As the busiest month for machinery auctions draws to a close, several high-profile sales caught Machinery Pete’s attention. Machinery Pete’s Pick of the Week took place on March 24 in Currie, Minn., where the Steffes Group conducted the Bill Maher farm retirement auction. A 2010 Case IH Magnum 245 with 4,052 hours sold for $120,000 — the highest price ever recorded for that specific model and hours.
On March 26 in Tallula, Ill., Sullivan Auctioneers and BigIron Auctions hosted the Hincrich Farms retirement auction. Machinery Pete notes this event underscores the intense demand for well-maintained equipment, regardless of age:
- 1988 John Deere 4450 2WD with 5,028 hours sold for $53,400 – the third-highest auction price ever for this model with over 5,000 hours.
- 1994 John Deere 4960 with 8,321 hours sold for $70,000 – the second-highest auction price for this model with over 7,700 hours.
- 2012 John Deere 9410R with 2,694 hours sold for $230,500 – the third-highest auction price ever for this model with over 2,500 hours.
By March 28, the momentum shifted to Lebanon, Ohio, for Steiner Auctions’ 20th annual Warren County consignment auction. A fully restored 1964 John Deere 4020, featuring a complete nut-and-bolt restoration and an engine overhaul, sold for $42,500.
On the same day in Kevil, Ky., Harris Real Estate & Auction conducted a retirement auction for Ingrum Farms, where a duo of tractors saw strong results:
- 2016 John Deere 8320R with 2,439 hours sold for $187,000.
- 2017 Claas Lexion 740 combine with 977 separator hours sold for $116,600.
The annual spring consignment auction by Kyle Kelso Auctioneer in Adair, Ill., saw a record price on Saturday as well:
- 2022 John Deere 6R 140 with a loader and 777 hours sold for $163,500 - a record-price for this model.
- 2021 Case IH Steiger 540 4WD tractor with 1,199 hours sold for $285,000.
Finally, in New Holland, Ohio, Schrader Real Estate and Auction held a retirement sale for Butch and Carol McCoy. A 2008 Case IH 2577 combine with 1,815 separator hours sold for $82,000. This marks the third-highest auction price recorded for this model in the past 39 months.
