More companies continue to seek cost-effective equipment solutions, and the surplus industrial market continues to grow. These products save businesses money and still get the quality they need. Now, many factories, warehouses, and construction sites check the surplus options before buying brand-new items. 

This smart way of cutting expenses doesn’t mean compromising on performance. This year, the demand for surplus industrial products has grown amazingly. The market is filled with a wide variety of products, ranging from heavy machinery to electronic components, helping buyers stay on a budget. 

Knowing which surplus products are in the greatest demand can help sellers and buyers make better decisions. In this article, we have looked at the top 10 surplus industrial products flying off the shelves this year.

What Are In-Demand Surplus Industrial Products?

Previously owned equipment, machinery, and components that companies buy in the secondary market are in great demand in surplus industrial products. These are typically business closures, upgrades, or overstock items. While the reliability is the same as new products, they provide significant cost savings compared to new products.

These products are popular based on industry trends, supply chain challenges, and economic conditions. When it’s hard to find new, the time to create something new is incredibly valuable, and when the problems you’re solving for businesses are urgent, items become ‘in-demand’ items. There is a lot of interest in the market for better equipment in terms of efficiency, downtime, and enabling companies to change.

Here’s a quick comparison of the most sought-after surplus industrial products:

Most Wanted Surplus Industrial Products: Top 10 Items Flying Off Shelves This Year

Below is the list of the most in-demand surplus industrial products this year: 

1. Refurbished CNC Machines

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines are still one of the hottest items in the surplus market. These precision tools allow manufacturing companies to produce parts with incredible accuracy.

For example, new CNC machines that can cost upwards of $100,000 are out of the reach of many small to mid-sized manufacturers. Refurbished models are sold at around 40 to 60% less than new ones.

The most popular types include:

• Vertical machining centers
• CNC lathes
• Milling machines
• Router systems

Some companies that refurbish these machines offer warranties and support services that make buyers more comfortable purchasing them.

2. Used Electric Motors

Conveyor belts, pumps, and fans are all powered by electric motors. They are essential components in almost all industrial applications.

Many maintenance managers are looking at the surplus option because the cost of new motors has risen. Motors that have been used in good condition will give you the same performance at a fraction of the price.

As businesses attempt to reduce their energy costs, high efficiency models are particularly popular. The fastest turnover in the surplus market is motors rated at 10HP and above.

Many buyers like the fact that surplus motors are typically from brands such as ABB, Siemens, WEG, among others, which have historical reliability records.

3. Surplus Electrical Components

The electrical component shortage, which started during the pandemic, continues affecting industries all over the world. As a result, there is huge demand for surplus electrical parts.

Items such as:

• Circuit breakers
• Contactors
• Relays
• Power supplies
• Control panels

These are the components that run industrial systems. Waiting weeks for a new critical part when it fails is not an option.

Industry reports suggest that the global surplus electrical components market grew by 23% last year to $8.2 billion. And experts say that trend is likely to continue as supply chains remain unpredictable.

4. Used Industrial Robots

New industrial robots are increasingly changing the manufacturing landscape, but they come with price tags in the six figures. Surplus robots are a good choice for many companies because of this.

Popular models include:

• Articulated robots for assembly lines
• SCARA robots for pick-and-place operations
• Collaborative robots that work alongside humans

Used robots, especially from the big names such as FANUC, ABB, and KUKA, provide excellent value for businesses looking to automate processes without breaking the bank.

As more companies close facilities or upgrade to newer models, the market for these robots has grown, and perfect working robots have ended up in surplus stream.

5. Pre-owned Forklifts and Material Handling Equipment

Forklifts, and other material handling equipment, are heavily relied upon in warehouses and distribution centers. These workhorses get used all the time, but are large purchases when new.

The most sought-after surplus items in this category include:

• Electric forklifts
• Pallet jacks
• Order pickers
• Reach trucks
• Dock equipment

During downsizing or upgrading fleets, companies often sell off these assets. In general, a used forklift is an excellent value, usually priced 40-70% less than a new forklift.

6. Surplus HVAC Systems and Components

Industrial facilities have major expenses in the way of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Savings on these essential systems are made possible through the surplus market.

Popular HVAC surplus items include:

• Commercial air handlers
• Chillers
• Cooling towers
• Compressors
• Control systems

Pressure exists for facility managers to ensure comfortable working conditions at the lowest cost. Both goals are met with surplus HVAC equipment.

The widespread acceptance of this approach can be seen in a recent survey that found that approximately 67% of industrial facilities have purchased at least one major surplus HVAC component in the past three years.

7. Used Laboratory and Test Equipment

However, scientific and testing equipment still work for many years, but labs still replace them. As a result, there is a robust surplus market for these high value items.

In-demand surplus lab equipment includes:

• Analytical instruments
• Microscopes
• Centrifuges
• Environmental chambers
• Testing systems

These surplus options are a great benefit to smaller labs, educational institutions, and startups. This allows them to buy professional grade equipment at a price fitting a tighter budget.

Lab equipment, for example, is extremely precise and durable, and many items last for decades with proper maintenance, making them a particularly good fit for the surplus market.

8. Surplus Industrial Pumps

Pumps form the backbone of many industrial processes, moving liquids and gases throughout facilities. The surplus pump market has seen strong growth this year.

Popular types include:

• Centrifugal pumps
• Positive displacement pumps
• Submersible pumps
• Chemical processing pumps
• Vacuum pumps

When production can’t stop for long lead times on new equipment, surplus pumps provide the perfect solution. Many come from facility closures or system upgrades rather than due to performance issues.

Buyers usually look for trusted brands like Goulds, Grundfos, and Flowserve when shopping the surplus market.

9. Used Power Generation Equipment

Backup power systems and generators rank high on this year’s most wanted surplus list. With increasing concerns about grid reliability, more businesses want affordable backup options.

Popular surplus power items include:

• Diesel generators
• Natural gas generators
• Transfer switches
• Power distribution units
• UPS systems

These items typically represent major capital investments when new. Finding good condition used equipment can save buyers 50-70% while still providing reliable backup power.

The rise in extreme weather events has made backup power essential for many businesses that previously considered it optional.

10. Surplus Control Systems and PLCs

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and industrial control systems rank among the most valuable surplus items. These sophisticated electronics control everything from assembly lines to entire manufacturing processes.

High-demand items include:

• Allen-Bradley PLCs
• Siemens control systems
• HMI panels
• I/O modules
• Industrial computers

Due to the chip shortage, new control systems are expensive and hard to come by. Now many system integrators regularly check the surplus suppliers before placing an order for new components.

Conclusion

More businesses are realizing how much a surplus industrial product market can offer, and so it continues to thrive. Broader industry trends towards automation, energy efficiency, and supply chain resilience are also expressed in the top products in demand. Nowadays, smart companies do not see surplus equipment as “secondhand” but as “smart buys.” 

This market is likely to grow as considerable savings can be had without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re selling your surplus or looking for affordable equipment options, you’ll appreciate having to keep these top 10 categories in mind when navigating this market.

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