February used equipment values across 14 major rental categories increased 3 percent compared with January values, according to the latest Construction Rental Report from Rouse Asset Services.

For the six months ending February 28, average index values increased 7.5 percent. Increases ranged from 1.4 percent for dozers to 10.5 percent for aerial work platforms – telescopic booms. The same category indices showed increases ranging from 5.9 percent to 15.6 percent for the six-month period.

Light compaction equipment index values decreased 0.5 percent and generators dropped 1.2 percent in February.

Looking at different equipment categories:

• Air compressors jumped 4.6 percent in February and 5.9 percent for the past six months;
• Articulating boomlifts increased 4.8 percent in February and 11.1 percent for the six-month period;
• Scissorlifts climbed 7.6 percent in February and 14.5 percent for the six-month cycle;
• Telescopic boomlifts soared 11.2 percent for the six-month period;
• Compaction rollers jumped 2.6 percent in February and 6.2 percent for the six months;
• Excavators jumped 2 percent in February and 6.2 percent for the six months;
• High-reach forklifts lifted 6.6 percent in February and 15.6 percent for the six-month span;
• Warehouse/industrial forklifts jumped 2.5 percent for February and 10.1 percent for the past six months;
• Loader backhoes jumped 3.1 percent in February and 8.7 percent for the six-month cycle;
• Skid-steer loaders jumped 3 percent in February and 6.3 percent over six months;
• Wheel loaders climbed 1.9 percent in February and 10.2 percent for six months.

In February 2011, used construction equipment sold in North American auctions at prices that averaged 14.9-percent higher than Rouse’s January 2011 forced liquidation values. While auction sales prices tend to be higher in February because of the popularity of Florida auctions held that month, February 2011’s auction sales were the highest monthly percentage in recent years.

For more information, go to www.rouseservices.com.