10 Tips to Buy Used Farm Equipment

10 Tips to Buy Used Farm Equipment

By Robert Tate

One of the largest benefits of buying used farm equipment is the cost savings. On and off line there are essentially 2 usual ways through which used farm equipment can be purchased and money saved - through auctions or through equipment dealers. Do bear in mind tough the nature of auctions and that it's usually a case of Caveat emptor: "buyer beware".

There are numerous on and offline equipment dealers selling used farm equipment and machinery while aggregators of classified ads for used farm equipment list many thousands of pieces of equipment submitted for sale from farmers and dealers all over the world.

The price of parts (and downtime if the parts aren't readily available) can be prohibitive enough but in some cases might make the investment in a piece of equipment cost ineffective.

In addition to cost savings there are other advantages to buying used farm equipment. Here are some tips worth bearing in mind when purchasing used farm equipment.

1. Play by the book

Your best indicators of value on newer equipment are book values and number of hours on the clock, both of which you can get from the dealer manufacturer.

2. An imperfect world

Many dealers admit to the fact that most machinery owners do not take great care of their equipment. It tends to be a case that, if previous owners haven't needed to repair something on a piece of machinery, then it hasn't been repaired until absolutely necessary.

3. Aim low

Don't be too suspicious of equipment offered at a low price. Remember that used equipment dealers have lower overheads and expenses than manufacturer dealers, which often accounts for the difference.

4. All that glistens

If a machine has been repainted, don't automatically assume the seller is trying to cover up a problem. Check beneath the surface.

5. Brands and quality

Buy decent quality brand-name equipment and it's unlikely you'll go wrong. Unless you have plenty of time on your hands and you're mechanically inclined customized, heavily used or abused kit will end up costing you more than if you had paid more.

6. When you see a chance - take it

As a precaution check the item's paperwork especially if it is being sold by someone not in the used-equipment business for appreciably less than its book value.

7. Check it out

As when buying a car, check the engine for knocks or smoke. Check the bearings, knuckles and joints for damage or indications of wear.

A book price is just that - a price in a book. When considering the value of a specific piece of kit give it a thorough work over.

8. Trust your instincts

Warning bells might ring if the motor sounds odd or doesn't start properly.

9. Stay local

Taking into account hidden costs such as fuel, travel time, hired help, trailer rental and the income they could have earned while staying home you may actually have found a better deal by buying from your local dealer.

10. Look online

There are a number of high profile websites that specialize in farm equipment and machinery - search for phrases such as "used farm equipment " or "second hand farm equipment" and you'll find a number of reputable dealers with a broad selection of equipment.