Cheffins is hailing its first fully online collective machinery sale a success. Since the UK Covid-19 lockdown started on March 23rd the well-known monthly machinery sale has been postponed.
To get things back up and running, Cheffins opted to do a live webcast auction on May 18th for the drive through tractors and other self-propelled machines while other lots were sold via a five day timed auction. Those willing to travel could only view the machines the day before the sale and had to adhere to social distancing.
A higher number of overseas buyers were in on the action with strong prices on the day for the over 300 lots. The selection of tractors included a consignment of a baker’s dozen of 2018 Massey Fergusons, all showing less than 1,800 hours.
Sale 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 AutoPowr with AutoTrack which sold for £39,000; a ’63 registered Valtra T213 with front linkage and showing 4,417 hours, direct from a local finance company, sold for £36,500.
“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,” said director and auctioneer, Bill Pepper. “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 yet.”
