The latest machinery auction to be held by Cork Marts is to take place tomorrow, Friday, August 27.
With the summer drawing to a close and thoughts turning to winter feeding and matters of muck management, sales such as this provide an opportunity to review machinery availability, or surplus, and buy or sell as required.
Wheeled loaders
Among the bigger items are a couple of wheeled loaders. As a replacement for tractor and front-end loaders they offer many advantages, not least of which is that they are designed for the job – although height restrictions can limit their versatility.
Two models are to go under the hammer. The first is a JCB 414S which has 152hp on tap from its Cummins six-cylinder engine, while a Volvo L45B with a full service history is being entered by Teagasc, Moorepark, Co. Cork.
Two blues looking for some TLC
County tractors are always in demand and good restorations can go for eye watering sums.
Yet every restoration has to start somewhere and a Super Six from 1974 with just 3,600 hours could make an excellent project for an enthusiast.
A Ford 4600 fitted with a Q cab is also being offered; this has 7,000 hours on the clock, although the history of any engine rebuilds or replacement is unknown.
Mini machines
Two smaller items of interest include a Kubota RTV900 and a fully restored BMC Mini Tractor.
The former hails from 2009 and has had a full engine rebuild, while the second is from 1965 and has undergone a full restoration.
Implements and accessories
For those that might be seeking a less daunting winter project than a full blown County rebuild, there is a Claas Rollant 46 baler.
On the surface this appears scruffy, but beneath the covers all seems in order – although it is impossible to tell without running it in the field.
When changing a loader, the older accessories might not fit the new frame so become surplus to requirements.
This appears to be the case as a couple of silage grabs are up for sale, which appear to be in quite workable condition.
Not all the machinery at auctions is in a tired or distressed condition. A Vicon Rotaflow twin disc spreader appears very well kept with an intact cover, often the first component to suffer the ravages of use.
Cork Marts go online
Martin Lonergan, the auctioneer running the sale, had hoped that it could be held live, but the current public health restrictions disallow this unfortunately.
Bidding will therefore be online only and starts at 6:00p.m on Friday, August 27, via the MartEye platform.