In June 1498, Machado and John Writhe, Garter King of Arms, were granted a joint licence to make visitations. There is no evidence that they or their deputies undertook these journeys. Machado wished to concentrate on his trading activities and diplomatic missions rather than on his heraldic duties.
In 1505, the king offered Machado the office of Garter King of Arms, but he declined on the grounds that he was too old and weak. Machado also handed over to Thomas Writhe, the new Garter, many of the duties of Clarenceux. In January 1509 the two formalised an agreement where Machado handing over substantial powers as Clarenceux in return for a payment of £4 a year from Garter Writhe.