Farming has to be one of the best examples of the advantageous relationship between man and machine. Farm equipment has developed a lot over the past 50 years giving rise to more and more automation, higher productivity, and a reduction in manual labor. This has helped to make farming more profitable and less vulnerable to factors associated with relying on a large labor force.
What that means though, is that choosing the right equipment is vital. In some respects, every time you choose a new piece of equipment it’s a little bit like choosing a new colleague. You want to know what they are capable of and how their skill set is going to fit with the rest of the team.
In this article, we’re going to give you seven factors that you should include in your farm equipment ‘interview.’ Keep these points in mind and you will have the new ‘work buddy’ you are looking for.
Choosing farm equipment isn’t the same as choosing a new car. No matter what car you buy, in general, they will all have to drive on the same roads. So we don’t think about the road surface when selecting a car; other factors are more important.
However, when choosing farm equipment, one of the first considerations is the type of soil that you will be working on. For example, is the soil lighter or thick and clay-like? Lighter soils require less tilling and lighter equipment.
However, in other areas where there is a thick clay pan, there is no need to operate deep tillage as this will actually flood the soil with more water and dilute the organic content. Plus the soil will end up a muddy mess. So the principle here is about matching the right equipment to the soil type you’re farming.
How big is the farm that you’re working on? A general principle to follow is that the larger the scale of your farming operation, the larger the equipment and subsequent tools need to be.
That’s not to say that big is always better, but there is the consideration of time. The larger the equipment, the more time efficiency it will offer when being used over a large area. Of course, timing is often so important when there are other factors that you cannot control such as the weather.
If your farm equipment proves unreliable and needs constant repairs and attention, then it’s going to massively impact your productivity. In the employee analogy used in the introduction to this article, an unreliable piece of equipment is like an employee that’s always off sick. That’s bad news for everyone.
Before employing someone, you’re wise to seek several references to get an idea of that person’s performance over time. In the same way, you should consider the reputation and track history of the brand from which you’re considering a purchase. Make sure you spend some time reading reviews on the equipment from others in the industry.
No matter how good the equipment is that you buy, it’s inevitable at some point that it will need servicing and maintenance. Before you make any purchasing decisions it is a good idea to think about the convenience of service centers that are closest to your area.
Wherever possible you want to use equipment that has a service center conveniently located in relation to your farm. That means you will save more downtime and it also means that, if needed, the service can come to you. So make things as easy as possible for yourself right from the start.
You’re going to be using this equipment for many hours at a time. In some cases, you could be using the equipment all day for several days. Your health and well-being are of paramount importance if your farm is to succeed.
It’s true you may have to spend more to increase the user comfort, so try to see any extra expense or financing as a direct investment in your health and long term ability to operate your farm.
Machines do not last forever, and it’s part of the natural course that some parts of your farm equipment will need replacing. Before you buy any equipment, you should research the cost of spares and their availability.
A cheaper price for the equipment, but a high cost for replacement parts with a long wait for their delivery may end up being a false economy. Give this some thought now, and spare yourself a big problem later.
There are many reasons why you would want to sell your equipment in the future. It could be that the nature of your farming endeavor will change, or possibly that the work will scale up and you will need bigger equipment.
Either way, it’s good to plan for flexibility and change right from the start. One way you can do this is by making sure you buy equipment that can hold a good resale price. That’s usually linked to buying high-quality equipment in the first place.
In this article, you have seen the importance of noting these 7 factors when choosing farm equipment. There is so much choice when choosing equipment, it can get very overwhelming and confusing. So stick to the basics and keep these principles in mind and they will help you form a clear picture of what you need.
If you want the best farm equipment, you need a quality supplier who is experienced in helping farmers connect with the right equipment for their land and farming operation. You can get in touch with us here and we will be happy to help.
In the world of industry and manufacturing, it’s often a wise decision to invest in used machinery. Purchasing used machinery can not only this decision lead to significant cost savings, but it also contributes to the sustainability of the environment by extending the lifecycle of the machinery.
However, the process of buying used machinery can be complex, as it requires careful attention to numerous factors to ensure you’re making a wise investment. Here are 15 things to consider when purchasing used machinery.
A machine’s age and usage are two crucial factors. Older machines may be more likely to need repairs or replacement parts. Find out about the machine’s history, how intensively and for what period it has been used.
Conduct due diligence to ensure the seller has a solid reputation. This due diligence may include researching online reviews and asking for references.
Assess the current state of the machine. This check includes checking for any signs of rust, leaks, or damage and ensuring the machine operates smoothly and effectively.
Before purchasing used machinery, ensure that spare parts for the machinery are readily available. Some older machines may have parts that are hard to find or expensive to replace.
The availability of proper documentation like manuals, maintenance records, and past repair records is good. This documentation will give you a clear picture of the machine’s history and benefit future maintenance.
Ensure the machinery meets all relevant safety standards. Check if safety features are intact and working properly. Older machinery may not comply with current safety regulations, so this point requires special attention.
Compare the price of the used machinery with similar new models and other used ones on the market.
Consider the running costs associated with the machine. These costs may include energy usage, maintenance, and the need for specialised personnel to operate it.
Some older machinery might operate on outdated technology, slowing your production process or generating compatibility issues. Ensure the technology is still relevant to your needs.
If possible, have the machine inspected by a professional or an experienced team member. This inspection will help identify any problems that may not be apparent at first glance.
Some machines require more maintenance than others. Ensure you understand the maintenance needs of the machinery and whether your business can accommodate these needs.
While the machinery may meet your current needs, consider your business’s future growth. Will the machine still be suitable a few years down the line?
Consider the logistics involved in transporting and installing the machinery. Larger machinery may require specialised equipment. Our machine moving service can easily help accommodate you here.
Last but not least, will your team be able to operate the machine effectively? If not, factor in the cost and time for training.
Purchasing used machinery can be strategic for many businesses, but only when conducted with proper caution and thorough inspection. By considering these 15 factors, you can ensure that your investment in used machinery is wise enough to contribute to your business’s success for years to come.
Buying used machines can be cost-effective, especially for startups or small businesses with limited budgets. They can get more value for their money and sometimes acquire higher quality machines than they could afford new.
Yes, used machines can be reliable. However, the reliability depends on the machine’s age, maintenance history, and how intensively it was used. Properly maintained used machines can serve a business effectively for many years.
When inspecting a used machine, check for physical signs of wear and tear, rust or leaks, and listen for unusual sounds. Also, check the machine’s operation to ensure it’s running smoothly. It’s often advisable to have an expert inspect the machine.
Start by understanding your business requirements, the production capacity you need, and the specific features required in the machine. Carry out a production test on the machine before buying.
Before purchasing a used machine, ensure that spare parts are readily available. Finding spare parts might be difficult if the machine is very old or from a less-known brand.
Hidden costs include shipping, transportation, installation, potential repairs, and routine maintenance. You may also need to invest in training for your staff to operate the machine.
Check if the machine complies with current safety standards in your country. Safety features should be intact and operational. If in doubt, consult with a safety inspector.
Navigating the world of used industrial machinery may seem complex, but with the right guidance and resources, it doesn’t have to be. Remember, the right equipment can enhance your production, maximise efficiency, and ultimately boost your bottom line.
At Buy and Sell Machines UK, we specialise in buying and selling top-quality used machinery. We thoroughly inspect all our machines and ensure they meet high industry standards before making them available to you. Plus, we’re always here to help answer any questions and assist you in finding the machinery that perfectly matches your unique business needs.
Don’t let buying used industrial machinery intimidate you. With our extensive selection, expert team, and commitment to customer satisfaction, we can help you make a confident investment that will serve your business for years to come.
So why wait? Discover the cost-saving potential and sustainability of used machinery today. Contact us now and let us assist you in finding the perfect machinery solution for your business.
Are you ready to unlock the potential of used machinery? Reach out to us today!