| However all that glistens certainly isn't gold and to | | | | 3. One careful lady owner? |
| save you the heartache, hassle and expense of a | | | | Has the tractor been half flogged to death in its |
| bad investment when it comes to buying farm | | | | previous life? Is the tractor approaching a time when |
| equipment online (which could include using search | | | | it may need major repairs. Has it been treated with |
| terms such as used machinery, used equipment, | | | | TLC or driven into the ground? |
| farming equipment, farming machinery, used tractors | | | | Unless you have plenty of time on your hands and |
| and used trailers) there are a number of | | | | you're mechanically inclined, customised, heavily used |
| considerations it might be wise to bear in mind and | | | | or abused kit will usually end up costing you more |
| some important tips you would be well advised to | | | | than if you had paid more. |
| follow. | | | | 4. Play by the book |
| After exhaustive research, all that hunting online may | | | | Book values and number of hours on the clock are |
| have revealed to you what appears to be a great | | | | your best indicators of value on newer equipment, |
| catch. You've just found a fabulous looking piece of | | | | both of which you should get from the dealer |
| farm machinery in an online auction or classified ad. | | | | manufacturer. Ask for clear evidence of age and |
| Of course, you want it to do the job it's intended for | | | | usage. |
| and so here are some top tips that will enable you to | | | | Remember though that a book price is just that - a |
| best know whether this piece farming equipment - a | | | | price in a book. When considering the value of a |
| tractor for example is worth your time trouble and | | | | specific piece of farm machinery give it a thorough |
| most importantly - your cash. In fact let's use buying | | | | going over. |
| a used tractor by way of example. | | | | 5. There's no fire without smoke. |
| 1. What's in a name? | | | | Is excessive smoke appearing from the machine's |
| There are familiar brand names that you've heard | | | | exhaust system? If so this may be an indication of a |
| before and unfamiliar brands new to you. Whilst an | | | | damaged engine and or oil leaks. Buying used farm |
| unfamiliar brand won't necessarily be poor quality or | | | | machinery is no different to when buying a car. |
| unreliable, decent quality brand-name equipment with | | | | Check the engine and see if you hear knocks or see |
| an associated good quality reputation is certainly less | | | | smoke. Check the bearings, examine the knuckles |
| likely to let you down. | | | | and joints for damage or indications of wear. |
| 2. More is less. | | | | You may have to pay a small premium to get hold of |
| How many hours are on the clock? Is the tractor | | | | it but clean, good-conditioned, low-hour used farming |
| nearing a major service or has it just had one. What's | | | | machinery will save you time and money in the long |
| the life expectancy according to the clock? | | | | run. |