May has been a full-throttle month for Bright Star Auctions thus far, with strong results in multiple locations, steady prices on lumber, and a clear trend: good equipment still brings good money. From one-owner sawmills to industrial loaders and forklifts, the auctions showed continued buyer confidence, especially for quality, well-maintained equipment.

At Tree-O Lumber, steady pricing was the story of the day. While sawmill equipment struggled a bit, most of it was older, which likely held it back. Rolling stock, however, told a different story. A Baker 3-head resaw sold as an entirety lot for $75,000, leading the auction. Other notable results included a 2007 Volvo L60F loader at $40,000 and a 2003 John Deere skidder at $39,000.

IronRing continued it’s consistent run with solid overall results, though pallet equipment—particularly nailers—faced some difficulty this time. A few pieces sold after the auction ended, and we’re optimistic about running IronRing twice a month through this summer. Highlights included a 2021 John Deere knuckleboom at $97,000, a 2019 John Deere knuckleboom at $73,000, a 2016 Bandit chipper for $90,000, and a 2018 Wood-Mizer LT70 that brought $42,500. See all IronRing Results

In Big Valley, buyers showed up strong again. A 2015 John Deere knuckleboom topped the auction at $77,500, followed by a 2013 Komatsu wheel loader for $14,000 and a 2011 JCB wheel loader at $19,000. These steady results reflect the ongoing demand for forestry and logging support equipment in good working condition.

May 20 was a marathon for the Bright Star team, with five auctions packed into one day. Some auctions ran longer than expected, and the team extends their thanks to all participants for their patience. The liquidation auctions were well received, and sellers left happy.

The first auction was Dry Forest Wood Products, a kiln drying operation. The dry kiln entirety lot sold for $100,000. We were able to get all the items sold for the seller, with the good-looking office desk selling for $1000.

At High Country Lumber, the story was one of high quality and high interest. The 2020 Baker Dominator band mill, only five years old, one-owner, and well maintained, topped the sale at $70,000. A 2018 Toyota forklift went for $17,000 and a 2012 Volvo L70 brought $27,500. The auction held strong from start to finish, with reliable equipment drawing confident bids.

Timber Hollow was mostly older equipment, but demand was still strong, particularly for steel-wheel forklifts. The 1999 Baker band mill sold for $14,000, the JCB steel-wheel forklift hit $21,000, and the 1999 American Eagle forklift brought $17,000. Another auction with a satisfied seller and good buyer turnout.

The Lumber Auction this month held steady. While nothing hit record highs, there were no deep discounts either—just consistent pricing across the board, which is exactly what many sellers are looking for in a shifting market.

At Hershberger Pallet, the lineup consisted mostly of older equipment, but there were still bright spots. The standout was the 2023 Pro Cut resaw that sold as an entirety for $20,000—a good deal for someone in the market. The double head notcher also did well, bringing $12,000. Overall, the seller was satisfied with the day’s results.

DJ Pallet closed out on a solid note. The auction featured clean, late-model equipment that held value all the way through. The Pendu cut-up line entirety sold for $135,000, the Baker trim saw brought $65,000, and the dust collection system landed at $62,500. The Viking Champion pallet nailer did well for it’s age, selling for $40,000, and the 2019 Komatsu forklift brought $9000. Some pallets were added late and didn’t move, but they remain available for purchase post-auction if anyone has interest in them.

Looking ahead, Bright Star has plenty of action on the horizon. A full lumber auction and four liquidation auctions are scheduled for June 17, and the pipeline continues to fill with quality consignments. Whether you're looking to sell or buy, this summer is shaping up to be a busy season with opportunity on both sides of the auction block.

See more auction results here: https://brightstarauctions.com/item-results/

Sold! We'll see you at the next auction!

Eugene Hochstetler / Lead Equipment Specialist / Bright Star Auctions