10 Tips To Buying Used Farm Equipment
Author: Robert Tate

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. Ask for clear evidence of age
and usage.

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. Therefore, it's not unreasonable to expect
at least some form of minor fault post purchase.

3. Aim low.

Sounds obvious but when you're looking at a piece of equipment
that may need repairing do bear in mind that the owner may just
want to get shot of it and buy new because they are aware of all
the things that need to be fixed before it can be used. Make a
low offer and see how you get on. You may pick up a bargain.

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. Rather, when the seller
applies new paint, it is usually because the old paint has faded
from the sun.

On the whole if the paint job is bad, it's likely to be bad
underneath. Check beneath the surface.

5. Brands and quality

There are brand names you've heard of and those you haven't.
Buy decent quality brand-name equipment and it's unlikely you'll
go wrong.

You may have to pay a little over the odds to get hold of it
but clean, good conditioned low-hour kit will save you time and
money in the long run.

Unless you have plenty of time on your hands and you're
mechanically inclined customised, 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

The fact is that many people don't actually know a bargain when
they see one. However, if you have done your research and know
what equipment you want and its value then you may come across
an unexpected bargain.

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

Often when you feel something isn't right, it isn't and could
even be worse than you imagined. Warning bells might ring if the
motor sounds odd or doesn't start properly. Problems tend to
only get worse not better when you get your new purchase home.
At the same time, just because a piece of kit has only a minor
problem doesn't make it a write off.

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 specialise in
farm equipment and machinery – search for phrases such as "used
farm machinery" or "second hand farm equipment" and you'll find
a number of reputable dealers with a broad selection of
equipment.

For interviews, quotes, images or comments contact:
Robert Tate
Regional Sales Manager - UK
Mob:+ 44 (0) 7970 230055
E mail: robert.tate@mascus.com


About The Author: Robert Tate – Region Sales Manager of
http://www.mascus.co.uk Mascus UK. Mascus is an electronic
marketplace for http://www.mascus.co.uk used equipment, farm
machinery and trucks. Mascus makes trading in used machines and
trucks quicker and more efficient by collecting in one place
information about the supply and the demand. All dealers,
producers and end users are welcome to offer their used machines
and trucks for sale via the marketplace.