There was buoyant online bidding for the first machinery sale to be held at Cheffins since lockdown started on 23rd March. The live webcast auction kicked off at 10am to a deserted saleground with bidding strictly online only. All fears that the trade may not hold up were dispelled within minutes of the sale starting, proving that the second-hand machinery market has remained resilient in the face of the global pandemic.
A higher than expected amount of the trade was from overseas buyers who did not allow travelling restrictions to preclude them from buying online. Exporting machinery overseas is still feasible and we were delighted that our overseas buyers were not deterred.
There were 300 machines on offer in the Drive-Thru’ tractor section with a 13-strong consignment of 2018 Massey Ferguson tractors, all new from one vendor and all with under 1800 hours on the clock.
Specific highlights included a John Deere 6210 tractor with direct drive, front and cab suspension and front linkage which was knocked down at £51,000; a 2018 John Deere 6155M model sold for £46,500; a John Deere 6195R auto-power, auto-track which sold for £39,000; a ’63 registered Valtra T213 with front linkage and showing 4417 hours, direct from a local finance company, sold for £36,500.
Aside from the tractors, there were 1500 lots of machinery and equipment on offer over a five day timed online auction.
The Doubleday Group had generously donated two mini pedal tractors to the auction with all sale proceeds and commission being donated to the NHS.
Bill Pepper, Director and Auctioneer said: “This auction was a tentative first sale after lockdown and we are delighted with the overall result. The second-hand machinery trade is as strong as it was pre-lockdown with buyers determined to secure the best quality tractors and machinery with some competitive bidding taking place online.
"This is the first time in our history that we have hosted our monthly sale with online bidding only and, until restrictions are relaxed further, this could be our modus operandi for a few months."