The best places to buy second hand farm equipment for sale

Every farmer knows TradeMe when it comes to hunting for used farm machinery. But while you might find a good deal, you're also gambling on whether that tractor will fire up reliably when you need it most, or if that baler will make it through the season without breaking down.

There's a smarter way to buy second-hand farm equipment that gives you the savings without the worry about whether you've just bought someone else's problem.

Why buying from dealers makes sense

When you buy from a proper farm equipment dealer, you're not just getting a machine. You're getting someone who's willing to put their name behind what they're selling. These places have qualified mechanics who actually know what they're looking at when they inspect equipment.

Think about it from their perspective: if a dealer sells you something that breaks down straight away, everyone in the district will hear about it. That's pretty good motivation to make sure their used gear is actually worth buying.

The numbers game

There’s something else that might surprise you: even when money isn't particularly tight, buying two solid used machines often beats getting one brand new one. Say you've got $80,000 to spend. You could get a shiny new piece of kit, or you could pick up a five-year-old harvester for $50,000 and a good tractor for $30,000.

Which gives you more options when everything needs doing at once?  

New machinery drops in value fast during that first year. We're talking about losing 20-30% before you've barely used it. Second hand farm equipment for sale has already taken that hit, so you're buying something that's proven itself without paying for the privilege of being the first owner.

Already convinced?  See our used farm machinery for sale below, but if not, there are more reasons to stick to a dealer.

Warranties that mean something

Here's where dealers really shine compared to private sales. Most decent dealers will back their used machinery with some kind of warranty, usually anywhere from 30 to 90 days. That might not sound like much, but it's long enough to properly test the farm equipment and find any problems while you're still covered.

Try getting that kind of protection when you're buying off TradeMe. You’ll sleep better knowing you have someone to call if something isn't right, rather than being stuck with a machine that doesn't perform as expected.

Support when you need it

The relationship doesn't end when you drive the machine off the lot. Good dealers will deliver to your place, help you get set up, and be there when you need parts or advice down the track.

That support can be a real lifesaver when you're in the thick of harvest and something goes wrong. You've got someone to ring who knows the machine and actually cares about keeping your operation running.

Know what you’re getting

There are perks to buying used farm equipment that's one or two generations behind the latest models. These machines often have most of the features you actually need, but without paying for the newest bells and whistles that might not add much value to your operation.

You also get the benefit of proven technology. Any major bugs or design flaws will have been sorted out by the time a machine is a few years old, and parts availability is usually well established. Sometimes the older, simpler systems are actually more reliable and easier to maintain than the latest high-tech versions.

Buying used farm machinery makes sense from an environmental angle too. You're keeping good machines working instead of adding to the demand for new manufacturing. It’s good for your wallet and good for the planet.

Financing and trade-ins

Professional dealers understand how farm finances work. They often offer payment plans that fit with seasonal cash flow, and many will take your old equipment in trade, giving you a fair price that you can put towards your next purchase.

You won't get any of that flexibility buying privately. It’s much easier to get that PTO generator you’ve been eyeing when it won’t take up so much of your cash. 

Finding the right people

The key is working with dealers who genuinely know farming and will stand behind what they sell. Look for businesses that have been around for a while, have good workshop facilities, and employ mechanics who really understand agricultural equipment.

A good dealer will be straight with you about any issues with their used farm machinery and realistic about what you can expect from equipment of different ages. They're not trying to get rid of problems, they're trying to build relationships with customers who'll come back.

TradeMe has its place, but when you're spending serious money on farm equipment, it pays to work with people who'll still be there when you need them.

If you would like to see our full range of agricultural products, download the catalogue below.