Tips For Buying Used Farm Equipment
There are various types of farm equipment that you’ll need to run a successful operation. As time goes on and you expand your land operations, it’s all too common for things to start getting expensive. This is one of the many reasons that so many farmers prefer to buy quality used farm equipment rather than breaking the bank for the latest model. You can score some major savings when you buy used. Arizona Tractor Sales has rounded up some helpful tips on the buying process.
If you have questions about a particular type of ag equipment, don’t hesitate to contact us! Our dealership proudly serves the Western United States.
Choose a Reputable Seller
Your first order of business is to find a reputable dealer to buy your product from. Believe it or not, this is almost as important as the machine itself. Private sellers can be hit or miss. You run the risk of dealing with someone who doesn’t have the experience and knowledge to provide you with reliable service. Auctions are another popular place for finding used farm equipment. You’ll be taking a chance on how good the price will be and you’ll also be competing against other buyers who might have more to spend than you.
The advantage of buying from a reputable dealer, like Arizona Tractor Sales, is that you can take the time to research both the product and the seller. Public records and review websites will give you an idea of just how dependable and honest a dealer is. This will also shed some light on how well they inspect their pre-owned inventory. The better the reviews are, the better your chances are of finding quality used ag equipment for your money.
Do Your Research
A bit of research can save you a lot of financial and emotional stress in the grand scheme of things. Once you know you’ve found a dealer you can trust, look into the farm equipment you’re considering buying. You’ll approach the process the same way as you would if you were buying a new product. Seek out desirable features, like engine size, controls, and so on.
It’s still important to ask the seller about the history of the equipment. You can look up the Personal Identification Number (PIN) and conduct some research of your own. In some cases, this might provide you with information that the seller wasn’t forthcoming about. Many financing companies do their own background checks, so you’ll have that as an added security. However, you should still take the time to do your own research. Remember to check review websites to see what other people who have owned a specific make and model year have to say about it.
Inspect the Equipment
Once you’ve finally found a make and model that you feel confident about, there’s one last box you’ll need to check. It’s crucial to inspect the used farm equipment before you put any money down. If this is your first major purchase and you’re not feeling qualified, you can always have a professional inspect it for you instead. They have the expertise needed to locate current or future issues that you’ll want to be informed about. Structural problems or mechanical issues could be serious red flags.
It’s also quite helpful to do some quick market research. This might seem a bit tedious but it can save you a lot of money in the long run. For instance, the second quarter can be the cheapest time to buy. At the same time, the market can fluctuate based on Section 179, which is a tax code that allows write-offs for certain business-related purchases. As the terms of Section 179 change, the uncertainty can sometimes mess with the prices.
Be ready to keep track of all your records, which includes all financial transactions, history records, seller information, product condition upon arrival, and so on. You’ll want to have all the relevant information for each transaction. Even when you think you have a solid relationship with a seller, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
We hope this information has been helpful. Head over to our inventory page and check out our ag equipment for sale. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need help with your purchase. Arizona Tractor Sales is proud to serve the Western United States.