Insights on machinery & equipment value.

Plain-English guidance from an independent machinery and equipment appraisal firm: the premises of value, what lenders and the SBA require, and what moves the value of the assets that run a business.

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Latest insights

Straight answers on what equipment is worth, and why.

Short, direct articles on the premises of value, the situations that call for an appraisal, and what moves value in healthcare, automotive and general machinery and equipment. Each one is written by an appraiser, not a marketer.

Healthcare

What is ophthalmology and optometry equipment worth?

Eye care equipment is valued by category, technology generation and what conveys with the device. From exam lanes to OCT and surgical lasers, here is what moves the number.

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Value vs price

Certified appraisal vs equipment listing price

An asking price is what a seller hopes to get. A certified appraisal is an independent opinion of value for the specific equipment. Why they differ and which one counts.

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AI & appraisal

Is an AI-generated appraisal USPAP compliant?

No. Compliance attaches to the appraiser who certifies the opinion, not to software. What to check before you rely on any report.

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AI & appraisal

Can AI write an equipment appraisal?

It can write something that looks like one. What AI does well, where it quietly fails, and the one question that settles it.

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Lending & the SBA

The SBA tightened collateral documentation. What it means for equipment-secured loans.

SOP 50 10 8 asks lenders to document collateral shortfalls, not lean on cash flow, just as tariffs and a softer used market reprice the machinery in the file.

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Original analysis

What equipment holds its value? Value retention by asset class

Our analysis of public used-equipment market data: how much value each asset class retains, and the four forces that decide it.

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Premises of value

FMV, OLV, FLV and NOLV: the premises of value, explained

One machine can carry several correct values at once. Here is what each premise means and the situation it answers.

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Healthcare

How is medical imaging equipment valued? (MRI, CT and more)

What drives the value of imaging assets, from modality and age to software entitlements and the refurbishment market.

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Automotive

What is a car dealership's service and shop equipment worth?

Lifts, alignment racks, ADAS calibration, paint booths and parts: what moves the number on a dealership's shop equipment, and how the premise follows the situation.

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General M&E

What is used CNC and metalworking equipment worth?

Make, model, hours, controls and the active resale market: what moves the number on machine-shop assets.

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Lending & SBA

Does the SBA require an equipment appraisal?

When the SBA SOP calls for an independent appraisal on 7(a) and 504 loans, who can perform it, and what lenders expect.

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Lending & collateral

Equipment appraisal vs broker opinion of value: what is the difference?

One is independent and built to hold up; the other is a market estimate from someone with a stake in the sale. When each one fits.

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Methodology

What is the cost approach in equipment appraisal?

Replacement cost new, less physical, functional and economic depreciation: how the cost approach works and when it leads.

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Lending & SBA

Do I need an equipment appraisal for an SBA 504 refinance?

When a 504 refinance pledges equipment as collateral, what premise applies, who can perform it, and what the lender and CDC expect.

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Lending & collateral

FMV vs OLV for lenders: which value does the bank want?

Banks usually want a liquidation premise, not retail. How FMV and OLV differ, and which one a lending or SBA file calls for.

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Process

Desktop vs on-site equipment appraisal: which do you need?

Both can be USPAP-compliant. When a physical inspection is worth it, and when a desktop appraisal from your records will do.

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Estate, probate & divorce

How equipment is appraised in a divorce

An independent USPAP appraisal as of a specific date, usually at fair market value, built to hold up for both parties and the court.

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Choosing an appraiser

How to choose a machinery and equipment appraiser

Independence, USPAP, a relevant CMEA credential, real inspection, and the right specialty for your assets. Plus the red flags to avoid.

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Methodology

Effective age and remaining useful life, explained

How old an asset behaves, not the year it was built, drives depreciation. What effective age and remaining useful life mean for value.

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Estate, probate & divorce

Equipment appraisals for estate and probate

An independent USPAP appraisal as of the date of death, built to hold up for the executor, the IRS and the court.

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Insurance

When do you need an insurance appraisal for equipment?

Replacement cost, scheduled item by item, so coverage matches your exposure and a claim settles without a dispute.

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Healthcare

How is dental practice equipment valued?

Operatories, CBCT, scanners, CAD/CAM and sterilization: what drives the value, and how the premise follows the purpose.

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Healthcare

How is surgical and operating-room equipment valued?

Tables, energy units, booms, endoscopy and surgical robots: generation and service status drive value more than condition.

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Healthcare

How is laboratory and diagnostics equipment valued?

The first question is what the lab actually owns: many analyzers are placed under reagent-rental and are not its assets.

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General M&E

What is food processing and packaging equipment worth?

Sanitary stainless construction holds value, and an integrated line is worth less at liquidation than it is in place. Why.

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General M&E

What is construction and heavy equipment worth?

A deep auction market makes comps strong. Hours, undercarriage, attachments and emissions tier move the number.

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Automotive

What is collision and body-shop equipment worth?

Booths and frame machines anchor the value, and OEM certification increasingly decides what equipment a shop must run.

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Automotive

What is commercial fleet and rolling stock worth?

Confirm what is owned vs leased first, then value trucks and trailers on mileage, spec and a deep auction market.

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General M&E

What is fabrication and welding equipment worth?

Press brakes, shears, lasers and welders: capacity and control generation lead, and fiber lasers have displaced CO2 in cutting.

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General M&E

What is plastics machinery worth?

Injection molding by clamp tonnage and controls, plus extrusion and auxiliaries. Why molds are usually appraised separately.

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General M&E

What is material handling equipment worth?

Forklifts, racking and conveyors. Confirm owned vs leased first, and remember racking value is mostly the cost to remove it.

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General M&E

What is printing and converting equipment worth?

The offset-to-digital shift drives value, and many digital presses are click-charge or leased, not owned. What that means for the number.

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More to come

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