Sale prices benefit from quality lots and a weak pound

A farm machinery sale organised by Dorset-based auctioneer Symonds & Sampson, on behalf of contractor Chris Roberts, was well attended and achieved some excellent prices for the vendor. Chris Roberts’ contracting business was based at Compton Valence, near Dorchester, Dorset and specialised in grass harvest operations, principally producing haylage for supply to the equine market as well as some straw bales. The fleet of modern machinery included premium brands and its offering at the sale resulted from Chris ceasing contracting operations due to poor health. The sale day weather was overcast and murky at the venue, which is 600ft above sea level, but good attendance

Good attendance included local farmers and trade as well as Irish machinery dealers.

included many Irish bidders along with enthusiastic telephone bidders from Europe, attracted by the favourable exchange rate. Local trade buyers and farmers were also keen to find out what was available and helped achieve a good result. The Deutz Fahr tractor was a sale highlight; bought by a Devon farmer, its price pushed up by a Dutch underbidder, and it eventually sold for £53,500. Both Claas tractors also sold well, bought by a Claas main dealer from Ireland.

The Deutz-Fahr Agrotron 190 C-Shift was new in 2014 and had worked just 1,250 hours. With a 50kph transmission and front axle suspension it also had air brakes, front linkage and PTO and a hydraulic top link. It was equipped with Isobus and was on Continental tyres, 650/65R42 rear and 540/65R30 fronts. A Devon farmer bought the tractor for £53,500, the price pushed up by a Dutch under-bidder and the successful bidder also purchased the McConnel PA6565T hedge trimmer with telescopic arm and electronic controls (inset) for £11,700. Tractors on offer included a Deutz-Fahr and two Claas. All sold well.

One of the two Claas Arion 650 Cebis tractors on offer. Both were new in 2016 and were fitted with loader brackets. Identical specification included 50kph transmission, front axle suspension, air brakes, front linkage and PTO, three spools, Isobus and 650/65R38 rear and 540/65R28 front tyres. One had worked 1,350 hours and the other 1,800 hours. Prices achieved were £50,200 and £50,100 and the loader, sold separately, made £2,500.

More over page... This McHale 998 bale wrapper which was new in 2011 had wrapped approximately 52,000 bales and sold for £8,000.

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