A Simple Guide to Buying Used Farm Equipment

You need a lot of farm equipment, like tractors, attachments, and machines, to manage your operations efficiently. But the price tag of new products can often be too high. That's where used farm equipment comes into the picture. Buying pre-owned allows you to get the machines you need at a price you can easily afford.

You can find quality used farm equipment that runs well, accomplishes your given task, and costs you significantly less as compared to their new counterparts. Navigating the world of used equipment can be daunting, so we have gathered up some tips to make the process easier for you. 

When you are ready to shop, visit Bucklin Tractor & Implement. We have 6 locations across Kansas in Bucklin, Greensburg, Ness City, Great Bend, Hoxie, and Pratt.

Buy From a Reputed Dealer

Where you shop for used farm equipment is as important as the condition of the equipment itself. It's tempting to go with a private seller since they usually offer the lowest prices, but it’s a gamble and you never know if you’re getting a steal or a lemon. It can be frustrating dealing with a seller who doesn’t provide the right info. They might not be familiar with the equipment or don’t offer regular maintenance and after-sales service.

Buying your machines from a reputed dealership like Bucklin Tractor & Implement makes the whole process easier and you can rest easy knowing that the equipment has been vetted by a professional technician. You can check public records and look at online reviews to get a sense of how helpful and trustworthy the dealer is. This will increase the chance of you getting quality used farm equipment. Sometimes you can find good machines at auctions, but you’ll be competing with other buyers who are willing to spend much more money on a piece of equipment.

Do Your Research

When you’re buying used farm equipment, you’ll want to do plenty of research to figure out which type of tools best meet your needs. Look for the features, implements, and specs that you know you’ll need to handle your tasks. A great place to start is setting a budget. This will help eliminate several pre-owned farm equipment options that don’t fall within your price range.

One of the benefits of buying used farm equipment is that previous owners would have already reviewed them. Spend some time reading customer reviews. If there is a consistent issue that people are complaining about, you may want to avoid that product. It’s a good sign if there are several positive reviews. You can avoid the models that have frequent issues, and this will go a long way in narrowing down your search. 

Once you’ve narrowed down your choice, 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 check its official documentation. 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, it’s best to do your own research.

Inspect the Equipment

Before making a purchase, the final step is to ensure the equipment is in good working order. You'll want to thoroughly inspect the machine and test different parts. The equipment may look fine, but there could be a problem underneath the surface. Consider hiring a professional as they can catch issues you may miss. You can also ask for documentation, such as financing and previous maintenance records. This gives you an insight into the equipment’s history, which can help make an informed decision. If the machine fits your budget and passes inspection, you may have found your perfect fit.

Used farm equipment can be just as effective as their new counterparts. At Bucklin Tractor & Implement, our friendly staff is here to help you out in selecting your machines. Feel free to stop by one of our dealerships throughout the state of Kansas, including Bucklin, Greensburg, Ness City, Great Bend, Hoxie, and Pratt.