Equipment
Looks can be deceiving. A shiny coat of paint might be hiding serious issues. Steven Bahbah, managing director at Service First Plumbing, grew up on a farm where secondhand machinery was common. He warns,“ Another pitfall that is likely to result when purchasing second-hand machinery is to think that a clean look translates to a well-functioning machine. Most of the sellers paint and clean up their machines before listing, concealing such serious problems as worn bearings, broken hydraulic fittings or frame stress at the load point.”
Bahbah suggests a more detailed approach.“ I always advise the farmers to begin with the inspection, look into the presence of oil traces, fluid leakages and incorrectly matched bolts, which in most cases are indications of a patchwork repair.”
Don ' t Forget the Paperwork
Experts stress the importance of documentation. " One big red flag is if the seller is reluctant to provide maintenance records or proof of repairs," said Paquette.
Bahbah adds, " Request maintenance records and record any anomalies about the service period, particularly with machines that have more than 5,000 working hours.” This transparency is your best defense against buying a machine with a hidden, costly history.
Expanding Your Search: Used Oilfield Pipe
Secondhand savings aren ' t limited to tractors and implements. Chris Solita, chief marketing officer at Baker Tubulars, points out that used oilfield pipes are an incredibly valuable resource for farms. " It is strong, long-lasting and costeffective when sourced correctly." Farmers use it for fencing, gates and livestock-handling systems.
When inspecting used pipe, Solita advises farmers to“ focus on the structure, not the surface. A little rust is fine, but check for straightness, wall thickness, scaling and what we call a corkscrew effect, which means the pipe is twisted.” He also warns that a common red flag is " a pipe that looks clean on the outside but has internal corrosion or thin walls. Heavy pitting, bends or inconsistent sizing can make fabrication difficult or unsafe."
How to Negotiate a Fair Price
Once you’ ve inspected a piece of equipment and decided it’ s a good fit, it ' s time to talk numbers. A successful negotiation is built on facts, not feelings.
" When negotiating, always have a solid idea of the machine’ s market value, including the cost of any potential repairs or upgrades," Paquette recommends. Do not rely on emotion when negotiating, but on facts. Your estimation of the cost of any noticeable repairs is well-founded. Reason is generally held in higher esteem by sellers than lowballing.
For materials such as oilfield pipe, knowing the market is just as important. " Know what you are buying before you start negotiating," says Solita. " Ask about the grade, length and condition, and compare pricing from multiple suppliers so you have a fair baseline. Factor in shipping, loading and unloading costs, since these can change the true value."
The Insurance Advantage
A lesser-known benefit of buying used is the potential for lower insurance premiums. Fran Majidi, marketing and client relations manager at Modotech, Inc., explains that secondhand farm equipment is typically less expensive to insure than brandnew machinery.
The primary reason is the equipment ' s value. " Insurance premiums are largely based on the cost to replace the insured item," said Majidi. Since used farm equipment has already depreciated, its market and replacement value are lower than a new machine. This lower valuation translates directly to a lower insurance premium.
However, other factors can influence the final cost. Very old or poorly maintained equipment may be considered a higher risk. The type of coverage you choose, how you use the equipment and where it ' s stored can also affect your premium. With innovative research and a clear-eyed assessment of your farm’ s needs, buying secondhand can be a fantastic solution for value, reliability and flexibility. With this expert guidance, you can navigate the market confidently and make investments that will serve your operation for years to come.
Thinking About Buying New?
While secondhand equipment offers many advantages, there are situations where buying new makes sense. New equipment comes with the latest technology, greater energy efficiency and built-in warranties that can give you peace of mind. Advanced features may boost productivity and safety, and the likelihood of breakdowns or unexpected repairs is far lower. For some farms, especially when uptime and precision are critical, investing in brand-new machinery can be a strategic move that balances higher upfront costs with long-term reliability.
18 | 800-247-2000 | 515-955-1600 | December 2025