While buying used farm equipment is a good money-saving strategy, it’s important to always inspect a used piece of equipment before you purchase it. You’ll want to know if the equipment has any defects or other issues. If you’re not sure how to inspect a piece of used farm equipment, this guide from Southern States Milford can help you get started.

Double Check Everything

It never hurts to be thorough when it comes to used farm equipment. Even if everything seems fine at first glance, previous owners may have chosen to ignore deeper problems in favor of only fixing surface level problems. That’s why you should always ask for a test-drive or demonstration if possible. You want to make sure that all the equipment’s controls and functions are working properly before you purchase it. 

Gather Additional Information 

Beyond just the physical inspection, you’ll want to gather as much information about the used farm equipment as possible. Ask to see the maintenance records. If the maintenance records are spotty or incomplete, that might be a sign that previous owners did not properly maintain the equipment. You might also discover that a certain system or part has undergone repeated maintenance, which often indicates a recurring issue. 

Hire A Mechanic

There’s no shame in asking for help. Even if you’re familiar with the basics of farm equipment maintenance, there may be a lot of smaller nuances that you’re not aware of. If you’re not confident in your ability to perform a proper inspection on a piece of used farm equipment, hire a mechanic to help. Their experience and professional opinion can be invaluable. 

Shop used farm equipment at Southern State Milford. Visit us online or at our dealership in Milford, Delaware. We’re proud to serve communities like Harrington and Dover, Delaware. We also offer servicing, parts, financing, and customization packages.