Strong sterling hits machinery markets

By Simon Wragg

FARM dispersal prices for second-hand machinery are running ahead of collective sales as overseas buyers back off with sterling gaining strength.

At Mondays auction at the Cambridge saleground auctioneer William Pepper says Irish buyers were absent following the pounds rally against the punt. It was a good day for sterling buyers.

That gives a small advantage to those remaining, particularly end users, he suggests.

At on-farm sales prices can generally go that bit further as you are looking at the end-user buying, rather than a dealer looking to pass it on and make a margin.

As ever, demand was clearly for clean kit which has been maintained well and kept under cover.

But fewer entries were forwarded by dealerships with good second-hand tackle being easier to shift from yards.

As seasonal demand dictates, grass equipment sold well. A PZ drum mower with only one season under its belt traded at a discount of about 600 on its retail price to fetch 1200.

A three-year-old Vicon CM127 mower in good condition took bidding to 1600.

Older sorts were trading at between 300-700, adds Mr Pepper.

But the real interest is in mower/conditioners with the prospect of two or three more grass cuts still to come.

A Kuhn FC300 with four seasons use took bids to 5500 – indicative of trade if stored well and kept clean.

Balers were also in demand. An ex-farm John Deere 550, fitted with a wide pick-up went to 5500.

On the tractor front, three JCB 155-65s, all L or M-reg, sold for between 15,000 and 16,500. Two of these were exported.

The combine market remains tight with limited export opportunities. Only half the 24 combines entered were sold, reflecting trade elsewhere.

Top bid was for a F-reg Deutz was 10,800, with older New Holland 8050/8060s back at 6000-6500.