Do you need to buy new farm equipment with a small budget? Perhaps you are looking to save money on a replacement.
There are lots of high-quality agricultural machinery for sale, but how can you be sure that they're worth buying, especially if they're secondhand? Buying used equipment can come with advantages and disadvantages. To help you decide, here are the pros and cons and what they can mean for your production.
The Pros
- Cheaper cost. The most significant advantage of buying secondhand anything is that the price tag will be far smaller than that of a brand new item. If you are purchasing a piece of machinery that you need but won't often use (and renting will cost more money), going secondhand may be more ideal than buying a new model. Moreover, you usually don't have to pay for sales tax and additional equipment insurance.
- Less worry about depreciation. Farmers that buy used equipment don't have to think about losing their equity since the value of the rig won't depreciate quite as much compared to a new one.
- Resellable. If you maintain your equipment well, you may resell it for just as much as you originally paid for it. For farmers that are thinking of getting an upgrade in the future but can't afford it now, they may opt to buy secondhand for the meantime and sell it when they have enough money for a new one. On the other hand, you can also sell the parts if the rig itself isn't sellable anymore.
- Great market. You will find a lot of people selling their old equipment for great prices, so you can rest assured that you won't run out of options to choose from. Prices will fluctuate now and then, depending on supply and demand, but you can always negotiate for a lower price. Owners will give you a great price than to not sell the unit at all.
The Cons
- Used condition. Of course, buying used agricultural equipment will mean that you get a machine that has gone through wear and tear already. Depending on the previous owner's maintenance, you can get equipment that is will still last for years more. Just make sure to research the supplier and inspect the machine thoroughly.
- Risks. You won't always have the chance to fully inspect a rig before you buy it. It's up to the seller to fully disclose details about the equipment, and this can put you at risk for losses just in case there are underlying issues.
- Time-consuming. Buying used equipment will require more time for researching the market, negotiating with sellers, and inspecting the rig for potential problems. Sometimes, you may even need to bring a mechanic with you for the inspection.
Buying secondhand agricultural machinery is an excellent, and sometimes, the only option for farmers who have limited funds. Nevertheless, acquiring equipment for a more affordable price can leave you with more budget for other important things. You just need to put in the time and effort required to make the best choice.
