A fleet of John Deere tractors are the main attraction of a machinery auction on behalf of a major Oxfordshire agricultural contractor.

The sale for RC Baker Ltd consists of more than 150 lots.

Highlights of the sale include seven John Deere tractors, none of which are more than four years old and include 6215R, 6250R and 7R330 series, with estimates ranging from £80,000 to £180,000.

There is also a 2020 CLAAS Xerion 5000 slurry tanker and Gooseneck Kaweco combination which is set to sell for in excess of £550,000 and a 2017 Vredo 7028/3 self-propelled spreader estimated at £450,000.

A broad range of umbilical spreading equipment including transfer pumps, stirrer, reelers, pipe and 30m umbilical booms are also up for sale.

In addition, there is a John Deere 9700i forager, estimate £290,000, a CLAAS Lexion 780 combine, estimate £140,000 and a Volvo L70 loader which has an estimate of £80,000.

These are offered alongside a collection of implements, with a range of drills, cultivators, trailers, trailed tanks and muck spreaders.

Managing director of RC Baker Ltd, Charles Baker, said: “The time has come to spend more time with the family.

"Growing and developing the business for nearly half a century has been an amazing journey. Over those years we have had some truly fantastic staff, suppliers and customers, many of whom we are lucky to now call good friends.”

Charles Baker, who started contracting in 1974, has an inspiring track record in the industry.

Starting out with his Ford 4000 he grew the business significantly over the years to having an extensive fleet of modern machines.

He is a well-known figure in the farming world, having built up a strong and well-respected business.

In the past he has chaired the NAAC (National Association of Agricultural Contractors), been a guest speaker at a number of farming events, including the Oxford Farming Conference, and won the Farmers Weekly award for Contractor of the Year.

East Anglian-based auctioneer, Cheffins, will host the sale on December 16 at the RC Baker Ltd premises at Spring Hill Farm near Banbury, with a viewing day on the day before.

Oliver Godfrey, director of Cheffins, said: “RC Baker Ltd is one of the most admired agricultural contracting companies in the business and at Cheffins we are proud to have been instructed to sell this extensive fleet on their behalf.

"The Baker’s catalogue sees an impressive collection of lots, with a massive selection of modern machines on offer. This large-scale auction is set to be of significant interest for both UK-based farmers and contractors, as well as exporters and buyers from overseas.”

To view the catalogue, visit the Cheffins website.