Although it comes with greater risk, purchasing used farm equipment can be an excellent way to save money as opposed to buying new. Sometimes you may think that you have found a great deal, but if you do not practice caution when buying used agricultural equipment, you might face more issues than the machine is actually worth. How can you determine that you are getting the best used equipment for your farm? With years of experience in the equipment business, our team at Equipment Anywhere is here to help. We have identified six essential elements to choosing the correct used farm equipment for your business needs.
First, you must know your application. You should determine what jobs that the equipment will be used to complete. Be aware of the conditions that the machinery will be used in Also, know how often that the used farm equipment will be operational. These are all important things that you will need to know when deciding to purchase used agricultural equipment, and determining how your equipment will be used can help you decide on the right type of equipment to purchase.
Second, set a budget for your equipment purchase. Running a farm is running a business. In order to successfully operate a business, you must be able to manage your finances effectively. Ask yourself how much you can afford to spend on used farm equipment, budget for the amount that you determine is appropriate, and stick to your budget.
Third, identify what features are needed in your equipment. Not all pieces of equipment are constructed the same way. Don’t ever make the assumption that a feature is included. For example, tractors may come equipped with various types of hitches, drives, and engines. Therefore, when you are in the market for used farm equipment, it is important to determine what features that you will need to accommodate your business. Make a list of required features and make sure that the machine has all of those features before deciding to buy.
Fourth, find out the number of hours on the machine. Finding out the number of hours that used farm equipment has been operated is crucial to determining its value and if you should buy it. All machinery has a useful life, and the more that a machine has been used, the closer it is to the end of that life. For used tractors and other types of used ag equipment, you may begin to experience issues once the machine gets up over the 10,000 hours mark. The number of machine hours is the simplest way to determine the remaining life of used farm equipment, although proper use and regular maintenance can extend the useful life.
Fifth, perform an inspection of the equipment. Never just take the seller at his word when making such a large purchase. When buying used farm equipment, complete your own inspection to ensure that the equipment is in good working condition. If possible, test drive the machine and move it forward and in reverse while paying close attention to any unusual sounds or vibrations which could indicate a problem. Also, check for welds and oil leaks and inspect the internal components such as engine and transmission thoroughly. Notate the overall appearance of the machine as well as it has probably been well maintained if it appears in good condition. These are just a few important items to look for when inspecting used farm equipment, but if you are not qualified or are unsure do not hesitate to have a qualified technician perform the inspection.
Sixth, verify all local regulations. State and local laws and regulations can very greatly, so when operating a farm, you must confirm compliance with whatever regulations are in place. If you are trying to start a new farming business or expand your existing business, make sure that you can meet all environmental, safety, and operating regulations prior to buying any used farm equipment.
In conclusion, purchasing used farm equipment can be a more affordable means of obtaining the machinery that you need for your farm business compared to buying new equipment as long as you know what to look for and how to go about it. Take your time to determine what the equipment will be used for and the budget you are willing to spend. Do the research needed to decide what features you require, how many hours are on the machine, and what local regulations are in place. Perform necessary inspections on the equipment. By following these tips, you will surely be able to identify the best quality equipment for your job or your business needs. If you are looking for used farm equipment, don’t hesitate to visit www.equipmentanywhere.com and view our listings from agricultural equipment dealers located near and far.