Where this construction machinery comes from
Construction machinery auctioned in Germany comes mainly from three sources. Zoll-Auktion sells off decommissioned equipment from public authorities: municipalities, Länder and the federal government, including road maintenance and public works machinery. Justiz-Auktion sells assets seized by bailiffs and courts. VEBEG, a federal company, disposes of equipment from the administration and the armed forces, often by sealed tender. Add to this the liquidation and insolvency platforms, which disperse the fleets of failed companies. These sales are scattered and little known outside Germany, which means many lots go unsold.
Checks before you bid
Read the German listing word by word. "Nicht fahrbereit" means not roadworthy, "Motorschaden" damaged engine, "Unfallfahrzeug" accident vehicle. "Ohne TÜV" or "HU abgelaufen" indicates an expired roadworthiness test, "Zulassung erloschen" a cancelled registration. Note the EZ, first registration, and the UVV, the mandatory safety inspection for machinery. Check that the documents are present: Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and II. For construction machinery, also check the condition of hydraulic circuits, tracks or tyres, brakes and the hour meter. An inspection (Besichtigung) before the sale is often possible: ask for it. A bid generally offers neither warranty nor right of withdrawal.
Collection, delivery and import
Many lots are to be collected on site ("nur Abholung"). Non-driveable machinery requires transport on a trailer, which avoids the plate question. To drive roadworthy machinery out by road, the usual route is an export plate (Ausfuhrkennzeichen, with temporary insurance); short-term plates (Kurzzeitkennzeichen) are intended for driving in Germany and their use abroad is often refused. For France, a temporary WW registration is possible, then certificate of conformity, tax clearance and ANTS application. No customs duty between Germany and the EU. Outside the EU, import duties and VAT apply. An EU business with a valid intra-community VAT number can often buy without German VAT with proof of transport.