More than 2000 buyers and sellers were in attendance for Aberdeen and Northern Marts' sixth machinery sale of the year at Thainstone centre, where the entry of 2500 items saw an 80% clearance.

Top price was £40,000 paid for a 2013 Volvo FH16 750 6x4 artic truck in the heavy commercials section, while a 2015 JCB 3CX excavator realised £37,200 and a 2018 Renault Traffic L29 Sport Nav panel van achieved £11,500 in the light commercials and 4x4s section.

A Houghton Parkhouse 28’ float and trailer made £10,100 in the implements section.

“The sale saw a consistent trade across all categories and there was a strong demand for good quality, ready-to-work plant, machinery and equipment," said Mark Barrack, head of Thainstone specialist auctions.

“We’re particularly pleased to see more customers Think Thainstone when buying or selling plant, machinery or equipment. The recent opening of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route has certainly improved the road infrastructure and connectivity from the south and we have seen an increased entry from the Angus, Tayside and Perthshire areas," said Mr Barrack.

He added that buyers from all over the UK, Ireland and Europe were forward, with more than 60 online bidders participating live from around the world.

Tim McDonald, senior Auctioneer at Aberdeen and Northern Marts, said: “The agricultural section saw a good selection of lots and strong prices throughout the day, exceeding sellers’ expectations. Good, second-hand agricultural machinery is currently meeting a strong trade.”

LEADING prices

Heavy commercial vehicles – 2013 Volvo FH16 750 6x4 artic £40,000; 2015 Mercedes Acros 3251K 8x4 tipper £25,000; 2014 MAN TGS 35.400 8x4 tipper £20,500; 2010 Scania R625 6X2 artic £18,200.

Tractor and plant machinery – 2015 JCB 3CX excavator £37,200; 2012 Manitou MLT634-120 tele handler £17,200;

2011 Claas Axion 820 tractor £17,000; 1997 Claas 68S Dominator 13’ cut combine £15,800.

Light commercial and 4x4s – 2018 Renault Trafic L29 Sport Nav panel van £11,500; 2005 Land Rover Defender 110 TD5 £9800; 2016 Merc Benz Sprinter 313 CDi panel van £7700; 2013 Isuzu D-Max Eiger double cab pickup. £7300.

Trailers and containers – Fleetwood Heritage 4 berth caravan £3000; Ifor Williams 14’ tri-axle livestock float £2850; Ifor Williams 10’ twin axle box van £2800; Ifor Williams 14’ tri-axle dropside trailer £2200.

Implements – Houghton Parkhouse 28’ float and trailer £10,100; Agrimac dump trailer £7400; Master dryer £6400;KV 4fr plough, £5900.