Used Farm Equipment Buying Guide
You depend on different agriculture equipment, like tractors and implements, to perform all the demanding tasks you need to do on your farm. However, these tools don’t come cheap, and the more machines you need, the more you end up spending. This is one of the reasons why many buyers choose to get used farm equipment.
You can save big with used farm equipment, but there are a few extra precautions to take to ensure you get the right machines. Navigating the world of used farm equipment can be overwhelming, so we have gathered up our top tips to make the process easier for you. When you are ready to shop, give us a call or visit Tatum Motor Company at one of our dealership locations in Anderson, Missouri, or Tontitown, Arkansas.
Buy From a Trustworthy Dealer
Where you shop for used farm equipment is as important as the condition of the tools 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 machines or don’t offer regular maintenance and after-sales service.
Buying your implements from a reputed dealership, like Tatum Motor Company, 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.
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 options that don’t fall within your price range.
One of the benefits of buying used is that previous owners have already reviewed the models. 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 choices, 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 the 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.
Perform an Inspection
Before making a purchase, your final step will be to ensure that the equipment is in good working order. You'll want to do a thorough inspection and test different parts. Everything might 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 service 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 Tatum Motor Company, our friendly staff is here to help you out in selecting your machines. We welcome all our patrons in Fayetteville, AR, and Joplin, MO.