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BY OXDALE PRODUCTS
At some point in your working life, you will have weighed up the pros and cons of buying new and used agricultural machinery. You’re more than likely drawn in by the potential upfront savings of buying used machinery compared to purchasing new equipment. As many will be aware, the lower price doesn’t always end up being better long-term value.
This is why it’s so important to consider machine conditions, downtime risks, spare part availability and any potential warranty cover you might be missing out on. Join us in this blog as we help you choose the most suitable machine for your needs and circumstances.
Yes, used agricultural machinery is typically cheaper as it has a lower upfront cost compared to new machinery. As is the case with any vehicle or machinery bought new, they begin to depreciate as assets as they are used and show signs of wear. This, however, is what makes secondhand agricultural machinery a cheaper investment on the surface.
Owners of secondhand machinery have to consider the total cost of ownership and whether it works out as a better deal than buying new. Viewing the purchase of used machinery as overall expenditure during usage is a more accurate total cost figure to be compared to a new machine’s price tag. This way you consider the cost of servicing, maintenance and potential repairs.
Machinery age, previous workloads and maintenance history can have a big impact on the reliability of a used machine. If used for strenuous and demanding agricultural tasks, the machine might possess mechanical concerns that you just wouldn’t consider when buying new. Worn components, hydraulic issues and hidden damage mean your inspection of the machinery needs to be thorough.
Unexpected failures cause agricultural operations to stall and ultimately cost you money in lost revenue due to downtime that is unavoidable. This isn’t to say all used agricultural machinery is a ticking time bomb; instead, a well-maintained second-hand machine can still provide dependable performance.
Before buying used machinery, we recommend thoroughly inspecting all aspects of the machinery, including reviewing service history and any available maintenance documentation. Focusing on the machine, cast a keen eye over condition, including visible wear, hydraulic systems, PTO connections and safety guards if applicable.
Where possible, it could be worth requesting a demonstration or professional inspection before purchasing. Ensuring the machine is suitable for the intended workload and is compatible with your existing equipment is essential to getting the best value.
Another factor to consider when buying used machinery is the availability of spare parts and how easy they are to source. Before buying secondhand, we recommend investigating how easy it is to source parts your machine might have and the potential lead time. For older machines, or even discontinued models, it can be difficult to get your hands on the right parts, leaving your machine out of action for a considerable amount of time.
The advantage of buying from an established manufacturer or trusted dealer is that they are more likely to have better access to spare parts, especially for discontinued models.
When buying from a machinery dealership, we recommend asking a range of questions about spare parts before buying a secondhand machine from them. Questions include: Are replacement parts still manufactured or readily available? Can compatible components be identified and supplied? What are the typical delivery times for essential replacement parts?
Here at Oxdale Products, we offer all our clients access to our network of spare parts thanks to UK-wide connections, keeping your machinery running.
One of the big draws to new agricultural machinery is the access to warranty. New machinery, bought from a manufacturer or dealership, typically includes manufacturer warranty protection, but is subject to individual product terms. Some secondhand machinery may come with a warranty, more likely if bought from a trusted dealership, but it is typically far more limited than a new machine.
Discover which option best suits your requirements.
For those looking for machinery they know they can rely on, new agricultural machinery is ideal. It is preferable for frequent, demanding or time-sensitive work. The main draw is predictable performance, manufacturer support and warranty protection. This does come at a cost.
Used agricultural machinery is typically the choice for those looking for occasional use, an option within their tighter budget or with a smaller operation. They represent great value when passing all inspections and boast a clean maintenance history. There is always the risk of potential maintenance, so be sure to budget with this in mind.
Choosing machinery that suits your workload is key to getting the job done efficiently. As a family-run British machinery manufacturer and distributor, Oxdale Products offers a range of dependable agricultural equipment, backed by replacement parts and a UK-wide dealer network.
Whether you’re upgrading existing equipment or investing in something new, explore our agricultural machinery range or contact our team for practical advice.
Explore some of the most frequently asked questions regarding used agricultural machinery.
Yes, so long as you understand the risks and have assessed the condition of the machinery, while having seen any supporting documentation.
Documentation such as operating manuals, service history and proof of ownership should come as standard. Documentation can help you understand machinery history, maintenance requirements and suitability.
