Cheffins has reported that £23m worth of machinery was sold in Q2 2026, up 85% compared to Q1 and 30% when compared to the same period in 2025.
According to the company, 11,741 lots were offered across a range of events, with the average price achieved being £8,459. This was up significantly from the average price of £6,966 in Q1.
The growth was led by the company’s on-site auctions, which generated £11.3m, compared to £3.5m in 2025. This was achieved despite fewer auctions being held. The Cambridge Monthly Machinery Sales generated a further £9.45m, and the April Vintage Sale achieved £2.3m.
International demand remained strong, with 158 machines exported during the quarter. Of this, 102 were tractors and four were combine harvesters. 47 of the tractors were John Deere, while Massey Ferguson and Fendt had eight a piece.
The top lots for the quarter included:
£257,000 for a 2023 Fendt 942 Vario Profi+ Tractor at a timed online auction in Bedfordshire- £187,000 for a 2022 Claas Trion 720 Terra Trac Combine Harvester from a timed online auction in Somerset
- £160,000 for a 2018 New Holland CR9.90 Combine Harvester at a live sale in Devon
- £136,000 for a 2018 Bateman RB35 Self Propelled sprayer at a live sale in Oxfordshire
- £135,000 for a 2024 JCB Fastrac 4220 Icon tractor at timed online auction in Buckinghamshire
Charles Wadsley, senior director at Cheffins comments: “Demand for direct-from-farm machinery has remained exceptionally strong at both our monthly collective sales and on-site auctions. Farmers continue to invest in machinery, but many are opting for high-quality second-hand equipment rather than buying new.”
“The significant increase in sales during the quarter, together with the higher average lot values achieved, reflects buyers investing ahead of harvest. We’ve conducted sales across the country, from Devon to Northumberland, ranging from timed online auctions through to major full farm dispersal sales, including significant instructions on behalf of Velcourt.”