How to Find Used Farm Machinery

Used farm machinery is an attractive, budget-friendly option for farmers and ranchers who don̵7;t want to invest thousands of extra dollars into brand new farm equipment. In fact, according to Washington State University Cooperative Extension, used farm equipment is a great option if you need back-up equipment or are just getting into farming. However, trying to find this type of machinery can quickly make you feel as if you̵7;re searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack: You know what you̵7;re looking for is out there; finding it is the problem. Clarifying exactly what kind of equipment you̵7;re looking for and being persistent are key steps in finding used farm machinery.

Things You'll Need

  • Paper
  • Pen/pencil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Limit your search. From tractors and forage wagons to hay balers and manure spreaders, you̵7;ll find a lot of used farm equipment for sale out there. In order to avoid getting overwhelmed, make a list of what exact makes and models of used farm machinery you̵7;re looking for. Do you need a small tractor with limited horsepower for your 20-acre hobby farm? Are you in search of antique John Deere hay balers? Don̵7;t forget to think about and include on your list the price range that you̵7;re willing to pay for used farm machinery.

    • 2

      Attend farm auctions and farm dispersal sales. Not only will you find a great variety of used equipment, but it usually sells at discounted prices. Many auction houses have an online listing of the farm equipment makes and models to be auctioned off. If you see something that you like, call the auction company about arranging a time for you to look over the machinery that you̵7;re interested in. Many auction houses are happy to set up an inspection visit for potential bidders on items such as farm equipment that are likely to bring a significant amount of money. Although you can see the equipment on the day of the auction, you̵7;ll be more likely to overlook flaws and structural problems since you̵7;ll be distracted by the bidding.

    • 3

      Look online. Farm equipment publications such as ̶0;Tractor House̶1; frequently have more extensive online listings of used equipment for sale. Typically, you can customize your search based on make, model and price.

    • 4

      Place a wanted ad in your newspaper. In many instances, the exact type of farm equipment you̵7;re searching for may be sitting unused underneath a tarpaulin in a retired farmer̵7;s machinery shed. Be as specific as possible when constructing your wanted ad, listing as much information as possible regarding the used farm machinery you̵7;re seeking. As long as you don̵7;t mind traveling to get your machinery, don̵7;t forget to try an online ad with a service such as CraigsList which allows you to access sellers throughout your region or state.