Entering March, machinery auction volume rose by more than 5%. According to Machinery Pete, the current market is nuanced: While the tractor market remains strong and combines are holding steady, the planter market has shown less consistency.
Despite the conclusion of the year’s busiest month, used equipment prices remain robust in early April. For example, Doug and Mary Berg’s farm retirement sale in Rock Rapids, Iowa, conducted by Zomer Company Realty and Auction, featured Machinery Pete’s Pick of the Week — a 2004 John Deere 8120 with only 897 hours, which set a new record-high auction price of $158,000.
Older iron has also commanded impressive prices in recent weeks. On April 4 in Wawaka, Ind., Schrader Real Estate and Auction saw strong results for the following:
- 1993 Case IH 7110 with 4,436 hours sold for $45,500.
- 1982 International 5288 2WD with 6,498 hours sold for $30,000.
- 1983 Case 2290 with 2,787 hours sold for $18,000.
- 1968 Case 730 with more than 4,900 hours sold for $8,000.
Similarly, the Macke Bros Inc. auction in Bellmont, Ill., hosted by Schmid Auction on March 31, saw high demand for classic John Deere models.
- 1981 John Deere 4440 with 6,260 hours sold for $45,000.
- 1986 John Deere 4050 2WD with 3,794 hours sold for $41,200.
- 1958 John Deere 720 diesel sold for $22,100.
North of the border in Radisson, Saskatchewan, Ritchie Bros’ EP Farms Ltd. auction featured relatively new, high-capacity machinery:
- 2024 Case IH 715 Quadtrac tractor with 812 hours sold for $491,830.
- 2024 Case IH 9250 combine with 704 engine hours sold for $355,410.
Looking ahead at the week, on April 7, in Brillion, Wis., an auction by C.A. Tesch Equipment with 92 tractors will sell:
- 2021 John Deere 8R 280 with 763 hours.
- 2011 John Deere 7930 with 1,780 hours.
- 1974 IHC 1468 with 6,242 hours.
On April 14, an online auction in Kearney, Neb., by Adam Marshall Land & Auction LLC will have equipment from the Old Cellar Vineyard in Arapahoe, Neb., including a 2000 New Holland Braud SB64 grape harvester with 4,681 hours.
