Private Party Crane Sales: The Good, the Bad, and How to Protect Yourself
March 13, 2026
Private party sales, whether you call them end-user sales, user-to-user sales, or something else entirely, are an increasingly common way of purchasing equipment in the crane and heavy lift industry. At Harry Fry & Associates, we have averaged about a 40/60 split financing new versus used equipment over the past few years. Many of those used cranes were purchased through private-party transactions.
For a private-party transaction, there is a process customers should follow whether financing or paying cash. The process can be cumbersome, but with fraud on the rise, it helps protect all parties.
Historically, many used crane sales have been private-party transactions. The COVID pandemic significantly reduced manufacturing output. As post-COVID production began to ramp back up, tariffs implemented during the Trump Administration added additional pressure. This also decreased manufacturing and reduced the importation of new equipment.
With decreased dealer and manufacturer inventory, buyers are searching for equipment wherever they can find it. With limited supply and higher market prices, sellers are choosing to sell without the help of dealers or equipment brokers in hopes of retaining more profit on the sale.
As a buyer, here are some things to consider when purchasing from a private party.
First, buyers may be able to get a slightly better price by purchasing directly from the seller rather than through a dealer or equipment broker. This is no different than purchasing a car or home that is "for sale by owner."
However, buyers should recognize that dealers, manufacturers and equipment brokers provide valuable services when selling equipment. Dealers are required by law to pass clear title, so they typically handle ordering UCC searches and clearing any liens prior to selling the unit. In addition, a dealer or equipment broker will typically require the full history of the equipment before putting it up for sale. Some may already know the equipment because they know the owner, have serviced it, or may have sold it previously. Dealers may also complete minor repairs prior to a sale.
Second, with limited supply and high-quality equipment being scooped up quickly, buyers may get a lead on a unit before it is ever listed publicly. A buyer may know of a company that is considering selling a unit or may put feelers out to associates in the industry to see if anyone is interested in selling a particular unit. As a result, the buyer may be able to purchase equipment without competing against multiple bidders.
The largest issue, when purchasing from a private party, is that the buyer has limited recourse when it comes to the equipment and the title. Private parties typically sell equipment "as is," meaning if there is an issue after the sale, the seller is unlikely to do anything about it. If the issues are serious, an attorney may need to be consulted, which comes with added cost.
When purchasing from a dealer, manufacturer or equipment broker, those entities typically hope for repeat business and want to provide service to the customer. As a result, if there is an issue post-sale, most will want to make it right. This gives the buyer additional comfort during the purchase, especially when buying from a dealer or manufacturer with a service team. Dealers and manufacturers may also offer warranties to address future issues within a certain time frame. Private parties typically do not provide warranties, unless the unit is lightly used and the manufacturer warranty has not expired.
Another major item buyers need to be aware of is title work. If the seller does not have a lien on the title, the transfer of title should be relatively quick. However, if the seller does have a lien on the equipment, buyers should expect the title transfer to take time, and they may have a unit they cannot put to work right away.
Once payoff is received, a lender may take up to 10 business days to apply the payoff and release the title. If the seller is in an electronic title state, the lender will send the release to the state, which then prints the paper title and mails it to the owner of record. This can take an additional 10 to 15 business days depending on the state. Some states offer expedited service where the owner can have the title printed as soon as it is released. Once the seller receives the title, it can then be transferred to the new owner. Buyers should keep in mind that the title process may take up to a month, and not every state will issue temporary tags. A buyer may have a unit for which the first payment is due before it can be put to work.
Purchasing from a private party is a viable option, but due diligence should be completed whether the buyer is paying cash or financing the purchase. This may take additional time, but in the long run it can help ensure a successful private-party transaction. The following are tasks that lenders typically complete, but cash buyers should do as well:
Inspection. Never purchase sight unseen. Kick the tires, operate the crane and ask for service records. Make sure the unit is as advertised and confirm the unit actually exists. With the increase in fraud and AI, it is easy for someone to advertise equipment they do not have. A lender will typically require a third-party inspection to verify the equipment, including serial numbers and VINs.
How do you know the seller? Some lenders will ask: How do you know the seller? Are they a competitor or business associate? If not, how did you learn about the sale?
Bill of Sale signed by both parties. Buyer and seller should execute a Bill of Sale listing the full equipment description, including make, model, serial numbers, and VIN. Include additional items in the sale such as boom dolly, counterweights, and other accessories.
Get a copy of the front and back of the title or MSO. This document confirms who legally owns the equipment. If the unit is not titled, ask for a copy of the invoice or Bill of Sale from when the seller purchased the equipment. This will tell you who legally purchased the unit.
UCC lien search. Once legal ownership is verified, run a UCC lien search at the state level on that owner. Lenders require this prior to closing a private party transaction. Cash buyers should do the same. Check for blanket UCC filings or filings specific to the equipment being purchased.
Is there a payoff on the machine? If so, a lender will require a payoff letter and will wire payoff directly to the lienholder. A cash buyer should follow the same practice to ensure payoff funds reach the lienholder and that the title and security interest are released quickly.
Verify wire instructions. Any time funds are sent electronically, contact the receiving party to confirm wire instructions.
In today's market, private party crane sales can be a smart and efficient way to secure the right equipment, but only if the buyer approaches the transaction with discipline and a clear process. Having both a buyer and seller that are knowledgeable in the process will allow for a smooth transaction. A private party purchase does not have to be risky, but it does require diligence.
This article originally appeared in the March 2026 issue of American Cranes & Transport (ACT) magazine.
