Knowing What You're Buying: How Schwegler Maschinenhandel Sources Used Equipment with Confidence

For David Schwegler, the CEO of Schwegler Maschinenhandel – a family business specializing in buying and selling modern used machinery – construction equipment has never been just a business.

"You do what makes you happy," he says. "Working with construction machines is a true passion."

That passion helped turn a small side business operating from his parents' garage into Schwegler Maschinenhandel, a growing company that today manages around 300 machines every year.

As the business expanded, one thing became increasingly important: finding reliable equipment and having complete confidence in every purchase.

In the used machinery market, confidence comes from knowing exactly what you are buying. For Schwegler, that confidence is rooted in a six-year relationship with DLL, built on transparency, reliability, and continuous improvement. What began with equipment offers shared directly by the Asset Sales team has since evolved into the DLL Equipment Showroom, where buyers can access detailed asset information and participate in transparent online auctions.

Watch David Schwegler's story

Hear directly from David Schwegler about how his business has grown, why transparency matters when buying used equipment, and how his relationship with DLL has evolved over the years.

New opportunities and demands

Seven years ago, Schwegler Maschinenhandel looked very different.

The company started with a simple idea. David purchased his first excavator, rented it to local construction sites, and managed the business alongside his regular work. What began as a small rental operation gradually developed into machinery trading as demand grew and customer relationships strengthened.

Today, the company employs six team members. It operates its own truck, manages a substantial fleet, and serves customers across the construction sector.

Compact construction equipment remains the main focus. David buys a broad mix of machines through the DLL Equipment Showroom, including vibratory plates, mini excavators, wheel loaders, aerial work platforms, trucks, vans, and tractors. Schwegler’s purchase history also reflects the development of the business. In the early years, he concentrated almost entirely on compact construction machines.

As the company grew, the range widened to include more equipment categories and a larger variety of assets for resale.

Growth creates opportunities, but it also raises expectations.

When buying and selling equipment on a larger scale, every purchasing decision matters. Machine condition, maintenance history, documentation, pricing, and availability all play a role. Having clear information from the start helps businesses move forward with certainty.

That is one of the reasons Schwegler Maschinenhandel works with the DLL Equipment Showroom.

From email offers to an online showroom

David has been purchasing machinery from DLL since 2020. During that time, the way DLL presents available equipment and manages bids has changed considerably.

Before the Equipment Showroom was introduced, DLL shared machinery through an email distribution list. Each offer included a completed PDF with a limited number of photographs. Buyers submitted their bids by replying to the email.

Now, the Equipment Showroom brings the listing information and bidding activity into one online environment. Each asset is documented in far greater detail, giving David a clearer basis for judging its condition before he decides whether to bid.

Clear information matters when buying used equipment

Buying used machinery often involves transportation and relocation. A machine may be located hundreds of kilometers away, so a personal inspection is not always practical before a decision must be made. For David, the Equipment Showroom's value begins with the information available on each asset.

Detailed listings replace many of the assumptions that come with limited photographs and brief descriptions. Buyers can review the available machine information and make their own assessment before placing a bid.

During open auctions, buyers can see whether they are the highest bidder and whether the reserve price has been met. The status remains visible while the auction is running, so they know where their bid stands.

The platform has become a regular purchasing channel for Schwegler Maschinenhandel. With DLL hosting multiple auctions annually, Schwegler has become a consistent participant, purchasing an average of around two machines per auction through the Equipment Showroom in recent years.

A reliable source for quality machinery

The Equipment Showroom gives buyers access to professionally inspected used equipment backed by consistent standards. According to Rico Kunert, Team Lead Asset Sales DACH at DLL, reliability remains central to how DLL supports customers and dealers.

"At the Equipment Showroom, every machine is clearly documented, fairly valued, and priced with complete transparency. We are responsible for bringing quality used machines back into the market," says Rico.

Reliability is particularly important in the construction sector, where equipment availability can directly affect project planning and business performance. Buyers need confidence that the machine described is the machine they will receive.

For equipment buyers, that means having the information needed to evaluate a machine before purchasing and making decisions with greater confidence, even when the asset is located in another country.

For Schwegler, that creates a purchasing experience built on certainty rather than guesswork.

"I know what I can buy. I know what I'm getting. And I can always talk directly with the contact person,” notes David.

Equipment sourcing and payment options in one relationship

As Schwegler Maschinenhandel continued to grow, the relationship with DLL expanded beyond equipment sourcing. The company also works with DLL on inventory and customer financing, supporting its own purchases and the payment options it can discuss with customers.

"We can finance machines we purchase ourselves and also offer suitable financing solutions to our customers," says Schwegler. "That means we can provide everything from a single source."

For machinery dealers, access to equipment and financing are often closely connected. Being able to discuss both through one trusted partner creates a smoother process for buyers and sellers alike. The result is a business relationship that supports multiple stages of the equipment lifecycle, from acquisition to resale.

Built through direct contact

Construction equipment remains a people's business. Relationships developed through years of buying, selling, transporting, and servicing machines often become as important as the equipment itself. David values direct contact in his work with DLL.

"It's great when business, friendship, and personal connections come together."

His comment points to a practical feature of the industry. Long-term business relationships depend on clear communication, dependable follow-up, and an understanding of how customers buy and sell used equipment.

Looking ahead

Schwegler Maschinenhandel has come a long way from its beginnings in a garage. What started with one excavator and a side business has become a company handling hundreds of machines each year.

The equipment mix has broadened with the business, but David's purchasing discipline remains consistent. He wants detailed asset information, visible pricing, and a clear view of his position during an auction.

DLL Equipment Showroom gives him those points of reference before he buys. In a market where a machine may be viewed from a distance and purchased for its next working life, knowing what is on offer carries real weight.

Explore the DLL Equipment Showroom marketplace and discover available equipment across industries.