The person behind the business.
Hillview Machinery is built on one person's deep knowledge of Australian farm machinery — and a belief that clearing sale vendors deserve a specialist, not a generalist.
Tom Sheridan — Founder, Hillview Machinery
Tom Sheridan didn't come to agriculture — he grew up in it. Raised on a family farm, the rhythms of rural life and the machinery that makes it work have been part of his world for as long as he can remember.
He began his working life as a diesel mechanic in 2006. A grounding that gave him something most machinery salespeople never have: a genuine, hands-on understanding of how farm equipment works from the inside out. Not just what it sells for, but what it's worth, how it's been used, and what a buyer is actually getting.
After moving into machinery sales in 2009, Tom spent 18 years working across a range of roles in farm machinery dealerships, building relationships with farmers, industry representatives, and buyers across Australia. He was fortunate to learn from outstanding mentors and to be part of a buoyant period in the Australian farm machinery industry.
But throughout those years, he kept noticing the same gap. When farming families reached the point of a clearing sale — whether through retirement, succession, or restructuring — they were being served by generalists. Agents dividing their attention across real estate, livestock, finance and machinery. Nobody was truly specialising in what is, for most vendors, one of the most significant financial decisions of their lives.
"The timing felt right to take the next step. I was excited to bring my knowledge and expertise into a niche of the market that I believed was underdeveloped."
— Tom Sheridan, Founder
Hillview Machinery was built to fill that gap. Today, Tom personally manages every clearing sale and private dispersal from start to finish — from the first conversation through to final settlement. No hand-offs. No junior staff. Just the person who knows this industry, running your sale from beginning to end.
Tom is passionate about agriculture as a whole and the opportunities it creates in small country towns. For him, this isn't just a business — it's a commitment to the industry and the communities he grew up in and continues to serve.
What we stand for.
Specialist focus.
Farm machinery clearing sales and private sales. That's it. Our entire expertise is concentrated in one area — better outcomes for every vendor.
Agriculture matters.
Tom is passionate about agriculture and the opportunities it creates in small country towns. This isn't just a business — it's a commitment to the industry.
Fair value, always.
We will never push a vendor to accept a price below market value. If it doesn't sell, we keep working. No exceptions.
Personal accountability.
Tom manages every sale himself. When you work with Hillview, you're working with Tom — directly, from day one.
Timeline
Tom's Background at A Glance
2006
Commenced career as a diesel mechanic in the farm machinery industry.
2009
Moved into farm machinery sales, beginning an 18-year career across dealerships.
January 2025
Founded Hillview Machinery, identifying an underserved niche in clearing sale management.
August 2025
Completed the Shaddock family dispersal sale — $2.33M, 100% clearance.
September 2025
Completed the Hancock family dispersal sale — $2.98M, 100% clearance.
Let's have a conversation.
There's no obligation and no sales pitch. Just an honest discussion about your machinery and what's achievable.