Common Types Of Used Farm Equipment You Can Get At An Auction
Thursday, October 11th, 2018

Are you looking for a place to buy or sell affordable, reliable farm equipment? On any given day, you can get land, tractors, vehicles, livestock, and even antiques to adorn your property at a farm equipment auction. The following will go over how you can use an auction to your benefit and what you can expect to find.
What you can find at farm equipment auctions
Trucks and transportation
Used trucks, trailers, and other transport vehicles are highly sought after at auctions. Often, the only place you can buy specialized equipment is from the manufacturer or a dealer at high prices. Also, the aftermarket for these types of vehicles is complex. No one has managed to create an “Amazon” for popular farm vehicles, but you can find great deals at live auctions. Keep in mind that these offer the most sought-after items, so it could be a battle to get your hands on one.
Grain carts
Grain carts are reliable and long-lasting, so why do you need to buy new? At a farm equipment auction, you can get a good quality grain cart at a great price. Before you buy one, make sure to check the stress points and the history of the equipment to ensure it has been used the right way.
Headers
Headers are another piece of equipment you can get a good deal on at a farm auction. However, keep in mind that many farmers do not maintain their headers properly. They often don’t replace chains, sickle sections, or even keep them calibrated. So, make sure you inspect the header before finalizing the sale.
Tractors
You can usually find a broad range of tractors from Caterpillar, Case, John Deere, Kubota, and many other well-known manufacturers at auctions. Tractors are another type of heavy equipment that is durable and long-lasting, so you do not have to buy them new. Many farmers rely only on farm equipment auctions to purchase their tractors.
Hand and small equipment
Finally, you can find great values for hand-powered and smaller pieces of equipment. For example, you can usually find land rollers, lawn mowers, tillers, and plows in many different sizes. These items often go fast and early because of the lower prices. So, if you need to get your hands on some small items, make sure you get to the auction early.
Tips and tricks for farm equipment auctions
Before attending a farm equipment auction, it is beneficial to conduct research into what will be for sale and how to bid. You should also know the following information to help you find the best deals.
1. Is new or used better?
New tools and equipment are exciting, but aren’t always necessary. Buying used farm equipment can help you stretch your budget and reduce the burden on your business. Used equipment gets the job done just as well as new and allows you to focus on growing your operation, rather than paying off debt.
2. When should you buy?
Keep in mind the harvesting cycles in the area where your farm operates. Depending on where you are in the cycle, the equipment could be cheaper or more expensive. Equipment is usually cheaper between the first and fourth quarters, so look for auctions during that time.
3. What about the lifespan of the equipment?
Farm equipment is designed to last a certain number of work hours. When you’re buying used pieces, keep this in mind. You should also see if a maintenance log for each piece is available. This will tell you about repaired issues, current issues, and if it was maintained at all. You should be allowed to review the farm equipment before bidding begins in order to verify its quality.
4. Check the engine
If you’re purchasing farm equipment with an engine, start it to see how it works and sounds. If it turns on, run it for a few minutes. This will help you to see if there are any leaks. Look at the fuel lines to see if they are cracked and confirm that the engine meets fuel standards for your area as well.
5. Look at the appearance
You should also check the appearance of the farm equipment on the outside. Does it look worn, dented, scratched, or chipped? The appearance of a machine can sometimes tell you about maintenance, how the piece was used, and if it was used with care.
Looking for farm equipment auctions in the Texas Panhandle?
Contact the experts at High Plains Auctioneers if you have questions about Bidding or Selling at a farm equipment auction. You can call us at (806) 244-6776 or Contact Us by email for more information about our services and what we offer. Don’t forget to check out our Upcoming Auctions to see what we will have available soon!