual Liquidations: The Quiet Powerhouse
These smaller virtual events are proving to work exceptionally well. Our team goes out, catalogs the equipment, and sells it on auction day—without the logistics of hosting a live event for the sellers. With five more lined up for May and more already booking for June, this trend shows no sign of slowing down.
What's Ahead
May is shaping up fast.
- May 13 – The next IronRing auction features a strong lineup of quality equipment, including a 2015 JD dozer and a 2021 JD knuckleboom.
- May 27 – A second IronRing event is scheduled. Watch for ads soon and get your equipment signed up!
Other May highlights include:
- May 20 – Dry Forest Wood Products: A unique drying operation featuring two excellent-condition kilns—ideal for a smaller-scale, mobile setup.
- May 20 – High Country Lumber: Featuring a 2020 Baker Dominator Band Mill, plus some strong rolling stock in the hills of Kentucky.
- May 20 – Timber Hollow Precuts: Offering a diesel-powered hydraulic Baker band mill, a two-head resaw, and a high-end hydraulic power unit.
- May 20 – Hershberger Pallet Stock: Selling a very nice 2023 Pro-Cut resaw system set up for line shaft, along with a shop-built line shaft band mill.
- May 20 – DJ Pallet: Rounding out the list with a clean lineup of good, usable equipment.
- May 23 – Marlin Hochstetler Farm Auction in Mio, MI: A good old-fashioned onsite event at the parents of Eugene, our lead equipment specialist—featuring farm equipment, sheep equipment, maple syrup equipment, guns, horses, and beef cattle.
The Bottom Line
April was strong, and May looks even better.
Thank you to all the bidders and sellers who made it a success.
We can’t wait to see you at the next auction!
