By Lynette Simango
When buying used farm equipment, it is important to make sure you get reliable, good-quality items at decent prices. Whilst everyone wants to make the most out of their money, it is important to not let low prices distract you from the actual value of the item.
If you are not careful as a farmer, you could end up with a piece of farming equipment that costs more in repair than buying a new one. To avoid this, it’s better to make a checklist that details the main things to look out for so that you get the best value for your money.
Before you make a purchase, it is always important that you properly examine equipment, checking it is in an acceptable condition. Whether you are buying from a friend, colleague or a reputable company always check thoroughly for any issues with major components; cracks, corrosion, obvious mechanical issues and structural problems.
It is also useful to check items for obsolescence. If the equipment cannot be upgraded this should have an impact on how you negitiate the price. If possible, it might also be good idea to ask for a detailed inspection, as this checks the piece for any internal issues.
Here are some things you need to look out for on that second hand equipment👉You should make sure that any potential purchase offers all the features you’re looking for. In some cases, It’s difficult to find a piece of equipment that caters to all your needs, some only offering half the functions you want, whilst others have every other feature in between.
You will also need to look into the condition of the item and the various different features it can offer. You might as well consider purchasing equipment with more features than you need. It may well end up working in your favour. Another important thing to consider the viability of owning the equipment. For example, do you have enough storage space for it? How will you get it to the farm? What types of farms is the equipment suitable for? And where on the farm, can it be easily maintained?
It is also important to focus of the functions you are looking for in that particular equipment rather than brands. The goal is to get the most out of your money, so don’t stick to one brand when others can offer the item you need at a lower price.
Another tip that could help you make the most of your second-hand purchase is to research the equipment and see what its current market value is across different brands and locations of the country. This could help you look at the asking price of certain items online and compare them to the rate they go for at auctions. They say knowledge is power! Doing your research can stop you from paying more than an item is actually worth, and can help you to identify the best deals, making your money go further.