| Updated August, 2002 |  |
File A3-22 |
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Buying Used Machinery
Pressure to reduce input costs for farm products has led to an active market of quality used machinery. While it is relatively simple to determine the condition of many types of field implements, tractor and combine evaluation can present more difficulties. Much of the problem stems from wear points being located inside the machine.
In general, a cleanness, slickness, and tightness about the machine can be one of the primary indicators (e.g., tight gear operation, lack of external leak signs, etc.)
Used tractors
In a first visual once-over of a used tractor check the following:
- Inspect for any cooling system leaks, fan blade damage to the radiator, and the thermostat. Note oil condition. If it's milky, water is present; heavy oil indicates burning or combustion problems. Air cleaner condition helps indicate care of machine.
- Beware of "souping-up" after the tractor has left the factory (turning up the fuel injection pump or the addition of over-size sleeves, high compression pistons, or turbo-charger on an older tractor). Rear end problems may develop.
- Check final drive for leaks and transmission oil for metal particles (dilute small amount with diesel fuel and stir with magnet; a small quantity is normal).
- Has the frame been sprung or ever repaired?
- Look at condition of hydraulic oil and lines.
- Is the tractor equipped with a ROPS and wide front-end to avoid rollover hazards?
Next, if at all possible, drive the tractor.
Check operation of indicator gauges or lights and the functions they are indicating.
Now is the time to note clutch and gearshift operation (doing this under load is preferable). It should be smooth and tight. The same goes for PTO, 3 pt. hitch, and remote hydraulic response and operation.
Used combines
Combine engine, frame, and drive inspections are similar to that for a tractor. Also be sure to take note of the following items, many of which indicate combine life:
- Check the wear on cylinder/rotor bars and concave.
- Look at straw walkers, cleaning shoe, and sieve assemblies. Are there broken parts or spot weld repairs? Note any play in bearings or slots. Thin auger flighting indicates long use.
- Check the head to see if it has been sprung or misaligned and the condition of all drive mechanisms.
- General areas to check are use of grease zerks and wear on large belts, chains, and sprockets.
Used implements
General guidelines for other field implements include checking the frame condition for alignment and major repairs and noting any repairs needed for moving parts and common wear points. Are shields present to protect people from power transmission elements and exposed moving parts?
General considerations
A few important and frequently overlooked things are also important tools of the good used machinery buyer. Doing these things often can keep several
thousand dollars in the buyer's pocket after the purchase of a big ticket item:
- Do your homework before buying. What is the going price (check auctions, dealers, large used implement lots, classified advertisements)?
- Are features you require available with this machine? Despite a good price, a machine is no bargain if it won't meet your needs.
- Know potential weak spots in any model machine and check for them. Spending a few dollars in consultation with a mechanic can help you discover potential weak spots in machinery. Shop repairs are not cheap; look for overall quality.
Don't get hung up on small accessories (e.g., an extra remote hydraulic outlet can easily be added to most tractors).
Have fun but use common sense when shopping for used machinery.