Family-run agricultural contracting business RC Baker is winding down its activities and selling its extensive fleet, which includes seven John Deere tractors, two self-propelled slurry tankers, a Claas Lexion 780 combine, John Deere 9700i forager and various other machinery items and implements. The auction of over 150 lots is in the capable hands of Cheffins.

Highlights of the sale include seven John Deere AutoPowr tractors, none of which are more than four years old: five 6215R models, a 6250R and a 7R330, with estimates ranging from £80,000 to £180,000. There is also a 2019 JCB 4220 Fastrac, a 1988 Ford 8210, a 2004 Mercedes-Benz U400, numerous rear tractor wheel and front weights and fuel bowsers.

The largest machines to go under the hammer are a 2020 Claas Xerion 5000 slurry tanker and gooseneck Kaweco combination which is set to sell for in excess of £550,000 and bidding on a 2017 Vredo 7028/3 self-propelled spreader is expected to reach £450,000. There is also a broad range of umbilical spreading equipment including transfer pumps, pipes and 30m umbilical booms.

In addition, there is a John Deere 9700i forager (estimate £290,000); a Claas Lexion 780 combine (estimate £140,000) and a 2015 Volvo L70H wheeled loader (estimate £80,000). There is also a 2004 Volvo L50E.

A new owner is sought for this 2017 John Deere 750A trailed 6.0m drill. The sale also includes a trailed 2010 Väderstad Rexius Twin 630and 2012 6.0m Claydon Hybrid.

These are offered alongside a collection of implements, with a range of drills, cultivators, trailers, plus a number of Abbey slurry tankers, Ktwo muck spreaders and trailers.

This 2002 eight-furrow Gregoire Besson semi-mounted plough is also included in the sale. Other ploughs include a mounted five-furrow reversible Kverneland ES 95.

If its grassland kit you are interested in then how about this 2011 Claas Disco 930 triple mower. The sale also includes a 2012 McHale Fusion 2 baler.

Managing director Charles Baker, who started contacting in 1974 with a Ford 4000 says 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,” he comments.

“Over those years we have had some truly fantastic staff, suppliers and customers, many of whom we are lucky to now call good friends. As we are sure you will appreciate, this has been an extremely difficult decision to make but as a family we feel the time has come.”

The sale will take place on Thursday 16th December at the RC Baker premises at Spring Hill Farm near Banbury, Oxfordshire, with a viewing day on Wednesday 15th December.