Looking for used equipment can be a challenge but if you take all the proper precautions it can be very rewarding. If you know what to look for and what to watch out for, you have a chance of getting something as good as new for a cheaper price. With that being said, we are going to prep you for your used equipment shopping so you can leave with quality equipment.

Questions to ask yourself before you buy

What do I need this equipment for?

Knowing exactly what you are looking for will save you a lot of time and possibly money when shopping for a used tractor. You need to know what jobs you will be doing and how often you will be using the equipment. If you plan to use this equipment frequently it’s good to look for gently-used equipment with generally low hours. What are the demands and conditions for your work? For those who need to perform heavy-duty work, you need to get a tractor or equipment with high horsepower and a decent drivetrain to pull through. If you know the answer to these questions then you can determine what features and specs will be required for the work you need to do.

How much do I want to spend?

Before you go to the dealership it’s ideal to have a budget for what you want to spend. To determine this number, it's a good idea to do some market research and determine the overall value of the equipment you are thinking about. 

What is the condition of the equipment?

This might be a no-brainer, but when assessing used equipment the first thing you want to do is look for any obvious signs of wear and tear. A couple of scratches and chips might not be a major concern but too many could be the sign of a neglected tractor. Generally, you want to make sure the equipment looks the same as it did in the picture. After a brief visual inspection, you’ll need to do a more detailed inspection and look at the tires, water pump, belts, and gears to ensure there aren’t any leaks or damaged parts. If you are not very experienced in the mechanics of farm equipment, have a mechanic you trust check it out for you.

Do I trust the person that is selling it?

When buying a used tractor it is highly recommended that you buy from a reputable dealer. You should be skeptical of shady online listings or individual sellers because they might not be qualified to provide all the correct information and they likely will not offer any continued service after the purchase. A reputable dealer like Virginia Tractor has a staff of qualified salesmen and technicians that should be able to tell you everything you need to know about the equipment and offer maintenance and service after you leave the lot. Virginia Tractor values integrity, honesty, and respect and will implement these ideologies with every interaction with customers.

If you are interested in used equipment for your farm check out our online catalog at Virginia Tractor. For more information don’t hesitate to contact us or visit your nearest Virginia Tractor dealer.