How Plantforce turns fleet renewal into strategy

Plantforce has built its reputation on running one of the UK’s most modern hire fleets. Keeping it that way depends on moving equipment on at the right time – a task the company now delivers through its ongoing partnership with Ritchie Bros.

In a sector where uptime, reputation and long-term customer relationships define performance, decisions around fleet renewal carry significant strategic weight. Releasing equipment at the right point in its lifecycle is as much about protecting market confidence and asset value as it is about managing operational capacity.

On 21 January 2026, Plantforce worked alongside Ritchie Bros. to bring a substantial package of modern excavators, dumpers, telehandlers and rollers to market from the Maltby auction site. The majority of machines were less than three years old. The aim was clear: to manage a large fleet transition in a way that remained controlled, visible to a global buyer audience and aligned with long-term investment planning.

From renewal to long-term planning

Plantforce is one of the UK’s leading plant hire specialists, operating a modern, high-spec fleet across construction and infrastructure projects. Maintaining that standard means releasing machines while they are still attractive to buyers, rather than waiting until they are nearing the end of their working life.

That shift in thinking has changed how the business approaches disposal. Plantforce currently sells more than 400 machines each year as part of its fleet cycle, with volumes expected to rise as the company continues to grow.

We look at renewal as part of how we protect service quality and manage long-term value. It shapes what we buy, how we invest, and how we plan for growth.
Sam Mercer, CEO of Plantforce

Choosing a partner at scale

At this level, selling assets is as much an operational exercise as a commercial one. Logistics, timing, presentation and buyer confidence, all have to align. Plantforce first worked with Ritchie Bros. in 2024 and returned for the 2026 programme after seeing how the team handled both the complexity and the scale of the task.

When you are dealing with this level of value and volume, the contract only takes you so far. You need a trusted, flexible partner that can adapt to real working conditions, not just what’s written on paper – and that’s exactly what Ritchie Bros. provides.
Sam Mercer, CEO of Plantforce

Ritchie Bros. supported the process end-to-end – from asset preparation and marketing through to buyer management and post-sale logistics – allowing Plantforce to remain focused on customers and project delivery while the sale progressed in parallel.

 As equipment listings went live across Ritchie Bros.’ global marketplace, buyers began tracking machines, comparing specifications and building watchlists. Across the campaign period, Plantforce equipment generated 61,857 page views, 8,058 watchlists and 740 bidder registrations. By the time bidding opened, buyers already understood the quality and scope of the fleet, helping create a more informed and competitive sale environment.

A global marketplace in motion

The auction attracted bidders from 48 countries, with 56% based outside the UK. In total, 120+ buyers from 19 countries participated, creating genuine international competition. Overall, 280+ lots were sold. The UK remained the largest bidder base with 320+ bidders, followed by Ireland , the USA , Spain and Poland . Several machines delivered standout results, including:

• 2021 CAT D6 LGP – £157,500 (British buyer)
• 2020 Finlay J-960 – £131,000 (Italian buyer)
• 2019 Kobelco SK300LC-10E – £62,000 (Estonian buyer)

Expertise behind the scenes

Throughout the process, Ritchie Bros.’ Sales and Operations teams worked closely with Plantforce to prepare the fleet, coordinate marketing activity and manage the auction itself. The dual-brand positioning of the auction also reinforced the quality and provenance of the Plantforce fleet, while drawing on the reach and market recognition of Ritchie Bros.’ global platform.

For Plantforce, the January auction delivered more than a strong commercial result. It validated a model for managing fleet transitions with confidence and predictability at scale. For Ritchie Bros., outcomes like this reflect the role the business plays across the equipment lifecycle — connecting sellers to global demand, bringing transparency to complex asset disposals and helping customers plan with greater certainty for what comes next. As fleet strategies evolve and customer expectations continue to rise, Ritchie Bros. remains focused on delivering the expertise, reach and partnership required to support long-term success

Thinking about selling your equipment? Speak with your local Ritchie Bros. representative today to get an appraisal and explore the selling option that’s right for you.

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Plantforce Fleet Renewal 2026