Tips For Buying Used Farm Equipment
Farming can be quite expensive, what with that tractor, those implements, these tires and so forth. Buying farm equipment can set you back a pretty penny, so it’s essential you get the machines that will give you the maximum returns or you might as well throw your money down a well. One way to spend cash wisely is to buy used agricultural equipment.
At Rivera’s Machinery, Inc., we love to help our patrons make the wisest and most affordable choices. To do exactly that, we’ve put together this short guide about buying used farm equipment. This will help you stay on top of your game when it comes to finding the right equipment in the right condition. To check out some used equipment in person, head to our dealership in Donna, Texas. We proudly serve the areas of Harlingen and San Benito.
Buy From A Reputed Dealer
Where you shop for used farm equipment is as important as the state of the equipment itself. Manipulative individual sellers, disreputable dealers and shady online listings have made the used equipment market quite murky. They might offer you the cheapest prices, but it’s a gamble and you never know if you’re getting a steal or a lemon. Sometimes sellers aren’t aware of the right information, are unfamiliar with the equipment and don’t offer any follow-up or continued service.
This is why you should get your used farm equipment from a reputable dealer, like Rivera’s Machinery, Inc., who’ll not only help you select the right piece, but also help you out if things take a turn for the worse. Ask people you know and look at online reviews to get a sense of how trustworthy, knowledgeable and responsible the dealer is. This will greatly increase the chance of you getting good used agricultural equipment. Sometimes you can find good machines at auctions, but you’ll be competing with other motivated buyers and might end up shelling out more than the piece deserves.
Do Your Research
Knowing exactly what you need can help you negotiate the price better and avoid any financial stress in the future. This is true even if you’re shopping for new equipment. Look for the features, components and specs that you know you’ll need for the work you have to undertake. One of the benefits of buying used farm equipment is that previous owners would have already looked at and reviewed whatever was wrong with a particular model. You can now avoid the ones that have frequent issues, and this will go a long way in narrowing down your search.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choice to a single piece of machinery, use your research skills to verify the seller’s claims and equipment integrity. Ask the dealer for any pertinent information and documents. Get both the PIN and VIN so you can ensure that you’re getting a legal and correct machine. If you’re opting to finance your used farm equipment, most financing companies will conduct a background check so you’ll have that to back you up. However, don’t use that as an excuse to avoid your own research.
Inspect The Equipment
As with anything else, inspect and test the used agricultural equipment before you sink your money into it. If you’re not experienced and informed enough to conduct a thorough inspection, bring along a friend or hire a technician who can help you out. They can serve as advisors and help you spot any less-than-honest practices used by the seller.
If the used farm equipment has any structural or mechanical issues, that's a red flag. If the picture doesn’t match the machine in front of you, that’s another one. No low price tag is worth bringing home a lemon. Make sure you check all controls, tires and components for wear and match them against the operating hours. If the seller is hesitant or gives roundabout answers when you ask for details, be very wary. A good dealer is always ready to give you all the information you need. Keep records of all the transactions and the condition of the equipment.
We hope these tips will help you find the best used farm equipment. Come to Rivera’s Machinery, Inc. in Donna, Texas to check out our inventory of used agricultural equipment. Our expert team will help you find the right machines and answer all your questions. If you’re looking for the best used farm equipment around Harlingen and San Benito, call or come over today.