In the world of agriculture, the push for sustainability is reshaping the way farmers approach equipment acquisition. When it comes to harvesting, opting for used combines presents a sustainable choice with numerous advantages.
Less Time Wasting
Combiners are one of the most significant machineries on most grain farms. Owning your combines is often necessary for your operation’s success. But buying new can be costly. Used combines for sale can cut your overall cost of ownership significantly, especially when you find a good deal.
Another benefit to purchasing used combines is avoiding the hassle of training your crew on new technologies. This saves money on training costs and helps your team get the most out of your purchase. If you’re looking to buy a combine, make sure you check your service and maintenance history. You also want to ensure that it has low engine and separator hours.
This will help reduce your overall maintenance costs and extend the life of your machine. You should also check to see if there’s any outstanding machinery finance before making a final decision. This will keep you from a financial trap that can jeopardize your business. Depending on the lease arrangement and dealer, you may be stuck with a massive repair bill at the end of your lease.
Less Expense
Purchasing a combine is an investment you want to get right. Buying used can be a great option to save money and still find a reliable harvester machine. The average combined price varies based on add-ons.
Prices for combines vary depending on their model year and total machine hours. In general, newer combines cost more than older models. The chart below illustrates how much a combined cost is based on these two factors.
A good rule of thumb is to look for a combination with low engine and separator hours. This will help reduce the risk of mechanical problems down the road. In addition, make sure to check the combine’s service history to ensure it was maintained correctly.
Also, look for a combination that has tracks or dual configuration. Tracks are more durable in wet, muddy conditions and spread the weight of the combine over a larger surface area to minimize soil compaction. Duals, on the other hand, provide more maneuverability and can drive on wet, sticky mud.
Less Stress
A combine is one of the most expensive equipment on a farm, and farmers want to ensure it will work well during harvest. This worry can stress a farmer, especially if the machine breaks down during crucial harvesting moments.
Buying used reduces the worry because you can be confident in a quality piece of machinery well-maintained by previous owners. Dual combines are an excellent choice because they spread the weight of the combine over a wider surface area, reducing soil compaction force. This can be important in gumbo, sticky mud, or muck conditions.
However, single tires can get rutted in these conditions. To avoid this, consider getting it equipped with a sidehill leveling system if you purchase a new combination. This will allow you to work on steep hills more efficiently and comfortably. IronAppraiser provides a wide range of valuation data on combines, including engine and separator hours, that can be useful in assessing a combine’s condition.
Lower Initial Cost
Combines are one of, if not the most expensive piece of equipment on any farm. Because of this, a farmer can go broke buying one brand new – but shopping used is an excellent alternative for buyers looking to purchase a high-quality combine harvester. Purchasing a used combine may save you anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000, depending on the machine’s age and machine hours.
This is an attractive investment compared to the price of a new 2021 model. In addition to wheat, combines can be used to harvest other grains, including corn, soybeans, rice, oats, rye, barley, flax, and sorghum. Owning a combine will lower costs for growers who raise these crops by allowing them to harvest their crops rather than paying for custom harvesting services.
With the prices of good quality combined increasing year over year, many farmers would prefer to invest in a new machine. For example, a sidehill system for a combine that allows it to harvest hills and slopes is still reasonably expensive despite having been on the market for years.
In addition, if your team of operators is familiar with the operation of a second-hand combine, they will be more comfortable using it than a new machine that could require extensive training and adjustment. Before you buy, however, make sure to do a PIN check and ensure the machinery is not under finance.
Lower Maintenance Costs
Purchasing new equipment involves training staff to operate the machine, which can take time away from production. On the other hand, used machines have been around longer, and staff may already be familiar with them. This can help reduce the training time needed, resulting in lower maintenance costs.
The cost of operating a combine also depends on how it’s maintained. For example, it can be expensive to repair a combination of damaged components or one that is not functioning correctly. However, a used combine for sale with well-maintained parts can offer a more affordable option.
Furthermore, it can be less costly to run a used combination with a self-leveling system than to buy a new model that requires a more elaborate and expensive system. Self-leveling systems automatically adjust the combine’s position up or down depending on the elevation change.
This feature helps avoid the loss of grain that can occur when a combine drives up or down a hill. Companies need to understand how to make sustainable choices more accessible to consumers. Narrowing the “intention-action gap” is critical to reducing environmental impact and increasing the uptake of eco-friendly options.
