Adding a new machine to your fleet is a strategic investment. The best choice will depend on balancing your budget, project, and timeline requirements. Buying new offers predictability and advanced technologies, while used units offer lower prices for older models.
ASCO Equipment is your reliable solutions provider, offering a full selection of new and used heavy machines. With Decades of Dependability under our belt, we offer factory-trained support to help you make the best choice for your business.
Advantages of Buying New Heavy Equipment
New equipment from a dependable brand comes with clear benefits. You'll typically experience zero out-of-pocket repair costs for the first two to three years. These savings are critical for contractors on fixed-bid projects where profit margins depend on equipment reliability. Brands are always innovating, and newer machines may feature telematics that track idle time and fuel usage.
Purchasing new heavy machinery is also eligible for Section 179 Tax Incentives under the 2026 updates. You may deduct the full purchase price, up to $2.56 million, from your gross income. The deduction helps you balance higher up front prices compared to other purchase options, as well as equipment depreciation.
When you invest in a new heavy machine, you can expect:
Factory warranty and predictable costs
Section 179 tax incentives
Latest technology and telematics
Higher up-front prices and immediate depreciation
Benefits of Buying Used Heavy Equipment
Purchasing used heavy equipment can be a cost-effective solution to boost your fleet's capabilities on a tight timeline or budget. Used machines have a more stable value compared to newer models. Resale value is more stable and significantly lower than the price points for new equipment. You free up capital for other business needs, such as payroll, materials, or bidding on more jobs.
Used equipment is also readily available. If a job starts next week in Midland or Lubbock, a used machine is on the lot and ready to haul. At ASCO, all used units go through rigorous checks. Our certified techs perform 80-point inspections to provide transparent listings and reliable machines.
When you buy used heavy equipment, you can expect:
Lower up front costs and stable value
Immediate availability
Higher potential for maintenance
3 Factors to Help You Decide
The decision between new and used heavy equipment will vary from one situation to another. Both options have their pros and cons, and to choose the right one, there are several factors to keep in mind, including:
Annual Usage Hours
Annual usage hours, or machine hours, track the total time the equipment's engine has been operational. This data is a primary indicator of how extensively a machine has been used throughout its life.
For used equipment, higher machine hours generally suggest more wear and tear on components like the engine, hydraulics, and other critical systems. Consider how those hours were accumulated, since a bulldozer with more idle time won't be in the same condition as one used in rough terrain for constant high torque.
For new equipment, usage hours aren't a concern initially, but your projected annual usage hours help you understand the true long-term cost of ownership. High usage means you'll pay more in annual maintenance and experience faster depreciation, while lower usage can extend the period before major maintenance is required and preserve more of the machine's value over time.
The 1,000-Hour Rule is a helpful guideline when considering used machinery versus new. On average, heavy equipment can be expected to provide a certain number of hours of reliable operation before significant wear-related issues or major overhauls. If you plan to use equipment for more than 1,000 hours a year, go for the reliability of a new model. If you're using it for fewer than 1,000 hours, you can save money by buying a used unit.
Project Duration
Project duration is a key factor in determining the economic sweet spot between buying new and used equipment. Used equipment makes more sense for short-term projects spanning six months to two years, minimizing up-front costs and avoiding depreciation. New equipment is better for projects lasting over four years or for continuous work, as it provides reliability, efficiency, and an extended lifespan.
Features
For advanced technology — like collision avoidance or cameras — and energy efficiency, consider new equipment. These newer features enhance safety and productivity on the jobsite and can also lower operational costs.
If your crew is already familiar with a specific make and model, you can source that same equipment from used options. Your team can then jump back into work without requiring training on a new machine and complete tasks efficiently since they know how to best use the equipment.
Partner With ASCO for Your New and Used Equipment Needs
ASCO provides reliable new and used machines for all your project needs and the service capabilities to back them up. Browse our inventory or contact our experts online for more information.
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John Wright
VP, CIO
John Wright, Brax Wright’s son, joined ASCO in early 2013 as part of the third generation of family leadership. A proud member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 2007, John earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University.
After graduation, John worked as a structural design engineer for L-3 Communications MID, specializing in C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) aircraft. In 2012, John completed a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Strategy and Entrepreneurship from Southern Methodist University.
In January 2013, John joined the family business and played a key role on the Hi-Way acquisition team. He has since taken on a variety of responsibilities. He currently oversees the IT department.
In his spare time, John enjoys weightlifting, woodworking, cooking, and reading. He met his wife, Elizabeth Boothe, at Coronado High School while competing on the Math Team. Together, they have two beautiful daughters.
Courtney Wright Vanderham
VP, Branch Manager
Courtney Vanderham, Steve Wright’s daughter, joined ASCO in 2010. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Texas Tech University in 2005 and went on to complete her MBA at West Texas A&M University in 2007 while working at ASCO. Courtney later attended Tulane University, earning a Master of Finance (MFIN) with a specialization in Energy Derivatives and Risk Management.
Following her MFIN, Courtney worked as a sales and use tax consultant for Ryan Inc., North America’s largest tax consulting firm. She returned to ASCO in 2010, where she gained experience in the accounting department in Lubbock before transitioning to Amarillo. She currently serves in an Operations Manager role
Courtney is actively involved in her community as a member of the Junior League of Amarillo, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and the Power of the Purse committee for the Laura Bush Women’s Health Science Institute.
Courtney is married to Zachary Vanderham of Visalia, California. Together, they have two children. The family share a love for sports, the outdoors, and spending time with friends.
Charles Ellis (Chase) Key Jr.
VP, Sales Manager West TX
Paula’s son, Chase Key, joined ASCO in 2009 and was the first of the third generation to return to the family business. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Oklahoma and later completed a Master’s degree in Management at Texas Tech University.
After graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 2006, Chase began his career with UPS as part of their engineering team. In 2009, he rejoined ASCO, gaining experience in various roles, including the service department, rental sales, and as branch manager for the Lubbock Case store. Today, Chase serves as South Area Sales Manager.
Chase is actively involved in his community as Vice Chairman of the Covenant Hospital Foundation Board and a member of the Lubbock Executive Association (LEA). An Eagle Scout, Chase fondly recalls completing a 50-mile trek in Canada, an experience that continues to inspire him. He enjoys outdoor activities such as hunting and golf.
Chase is married to Amy Collins of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and together they have three children.
Paula Wright Key
Treasurer
Bill’s daughter, Paula Wright Key, and treasurer for ASCO, is also proud to be part of the family operation. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1979 with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in marketing. That same year, Paula married Charles Ellis Key and moved to Dallas, where Charles joined InterFirst Bank as a Vice President.
In 1988, Paula and Charles returned to Lubbock, and Paula began her career at ASCO, working in the accounting department, working with payroll and accounts receivable.
Paula has been deeply involved in her community, serving on various boards, including the Texas Tech Foundation Board, Hospice of Lubbock Board, the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health, and the Board of Trustees for All Saints Episcopal School.
Paula and Charles have two children, Charles Ellis Key Jr. (Chase) and Carolyn, as well as four grandchildren.
John Stephen (Steve) Wright
President
Steve Wright graduated from Texas Tech University in 1974 with a degree in Business Management. Shortly after, he joined his father and brother at ASCO, where he gained experience in nearly every role within the company.
In 1982, Steve and his family moved to Casper, Wyoming, where he managed ASCO Equipment-Wyoming, a Clark-Michigan distributorship serving the state. In 1984, he returned to Amarillo and now serves as President of ASCO.
Steve and his wife, Lea, are deeply involved in local, state, and national politics. Steve has also contributed to his community by serving on several boards, including Senate District 31, the Amarillo Executive Club, the Texas Tech Red Raider Club Board of Directors, and the Advisory Board for Wells Fargo Bank, among others.
An avid outdoorsman, Steve enjoys hunting and fishing. Steve and Lea have three children: Robyn, Courtney, and Brandon.
W.B. (Brax) Wright
CEO
Brax graduated from the University of Texas in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation, he began his career as an Offshore District Project Engineer for Exxon. He also served in the United States Army Reserve for six years, achieving the rank of sergeant in a heavy construction battalion.
Brax has held nearly every position at ASCO, gaining invaluable experience across the company before becoming Chief Executive Officer in 1997. Over the years, he has also served on numerous manufacturer advisory boards as well as other bank and company boards, contributing his expertise to guide key decisions.
Outside of work, Brax teaches the Adult Seekers Sunday School class at First Christian Church, where he serves as an elder. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, camping, fly-fishing, reading, and writing. Brax is married to Beth, and together they have two children, John and Jill, and five grandchildren.
