Used Farm Machinery: A Silver Lining in Tough Times?
Well-known machinery auctioneers, Cheffins, have just dropped figures that’ll make some farmers both scratch their heads and breathe a sigh of relief. The Cambridge-based firm, a stalwart in the second-hand ag kit market, has reported a hefty 14.5% surge in sales for the first three months of 2026, raking in over £12.4 million. This is a significant jump from the £10,829,000 recorded in Q1 2025, and it paints a clear picture: while new machinery sales are struggling, the market for good used kit is absolutely flying.
This is about the flagship Cambridge Machinery Sales at their Ely site; Cheffins also held a dozen on-farm auctions across the UK, from the rolling hills of Yorkshire to the flatlands of Cambridgeshire. In total, some 4,800 lots went under the hammer, with an average lot price of £2,850. What’s particularly striking is the quality of machinery fetching top prices, like a 2022 Horsch Avatar disc drill that went for £110,000, consigned directly from a local farm, or a 2023 Case IH 300 Optum tractor hitting £105,000 – these aren’t just old bangers being shifted, they’re serious pieces of kit.
Export Drive and Direct-from-Farm Consignments Fuel Growth
A big part of Cheffins’ success lies in its continued strong export demand. Over a third – 34% – of items sold at the Cambridge sales were destined for overseas buyers, with familiar markets like Spain, Poland, Ireland, and the Netherlands leading the charge, alongside a resurgent Ukraine. To keep this export pipeline flowing, Cheffins processed a remarkable 240 machines through their specialist washdown facility in just three months, ensuring everything meets those fiddly EU phytosanitary regulations. It just shows you the hoops auctioneers are jumping through to keep this market buoyant.
Another telling trend is the noticeable increase in machinery being consigned directly from farms. This now accounts for roughly 25% of entries in the Cambridge Monthly Machinery Sale, a significant shift highlighted by Cheffins’ director Joe Page. He notes that this ‘direct from farm’ equipment is exactly what both domestic and international buyers are after: well-maintained, high-quality kit that’s had a good home. This is a convenience for the vendor; it’s a sign of confidence from buyers in a machine’s provenance.
The Pinch on New Kit and the Ripple Effect on Second-hand
Joe Page pulls no punches when discussing the wider market dynamics. He points squarely at the scarcity of new machinery as a primary driver for the buoyant used market. “The first quarter of this year has been mainly characterised by a lack of stock,” Page states, linking it to a cascade of challenges facing farmers: the new inheritance tax rules, persistent high input costs, and broader economic uncertainty. This grim cocktail has led to a major slowdown in new machinery trade-ins – a traditional source of auction stock.
Page highlights the stark reality that new tractor registrations in 2025 hit a record low, with only 8,791 machines hitting UK farms, down a significant 14% on the previous year, as reported by the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA). This scarcity in the new market directly translates to fewer used tractors coming up for sale. So, while availability might be tighter, the quality on offer *is* higher, demonstrating that farmers are generally looking after their existing fleet longer, knowing that new replacements are both harder to get and costlier.
What This Means for Farmers
For working farmers, these figures from Cheffins aren’t just interesting headlines; they’re a barometer of the industry’s health and a direct indicator of value. If you’re considering upgrading, you’re looking at a used market where demand is high, especially for well-regarded, quality machines. This means you’ll likely get a strong price for your existing, well-maintained equipment. However, it also means that finding a ‘bargain’ on the second-hand market might be harder work than usual. The days of picking up a cheap, lightly used machine seem to be on pause.
The export market’s voracious appetite for British farm equipment is also something to consider. With a third of Cheffins’ sales heading abroad, it’s clear our kit is valued internationally. This underscores the quality of British farming and British farm maintenance. It also means that if you’re looking for spares or niche equipment, the competition isn’t just domestic; it’s global, and you need to be quick off the mark if something suitable comes up.
What to Do Next
First off, assess your current machinery fleet. If you’ve got equipment that’s well-maintained and in good working order, now might be an opportune time to consider selling it, especially if you’re looking to downsize or if a new model has finally caught your eye. The market is favouring sellers right now, so capitalise on that if it aligns with your farm’s strategy.
On top of that, if you’re in the market for used machinery, be prepared to act quickly and be realistic about prices. The notion of a ‘steal’ is largely gone. Focus on equipment with a clear service history and good provenance; the increasing direct-from-farm consignments are a good starting point for finding these gems. Finally, keep an eye on export destinations; understanding where demand is coming from can offer insights into future trends and potential value for certain types of machinery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 14.5% increase in sales at Cheffins mean for farmers?
It suggests a strong demand for quality second-hand farm machinery, potentially offering good prices for farmers selling their used equipment, but also indicating higher purchase prices for those looking to buy.
Why are new tractor registrations at a record low?
Cheffins’ director Joe Page attributes it to a combination of new inheritance tax rules, lack of government funding, high input costs, and wider macroeconomic uncertainty, leading to fewer new machinery trade-ins.
How does export demand impact the UK’s used machinery market?
Strong export demand, with 34% of Cheffins’ sales going overseas, drives up competition and prices for certain types of machinery, making valuable UK-sourced equipment sought after internationally.
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