Cheffins has reported more than £3.2 million in turnover from its November sale, the highest grossing sale since February.
Around 2,000 lots go under the hammer, with 50% sold overseas. Machinery was sold to more than 20 countries, with purchasers from Sudan, Lebanon, Cyprus, Kenya, Ireland, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, France, Spain, Netherlands, Lithuania, Denmark, Austria, Greece, Portugal and Estonia bidding in person and online.
Joe Page, director at Cheffins Machinery Sales said: “The export market has come back in full force this autumn, as buyers look to make the most of the weakening pound. Trade was strong across all areas of the sale, with direct from farm machinery, in particular, making premium prices.
“As hunting down machinery throughout the continent is time-consuming, many of our overseas buyers were heading to Cheffins as a one-stop shop for machinery and tractors, with many buying multiple lots to take back to Europe. Cheffins is one of the only auctioneers to offer full washdown and certification services, giving buyers greater confidence to ship items overseas.”
Highlights included a direct-from-farm 2011 John Deere 7930 with just over 4,200 hours on the clock. This was sold to Canada and achieved over £62,000. Similarly, a 2012 John Deere 6330 sold for £28,500, while a 2019 Claas 830 was sold to a Dutch buyer for £57,000.
Mr Page added: “We have taken great care to match up customers’ requirements and saw a strong trade for Claas tractors to Eastern Europe, and John Deere examples heading to Spain and Portugal, for instance. Supply chain issues continue to be the main driver for growing prices for quality second-hand machinery, as backlogs and long lead times have delayed trade-ins for farmers and caused stock levels to take a nosedive.
“This has led to greater competition in the market and ensured that all quality ex-farm kit is quickly snapped up at auction by either the export market or domestic farmers and contractors.”
Prices were also strong in the plant and implements sectors, with a 2019 JCB 3CX backhoe achieving over £50,000 and heading to Ireland, while a 2016 Mercedes Actros 3240 lorry was sold domestically for £35,000. A pair of 2008 Neuson 6001 dumpers, each with 1,200 hours on the clock, sold for more than £12,000 apiece.