Tips For Buying Used Farm Equipment

Between that new tractor, accompanying implements, tires, and gadgets, buying farm equipment can set anyone back a pretty penny. It’s no wonder many farmers turn to quality used equipmentrather than throwing down everything on the latest models. You can save big when shopping used, but there are a few extra precautions to take to ensure you get the equipment that’ll make your work easier and avoid a lemon.

Here at Bayview Trucks & Equipment, we want to help our customers get the best deal on the equipment they need. To get a good price, you’ll need to be on top of your game when it comes to finding the right equipment in the right condition. In that spirit, we’ve put together this short guide with some tips for buying used farm equipment. Read on for more information or head into one of our locations in New Brunswick, where we proudly serve Nova Scotia and all of Atlantic Canada.

Find a Reputable Seller

Where you shop for used farm equipment is sometimes as important as the state of the equipment itself. A disreputable dealer, questionable individual seller, or confounding internet listing might hold promises of extremely inexpensive equipment, but it’s a gamble whenever you go for a steal over a deal. It can be frustrating running into a seller who doesn’t have the right info, who isn’t familiar with the equipment, or doesn’t plan to follow up or offer continued service.

This is why it’s always a good idea to start with local dealers who have good reputations and will be around should the equipment take a turn for the worse. Public records and reviews can indicate just how helpful and trustworthy a dealer is which can indicate how well they inspect their used inventory. The better the reviews, the better your chances are of finding good equipment for your money. Auctions are also a popular place to find used equipment, especially in this market, but you take a chance with how good your price will be as you’ll be competing against buyers who may have more money to throw around.

Do the Research

Figuring out exactly what you’re looking for can help you negotiate price and avoid emotional and financial stress down the line. This is probably not going to be any different than shopping for new equipment. Simply focus on the features, components, and specs that you know you’ll need for the work you have in mind. One of the hidden benefits of buying used farm equipment is that enough time has likely passed for other buyers to have picked apart the machines and found exactly what’s wrong or lacking in each model year. This can help you narrow down your choice and avoid equipment that won’t be right for you regardless of its used condition.

Once you have a piece of used farm equipment in your sights, you can use your research skills to verify the seller’s claims and equipment integrity. Start by asking the seller for any pertinent information or documentation. Get the PIN or VIN so you can check its official documentation against what the dealer offers. Most financing companies do their own background check, so you’ll have that to back you up if you intend to finance, but it’s still a good idea to do your own research.

Equipment Inspection

With any piece of used equipment, you’ll want to inspect and test used farm equipment before making a purchase. If you don’t consider yourself experienced of knowledgeable enough to perform an inspection and ensure a working piece of equipment, don’t hesitate to bring along someone who does. That might be a friend, neighbor, or a worker who’ll be operating the equipment. They can serve as an advisor and help you deal with sellers and dealers who might be using less-than-honest salesmanship.

Any structural or mechanical issues should be immediate red flags, and if they don’t match up with the picture the seller painted for you take an extra spoonful of hesitation. No used price tag is low enough to make buying junk equipment worth it. Check controls, tires, and components for wear and match the general condition against operating hours. Be wary of equipment (especially tractors and combines) with incomplete or otherwise lacking documentation. A good sign of quality used farm equipment is the operation record that comes with it. Keep your own records of any transaction and, once you make your purchase, of the tractor’s condition. If something should go wrong, it’ll be important to have solid records to backup your claims.

With a few of these tips you should be well on your way to finding the used farm equipment you’ve been dreaming about. You can save big when you do your research and shop with your friends at Bayview Trucks & Equipment. If you’re after the best used farm equipment around, come by one of our location in New Brunswick, where we’re proud to serve Nova Scotia and all of Atlantic Canada. Come in today and let our team of courteous professionals answer all your questions and help you find what you’re looking for.