Increasing costs see farmers go second-hand
One of the country’s largest tractor, trailer and machinery auction houses has reported an 18 per cent year-on-year rise in sales as the market for new farm equipment continues to struggle.
The nine York Machinery Sales, at York Auction Centre, last year each attracted up to 1.3 million catalogue views, supported by a growing national and international buyer base exceeding 60,000.
The company’s success came as UK tractor registrations fell significantly to their lowest level in over two decades. Data from the Agricultural Engineering Association last summer revealed not only a sharp drop in overall sales, but also shifting investment patterns and widening regional disparities across the sector. Yorkshire saw a 16 per cent drop in agricultural tractor registrations in the year to 2024.
However, the Murton Lane sales attracted around 3,200 registered bidders for each sale and in total, 38,436 lots went under the hammer, with a sell rate up to 91 per cent and an average of 87 per cent sales over the year achieved via the timed online auctions. Sales drew a large number of bidders from Ireland, central and eastern Europe, north Africa and Chile.
Richard Tasker, managing director of York Machinery Sales, revealed the sales had experienced growth of 150 per cent since pre-Covid. He said significant registrations had already been received for the 2026 sales which would see innovations introduced, including a York Auction Centre app.
Mr Tasker said the centre was commited to enhancing customer service and experiences.
He said: “Central to this will be a new York Auction Centre app that will provide sale details, information and news together with customer account access for sales history and a payment platform link. We have been delighted with the incredible support from vendors and purchasers who have made this a record breaking 2025. We saw phenomenal interest and excellent prices as the high cost of new equipment increased the demand for affordable second hand options.”
Last April, the firm reported “exceptional interest” in its Spring auctions, driven by a strong market for second hand agricultural machinery, with interest from around the world.
It said the success of the sales had been fuelled by the rising cost of new equipment, which had slowed new purchases and restricted supply. With fewer trade-ins feeding the second hand market and high prices for new equipment, demand for more affordable second hand options increased.
Mr Tasker said: “Our opening sales in February and March set the tone for the year with over 4,500 lots in each sale, including an increasing line up of high quality tractors and machinery with this strong trend achieving great results throughout the year.”
Highlights from the 2025 sales included a John Deere 6155M tractor (2016) selling for £45,000, a Case Optum 300 tractor (2019) selling for £69,400 and a John Deere 7930 tractor (2010) selling for £45,400.
The first York Machinery Sale of 2026 is open for entries, closing on February 5. The timed online auction will begin on February 13 and conclude on February 18.