Second-hand machinery sales rise by almost 15% in 2026

Cheffins, a leading provider of second-hand agricultural machinery sales, has reported a notable surge in sales figures for the first quarter of 2026. The company confirmed that sales of tractors and agricultural machinery have risen by 14.5% compared to the same period in 2025, reaching a total of £12.4 million. This growth has been driven by a combination of the flagship Cambridge Machinery Sales, held at Cheffins' dedicated site near Ely, and on-farm auctions conducted across the UK.

The increase in sales is particularly significant given the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in recent times. The first three months of 2025 saw total sales of £10,829,000, highlighting the substantial growth experienced in 2026. A total of 4,800 lots were offered at both the Cambridge Machinery Sale and on-farm auctions, with an average lot price of £2,850. This demonstrates that there is still strong demand for high-quality, well-maintained equipment, particularly when provenance is clear.

Export demand has remained robust, with 34% of items sold at the Cambridge sales destined for overseas buyers. Leading locations for these exports include Spain, Poland, Ireland, Ukraine, and the Netherlands. To facilitate these exports, Cheffins processed 240 machines through its specialist washdown facility during the quarter, ensuring compliance with EU phytosanitary regulations for tractors, combines, self-propelled harvesters, and a variety of other machinery.

The Cambridge Monthly Machinery Sale saw 3,000 lots sold, with a notable increase in machinery consigned directly from farms. These farm-sourced entries now account for approximately 25% of the total entries. This trend reflects a shift in the market, as farmers look to sell their own machinery directly rather than relying on intermediaries.

Joe Page, director at Cheffins, attributed the growth in sales to a significant slowdown in new machinery trade-ins. He explained that the agricultural sector is still weathering the shockwaves of the new inheritance tax ruling, a lack of government funding, high input costs, and wider macroeconomic uncertainty. These factors have reduced the volume of equipment entering the auction market.

Despite these challenges, Cheffins has managed to capitalize on the growing demand for second-hand machinery. The company's ability to adapt to changing market conditions and cater to both local farmers and international buyers has contributed to its success. As the agricultural sector continues to navigate uncertain times, the resilience of the second-hand machinery market remains a testament to its adaptability and potential for growth.

Looking ahead, Cheffins is preparing for its next monthly machinery sale, which will take place on Monday, 13th April, at the firm's dedicated sale ground at Sutton, near Ely. This event will undoubtedly attract a wide range of buyers, both from the UK and abroad, seeking quality agricultural machinery at competitive prices.

In conclusion, the 14.5% rise in second-hand machinery sales for Cheffins in the first quarter of 2026 is a significant achievement, particularly in the context of the challenges faced by the agricultural sector. The company's ability to adapt to these challenges and meet the evolving needs of its customers has driven its success. As the market continues to evolve, Cheffins remains well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities and maintain its position as a leading player in the second-hand machinery sector.