
An antique lover bought this Cockshutt wheel barrow for more than $4,300.
Irena Vélez
Farmers Forum
CAMBRIDGE — A collection of Cockshutt tractors was sold at auction last month, including a Cockshutt 1555 White Tractor that sold for over $11,000.
Betty Beecroft and her late husband Dick’s farm equipment collection featured plows, wrenches, tractors, cast iron items, and signs, which had been previously showcased throughout Canada and the US. Items were either originals or restored.
Between 100 and 150 people came to view the items before the bidding began. Over 800 people registered for the online auction, run by Sunrise Equipment Auctions Inc.
The auction included more than 300 lots and 32 tractors. “It was a great selection of tractors, some very rare,” said auctioneer Mike Hamulecki. The most popular items were two early 1970s 53hp Cockshutt 1555 tractors that got over 50 bids each, he said. A wooden Cockshutt #3 Wheelbarrow fetched more than $4,300.
“I remember talking with Betty as we listed and pictured the items,” Hamulecki said. “She said, ‘We’ve lived and loved all of these items and it’s time for someone else to love and enjoy them as much as we have.’ Each item had a story behind it.”