There is more interest in tractors and machines from the UK following Brexit. Is this the best option or are there potential pitfalls?

The perception at the moment is that there are any amount of good deals available in the UK for machinery. This has been amplified by the exchange rate, which is perhaps the main reason why UK machines look more attractive now. Some farmers also feel that there is a better selection of higher-specification tractors and combines available there.

Undoubtedly, there will be opportunistic English dealers who will push more products to sell in Ireland. A number of calls have been made to the Irish Farmers Journal recently from people who have sourced tractors in the UK from private sellers. The problem that is common is a lack of paperwork with the tractor. The tractor looks good, the money is right but there is one problem for the potential buyer. If the seller is unable to give details of the tractor’s previous owner and there is any suspicion, it is time to walk away. One farmer decided to be proactive and source the previous owners, by contacting the local authorities and the police. He was told that they were unable to release any details due to data protection.

If it looks too good to be true, it probably is and that saying applies to both the UK and Ireland. When the tractor is insured or re-registered, it will appear on their database for being stolen. Access to credit through any Irish dealer or subsidised finance is easier if a loan is needed.

Looking at how good the deals actually are in the UK, I set myself the challenge of sourcing a John Deere 6920s with 5,000 hours. The cleanest UK example was a 2004 6920s at €35,877 plus VAT with 5,474 hours on 650/65R38 540/65R28 rubber. This tractor had Autoquad, TLS and three selective control valves. A similar specification 2003 6920s in Ireland was offered for €36,000 plus VAT with only 4718 hours and still on the original 650/65R38 540/65R28 Michelin tyres. It showed that there was not much of a difference, when sourcing quality used tractors. Adding the cost of shipping, re-registration and time spent in the UK to source the machine, it will probably end up costing more. The best advice is to look before you jump as a good deal might be closer than you think.