You've just purchased a massive piece of land and maybe own a couple of tractors, but they don't seem to be enough. The tractors are excellent, but you require additional equipment, such as hay rakes or bush hogs. Whatever equipment type you need, it's wise to understand what it takes to purchase a piece of used farm equipment. In this post, we discuss five essential but straightforward tips to use when purchasing used farm equipment.
Assess Your Needs and Choose a Bigger Size
First, you'll need to determine the type of equipment necessary for the kind of work you want to accomplish. For instance, if you know you'll require an 80hp tractor, go for a 90hp model. Likewise, if you need a 50" deck, go for a 60" one. It's recommended to go a notch higher than what you think you need. For used farm equipment, having too much is better than having too little.
Inspect Equipment for Wear and Tear
Excellent farm equipment dealers will allow you to conduct a thorough inspection. Pay extra attention to critical parts such as gears, hitch, chains, water pumps, drawbars and tires. Purchasing used equipment and running into breakdowns the moment you put it to work can be frustrating. Understand the functioning of this equipment and its parts as well as how to fix it when you spot any signs of wear.
Inspect the Driver's Chamber and Seat
Confirm any signs of wear on the tractor's seat. Consider looking out for worn-out driver's seat and not a weathered one. Besides, look out for worn-out paint on the foot and hand regions – grab handles, pedals, gear shifters, etc. If you find any of these signs, you'll understand that the machine has been operational and was dependable. Ideally, a used piece of equipment should appear close to 'field' condition as much as possible.
Push the Buttons
For any used equipment, push all the buttons to ensure everything works perfectly. If anything is not right, ask the required questions and note all the non-functional components. In case you are not content with any non-working parts, notify the dealer immediately. The dealer may choose to fix it or incorporate it into the deal and reduce the equipment's overall cost price.
Finally, after purchasing a piece of used farm equipment, ensure you find a reliable insurance company and put it on a suitable insurance cover.
To learn more, contact a dealer.
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