Purchasing used farm equipment for sale can be a cost-effective strategy for hobby farmers looking to expand their capabilities without breaking the bank.
Used farm equipment for sale—even old equipment that is no longer cutting-edge—can perform admirably for years, especially if you take good care of it. But before you dive in and purchase the first machine you see listed in an online ad, let us help you make sound buying decisions by sharing five tips for purchasing used farm equipment:
#1 See the Equipment In Operation Before Purchasing
If purchasing from a private seller, try to schedule a visit to see the used equipment in operation before you commit to buying. Just because a machine was running fine when last used four years ago doesn’t mean it will still work after four years of aging/weathering/rusting. Request to see the main features in action; maybe you want to test the front-end loader of a tractor or see a hay baler tie a knot.
Seeing the equipment in operation also gives you a chance to examine it from all sides and check for general signs of age and wear, which might be more evident in person than in photos. You can also get an idea of whether the equipment has been stored under cover or out in the open.
#2 Determine If the Equipment Can Be Professionally Serviced
This will depend in large part on the age and brand of the equipment you’re purchasing, but if it’s possible to have used equipment professionally serviced in your area, that’s a nice positive. If you’re considering purchasing a 15-year-old John Deere garden tractor and there’s a John Deere dealer in your area that can service it, that’s a nice reassurance, particularly if you’re uncomfortable with DIY repairs.
#3 Check How Easily Replacement Parts Can Be Acquired
If you’re considering purchasing very old equipment—say, a hay rake or hay baler that is decades old—it’s worth researching the model number to determine how (or if) replacement parts can be purchased. Are there part numbers you can reference? Are some/all of the most important and/or delicate parts still manufactured? You might be surprised at how many obscure old parts can still be purchased, so long as you can figure out what you’re shopping for.
Also, can you acquire an instruction or service manual for the equipment? These old booklets can provide a wealth of information for troubleshooting any problems that arise.
#4 Consider Buying Equipment Similar to What You Already Own
Suppose you’ve used a particular piece of equipment for years, but now it’s suffered major damage and repairing it wouldn’t be cost-effective. If it’s a common model, and you like how it performs, you might consider replacing it with an identical model. Then your broken one can serve as a source of replacement parts for your new one.
#5 Go Bigger and Get a Warranty
While it’s tempting to hunt for deals from individual sellers, you should also consider purchasing from dealers that buy and sell used equipment on a regular basis, especially if it’s a pricier machine that you’ll use heavily. Such dealers may inspect and restore equipment, then offer a warranty to guarantee that the equipment will operate as intended for a certain period of time. You’ll pay more, of course, but if peace of mind is paramount it may be worthwhile.
By following these five tips for purchasing used farm equipment for sale, you’ll be well on your way to acquiring reliable machines that will suit your needs for years to come.
This article about how to purchase used farm equipment for sale was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.
