As we all know, farming equipment is a huge expense. In fact, it can take several years to even see a return on investment from expensive pieces of machinery. That’s why we’re all trying to find the best deals available, no matter what it is we’re buying.

This means buying used goods. It’s not as bad as it sounds though. There are several pieces of equipment that are used on the farm that are designed to last a lifetime. It’s in these cases that buying used equipment isn’t as bad as it sounds. On the other hand, some used products should be avoided entirely. Continue reading to discover five tips for finding high-quality used farming equipment.

1. Consider How Often You Need It

Some farm equipment, like riding tillers and hay balers, aren’t used all year round. This isn’t just good for the longevity of your product after you buy it, but it also means it has seen less use with its previous owner too. On the other hand, equipment that isn’t used frequently enough might also not be seeing regular maintenance. Always look over the equipment to make sure it’s been well maintained before buying.

You might not even have to buy it at all. You could get away with renting something that you only need to use once a year. Renting tools that are infrequently used is a better return on investment than buying new or even used tools.

2. Understand the Features

Used equipment is likely old. This means it has fewer features than newer models. You shouldn’t let this worry you, but you do need to understand what you’re buying. For example, some tractors can’t use dual wheels. This might be a problem for a farmer of a particularly soft soil type.

If the one feature you need isn’t there, then the entire piece of equipment is essentially useless to you. Always make sure you get exactly what you need by understanding the piece of equipment’s functionality and features.

3. Don’t Hop at the First Deal You See

If one person is selling a particular piece of equipment for cheap, then chances are, other people are selling that cheap too. A certain piece of equipment might be out-of-date, replaced by newer tools, or even just fall out of favor with farmers. This doesn’t mean it’s completely useless, but it does mean there might be a better tool for the job.

There are lots of other reasons a seller might be selling a piece of equipment really cheap too. The seller might know that it’s on its last few seasons and be trying to save some costs. The equipment may also have taken some damage. It’s always important to check things like tractors for obvious signs of leaking.

4. You Can Still Finance

Just because you are buying used equipment doesn’t mean you have to pay out of pocket. Speak with your financial adviser and consider getting a loan to pay for your used equipment. Just because you’re buying used doesn’t mean financial institutions won’t work with you.

5. Tax Breaks Still Apply

According to Section 179 of the Tax Code, tax exemptions still apply for used equipment. Many mistakenly believe that tax exemptions only apply to brand new equipment, but this simply isn’t true.