Cheers to 2013!
Page 13
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WITHIN THE usual mix of 75-tonners, all reputable chassis are rustling up plenty of interest with curtainsiders, tippers, dropsiders and skiploaders all hitting the right note. Several dealers have said business has picked up, with short-term prospects looking bright.
Any specialist chassis, such as horseboxes or beavertail recovery vehicles, are attracting buyers prepared to pay for the best. Sleeper chassis cabs are also in demand, as are platforms with good lifting equipment. In the rigid truck sector between 18 and 26 tonnes, buyers remain picky — which sees
clean chassis extending their price advantage over otherwise similar, yet scruffier trucks. Within trade circles, curtainsiders up to four years old are highly prized with longerbodied boxes carrying serviceable tail lifts also gaining a keen following.
Meanwhile, the tipper market is on fire. Late-year stock is short: any chassis that surfaces is snapped up, and early year 8x4/6x4 tippers or hook-loaders, when in good condition, command impressive prices.
Late-year Euro-5 tractor units from the leading marques remain in short supply.
At earlier years, any low mileage Mercedes-Benz Axor and Actros artic with a powerful engine attracts big bucks.
In the semi-trailer market, the dearth of clean used examples is once again a big concern.
Accordingly, prices for the best ready-togo trailers with long plates remain firm, with tippers and step-frames sitting at the top of the pecking order.
Likewise, when they can be sourced, older flats and curtainsiders still prove popular with export buyers. Overall, the prospects for the closing weeks of the year are encouraging and, providing that everyone plays their part and acts responsibly, the outlook for the first half of 2014 is equally promising. •