Second-hand market struggles through
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took pre-emptive action six months ago to cushion the downturn in the economy, according to independent dealer Malcolm Harrison. His business, based at Stone in Staffordshire, has maintained its sales figures, and is making money, he reports, "but it is hard work".
Another leading independent, Robert Reynolds, agrees that the market is tough: "It has come to a standstill, and people are struggling." In the rigid market, Harrison reports a reasonable demand for six-wheeler curtainsiders and flatbeds—especially lateregistered ones—and adds that tippers are selling well.
Run-of-the-mill tractor units are not attracting much interest, however. "Ex-supermarket middle-of-the-range horsepower tractors are difficult to move," Harrison says. "The trailer market is still active, but buyers want post-1990 trailers on air. There is a lot of old stuff around from 1983 to 1988—and that's difficult to move."