Later classic tractors were in strong demand at the latest Harrogate auction, at the Great Yorkshire Showground, held by Cheffins.
Around 140 classic and vintage tractors, along with 1,000 entries of spares, implements and stationary engines, went under the hammer, with a sale rate of 83% totalling £672,000.
Tractors from the 80s and 90s continued to attract attention. A 1985 MB-Trac 1500 made £51,456, while a 1992 John Deere 4955 finished at £35,912. Another highlight was a 1994 Ford 7810 Powerstar SL, which had just one owner from new and 5,200 hours on the clock. This achieved £19,296.
Bill King, chairman at Cheffins, says the later models continue to be popular. “Later classics from the 80s and 90s are once again in high demand, particularly low-houred examples in original condition. Purchasers are keen to invest in tractors they remember operating.
“There is still a strong demand for early classics too, such as Massey Ferguson 135s, Fordson Dexta and David Brown 880s. These are iconic models, with original examples or ones in restored condition, achieving premium prices. An unusual and original Fordson Standard N with a Roadless Full Track conversion, made a superb £19,080, confirming that there is still considerable interest in these earlier 1940’s tractors, too.”
Other notable earlier examples included a 1980 Muir-Hill 121, which sold for £29,480 and a 1974 Massey Ferguson 188, which achieved £12,006. A 1946 Field Marshall Series 1, equipped with a Lainchbury winch, was sold for £14,150.
Looking at the implements and spares, a Wheatley single axle tipping trailer from 1967 was sold for £3,472, while an unused Hara cabin for a County 1174 made £4,256 and an IHC Tom Thumb stationary engine achieved £1,064.
A Ford toolbox with mounting brackets suitable for a front casting sold for £512 and there was interest in newer farm vehicles, with a Land Rover Defender 90 from 2014, with just 23,000 miles on the clock, selling for £32,160.
“Tractor and implement spares sold very well as restorers want to source original parts for their projects, and, with some spares difficult to find, this leads to surprising prices being achieved. Classic 3-ton trailers, cultivators and ploughs, along with barn machinery, all sold for excellent prices. We are already looking forward to 2025,” Bill concluded.