More than 2000 buyers and sellers were in attendance for Aberdeen and Northern Marts' final collective machinery sale of the year which featured an entry of 3500 items at Thainstone Agricultural Centre.

The sale which achieved the highest clearance rate of the year at 85.3% was well attended by both on site and online buyers and sellers with purchasers from across the UK, Ireland and Northern Ireland making substantial investments through the sale's online platform.

“We’re pleased to close off 2019 with such outstanding results," said Mark Barrack, head of Thainstone Specialist Auctions.

“Despite the cold November weather, the auction was well-attended by buyers from all over the UK and consistent trade was realised across all categories. Lots in the heavy plant section sold easily with a wide selection of good quality and ready to work items on offer.

"Demand was also evident for stockman tractors and loaders with modern classic tractors from the 80s and 90s selling very well. These are proving popular among our customers who have a special affinity for that era.

“There were also many buyers present bidding on seasonal items ranging from timber and firewood preparation equipment to ex-local authority gritters and portable cabins ahead of winter. Yet again, ex-local authority vehicles were highly-sought after and record levels of vehicles were bought using our online bidding platform from those not able to attend the sale in person.

LEADING prices

Tractors – 2008 New Holland 5050 4wd with loader, £19,200; 1989 Ford TW15 4wd, £11,800; 1994 MF3075 4wd £8100; 1985 John Deere 2140 4wd with SG cab £6000; Ford 1520 garden tractor, £5200; 1994 Deutz DX3.70 4wd £5100; 1996 Ford 4430 4wd turf tractor £5000; 1964 Fordson Major £3500.

Small plant – Abiljo slew mounted crusher bucket, £4800; Tajtun firewood processor, £4500; Hakki Pilke 37 firewood processor, £4100; John Deere 4x4 Gator £3500; Polaris Ranger 4x4 ATV, £3400; Norwood Lumberman portable bench saw, £2400.

Heavy plant – 2005 Volvo A30D 6x6 dumper, £26,000; 2018 JCB 7 tonne dumper with cab, £19,000; 2012 Manitou MLT634 telescopic handler, £17,000; 2012 Manitou MLT634 telescopic handler, £16,800; 2008 NH LB110 wheeled excavator, £16,800; 2007 Case 621XT articulate loading shovel, £15,100; 2011 Doosan DX140LC tracked excavator, £13,000.

Lorries – 2011 Mercedes Axor 1624 4x2 tipper/gritter, £15,500; 2012 Mercedes Axor 1824 4x2 tipper/gritter, £15,000; 2009 Scania R620 V8 6x2 tag artic, £15,000; 2007 Iveco 380 Trakker 8x4 dropside with Hiab, £14,600; 2009 Daf 55.250 4x2 tipper/gritter, £7200; 2001 Scania 114C380 6x4 tipper, £6800.

Articulated trailers – Chieftan drawbar plant trailer, £5200; Cartwright extendable combine transport trailer, £5000; Fruehauf triaxle bulk aggregate trailer, £4300.

Trailers – IW GP126 plant trailer, £3000; IW TA510 livestock trailer , £2900; IW 16 x 6 tri axle dropside, £1900; IW LM126 flat trailer, £1800; IW CT136HD car transporter, £1700; IW 6x12 dropside trailer, £1700; IW twin axle car transporter , £1600.

Cabins – 26’ Welfare unit, £1800; 32’ x 10’ Portacabin canteen/office/toilet, £1250; box storage van, £980.

Commercials and 4x4s – 2008 Toyota Landcruiser, £13,000; 2018 Ford transit custom 300 van, £11,000; 2009 Iveco 55518W 4 x 4 double cab dropside £10,800; 2014 Iveco 35C13 daily tipper, £9300; 2013 Ford transit custom 270 van, £9050; 2013 Peugeot Hdi335 van, £8800; 2012 VW Crafter CR35TDi van, £7800; 2008 Ford transit 100T350 dropside , £7200; 2014 Mitsubishi L200 Trojan double cab, £6500.