Cheffins has announced that £15.1m worth of second-hand machinery was sold through its events in Q3, down 34% compared to the £23m sold in Q2.
Although sales remained ahead of the Q1 figure (£12.4m), the company said the traditional slowdown seen during harvest has been exacerbated by wider uncertainty ahead of the Autumn Budget.
The number of lots increased year on year from 9,325 in the same period last year to 10,059 in 2026. The quarter also culminated with the firm’s busiest September on record.
Export sales continued to be a key driver, especially at Cheffins’ monthly auctions, with approximately 50% of lots sold through the Cambridge sales being exported overseas to buyers from 23 different countries.
Across all Q3 sales, the average lot value was £2,251.60, compared with £2,658.09 in Q3 2025, representing a decrease of about 15%.
Oliver Godfrey, head of machinery sales at Cheffins, said: “The combination of the Autumn Budget, harvest and ongoing financial instability has dampened demand for the third quarter of this year. While the summer months
are always our quietest, we did have the busiest September we have seen in terms of machinery sales in the firm’s 200-year history.”
“However, this activity perhaps has not been reflected in the total figures, as the average lot price reduced against last year. Undoubtedly, the government’s policies towards farming and inheritance tax have had their impacts.”
Rare Ford Silver Jubilee to be auctioned off
In more positive news, Cheffins will auction off a 1991 Ford 7810 Silver Jubilee model tractor, donated by Michael Burdge, with all proceeds going to the Royal Papworth Charity’s Brighter Spaces, Brighter Futures appeal.
Four years ago, Mr Burdge’s son, Ed, was just 17 when he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. After weeks in hospital trying to stabilise his condition, a heart transplant became his only chance of survival. Ed spent three months at the Royal Papworth Hospital during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, before receiving a new heart.
Mr Burdge said: “When my son Ed became seriously ill, Royal Papworth became my family’s whole world. During Ed’s time at the hospital, we experienced first-hand the incredible care and compassion shown by staff, but we also saw how important the hospital environment is for patients and families facing long stays.
“That’s why we’re proud to support the Brighter Spaces, Brighter Futures appeal. By improving patient and family day rooms, we can help create spaces that provide comfort, dignity and support for everyone who depends on Royal Papworth.”
The Ford Silver Jubilee is estimated to fetch between £25,000 and £30,000, and will be offered via a timed online sale hosted by Cheffins, with bidding available from 2-10 November.