Euro Auctions Strengthens Position as Europe’s Leading Specialist Auction House for Crane Disposals
- Meagan Wood
- Jan 5, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 19
30 Second Takeaway
Euro Auctions has established itself as Europe’s premier auction house for the disposal of mobile cranes, following a succession of high-profile crane sales in 2022. From individual fleet reductions to the world’s largest crane auction, the company demonstrated unmatched expertise in valuation, logistics, off-site sales execution, and global buyer engagement.
Europe’s Go-To Auction House for Crane Disposals
Europe’s largest specialist auction house for industrial plant, construction equipment and agricultural machinery has earned a reputation as the premier route to market for mobile crane disposals.
Based in Dromore, Northern Ireland, Euro Auctions combines deep sector knowledge with global reach, making it a trusted partner for crane owners, liquidators, administrators and finance providers across the UK and Europe.
Landmark Crane Sales in 2022
A Defining Year for Crane Auctions
During 2022, Euro Auctions was instructed to dispose of cranes and rigging assets for Quinto Crane Hire, M&M Crane Hire, and NMT Crane Hire three of the most significant crane disposal sales of the year.
The scale, complexity and financial outcomes of these sales reinforced Euro Auctions’ position as the leading crane auctioneer in the UK, with growing influence across Europe.
The Hewden Crane Sale
The World’s Largest Crane Auction
Euro Auctions’ crane credentials reached global prominence following the administration of Hewden. Appointed to manage the disposal, Euro Auctions delivered what is widely regarded as the largest crane sale ever conducted.
A total of 127 cranes, ranging from 35 to 220 tonnes, were sold at Newark Showground, generating €32 million in combined live and online bidding.
The operation involved more than 500 lots of construction equipment, with cranes repatriated from locations across the UK and consolidated at the sale site. Managing logistics, compliance, and international bidding at this scale demonstrated Euro Auctions’ ability to deliver complex, high-value off-site sales.
Quinto Crane Hire Disposal
Off-Site Sale with Local Presence
In June 2022, working alongside liquidator Matt Howard of Price Bailey, Euro Auctions engineered an off-site sale to dispose of the assets of Quinto Crane & Plant Ltd.
The sale was conducted at Quinto’s Norwich depot, maintaining a strong local presence while delivering a hammer total of £5.12 million.
Euro Auctions handled valuation, negotiated settlements with six finance companies, and managed the full disposal process. Notable results included:
Grove GMK6300L 350T – £630,000
Spierings SK597-AT4 – £372,000
Liebherr LTM1060-3.1 (2018) – £367,500
M&M Crane Hire Retirement Sale
Six-Week Turnaround, £4.6 Million Result
As part of Euro Auctions’ September 2022 Leeds sale, 22 mobile cranes from M&M Crane Hire went under the hammer following the directors’ retirement.
The cranes presented in line with booms raised attracted strong international interest, achieving a hammer total of £4.6 million.
Remarkably, Euro Auctions completed the entire disposal of M&M’s business assets from valuation to hammer-down in just six weeks, underscoring the company’s ability to act quickly and decisively.
NMT Crane Hire Fleet Rationalisation
Supporting Generational Transition
In November 2022, Bedfordshire-based NMT Crane Hire appointed Euro Auctions to conduct a one-day off-site crane sale at its Bedford yard.
As part of a planned generational transition, the sale enabled fleet rationalisation while raising capital for new crane deliveries in 2023. The inventory included cranes from Terex, Liebherr, Kato, Böcker and Spierings, with strong results across the board.
Industry Perspective
Understanding the Crane Market
David Betts, Crane Sales Manager at Euro Auctions, said the company’s success lies in its specialist understanding of the lifting sector:
“We believe we are the only auction specialist that truly understands the crane sector from both a buyer and seller’s point of view. Over the last 12 months, we hosted three extraordinary crane sales, attracting a truly international buying audience.”
“We don’t just sell cranes we manage finance settlements, work with administrators, and deliver targeted global marketing campaigns to qualified buyers in over 100 countries, creating better outcomes for vendors.”
Turning Assets into Capital
A Partner for Strategic Disposals
Euro Auctions’ ability to host off-site sales anywhere in Europe, combined with its valuation expertise and buyer network, allows crane owners to convert assets into capital efficiently and transparently.
By delivering best-value outcomes and reducing disposal complexity, Euro Auctions continues to position itself as the partner of choice for crane fleet disposals.
About Euro Auctions
Euro Auctions is Europe’s largest independent auction house specialising in the sale of industrial plant, construction equipment, agricultural machinery and commercial vehicles. Founded in Northern Ireland and headquartered in Dromore, the company operates six permanent global auction sites and serves buyers in more than 100 countries.
Over the past decade, Euro Auctions has achieved more than £4 billion in hammer sales, supported by live, online and off-site auction capabilities. The company is widely recognised for its expertise in complex asset disposals, large-scale fleet sales, and specialist sectors such as cranes and heavy lifting equipment.
Website: https://www.euroauctions.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Euro Auctions recognised as a crane specialist?
Euro Auctions combines crane-specific valuation expertise, global buyer reach, and the ability to manage complex off-site and fleet disposals.
What was Euro Auctions’ largest crane sale?
The Hewden sale in 2022, where 127 cranes were sold for €32 million, is regarded as the world’s largest crane auction.
Can Euro Auctions handle off-site crane sales?
Yes. Euro Auctions regularly conducts off-site sales across the UK and Europe, managing logistics, valuation and compliance.
Does Euro Auctions assist with finance and administration issues?
Yes. The company works with administrators, liquidators and finance providers to settle accounts as part of the disposal process.
