Farming Equipment | Business To Business Classifieds

Are you an agricultural specialist looking for new farming equipment? Or are you one of the growing numbers of hobby farmers looking to buy used farming equipment? Regardless of whether you are a professional farmer or a farming enthusiast, this article may provide you with some helpful guidance and advice on how to go about buying both new as well as second-hand farming equipment.

Different Categories and Types of Farming Equipment
There are so many different kinds of farming -- from fruit and vegetable growing to animal rearing. Each requires a myriad of different tools and equipment. Farming equipment also ranges from large machinery to hand-held tools. The list below will give you a general idea as to the types of farming equipment available to buy on the market.

Tractors
Soil Cultivation -- ploughs, tillers, harrows, spading machines
Planting -- seeders, drills
Fertilising and Pest Control -- manure spreaders, sprayers
Harvesting and Post-Harvesting -- diggers, combine harvesters, forage harvesters, swathers, sickles
Irrigation Equipment
Handling Equipment
Storage
Loading Equipment
Stockbreeding -- straw spreader, milk tanks, milk parlours, livestock trailers
Haymaking Equipment -- balers, hay rakes, tedders, mowers
Other Spare Parts and Accessories

How to Find and Purchase Farming Equipment
Here are the some of the main ways in which to buy both new and second-hand farming equipment:-

Farming Equipment Dealers, Suppliers and Manufacturers -- these tend to be specialised retailers that have stores mainly in agricultural counties across the UK. They offer a wide range of farming and agricultural products. They generally have a professionally-trained and qualified team who can give you expert advice on your purchases.

The Internet -- it is surprising how quickly and easily you can find and buy farming equipment by browsing on the internet. There are a number of websites including Classifieds which are designed to help the farming community buy as well as sell used and new farming equipment. These websites can a useful resource consisting of hundreds of classified advertisements -- buyers can simply type in their post codes and the type of farming equipment they are looking for. A list of equipment for sale will be made available to the interested buyer who can then contact the seller directly. This is also a useful way of comparing prices before deciding what to buy.

Mail Order-- you can also buy farming equipment from some agricultural suppliers that offer their products by mail order or telephone. You can request for a copy of their sales catalogue or if available, you can shop online. Customers can then post, fax or telephone their orders through to a customer services team who will process your order.

Trade Magazines -- the classified sections of farming and other agricultural magazines such as Farmers' Weekly allow you to find and buy farming equipment.

Some Important Considerations Before Buying Farming Equipment

If you are making an expensive purchase, it is wise to collect quotes from a list of reputable suppliers. This will give you an opportunity to compare the different prices and types of the equipment in which you are planning to invest. Also take into account the quality of customer service and after-sales support you will get from each individual seller or supplier. Research the market and get a good idea as to how much the equipment costs and then decide on how much you will need to spend to get what you need. If you are working within a tight budget, make a thorough shopping list before you start spending to make sure you do not buy any unnecessary items.

Decide if you really need to buy brand new pieces of equipment or will you be just as satisfied with used equipment?

Decide on your timeline -- do you need any of the equipment urgently? If so, make sure you order the products well ahead of time. Since many crops are time critical, this is particularly important.

Decide on whether you want to buy from a large farming supplier or would you be happy to order your equipment from the internet or mail order?

All farming equipment purchased must meet the highest standards of manufacturing and safety. They must carry the appropriate EU safety labelling and if appropriate, meet EU fire safety regulations.

There are some farming suppliers who will offer you the option of making monthly payments especially if you are making a major purchase or several items which will cost a significant amount. Monthly instalments are particularly useful to smaller farmers and those just starting out who need to watch their finances carefully.

Many larger farming suppliers will offer a delivery service at an extra cost. If you decide to buy used equipment over the internet, it is worth considering the size and portability of the item or items. If you have to arrange collection of the equipment yourself, make sure you choose a seller who is located conveniently to you.

When farming equipment is delivered, always carry out a thorough inspection to ensure that everything you have bought is in good working order.

Buying Used Farming Equipment
It makes financial sense to buy used farming equipment especially if you have a small farm or are a hobby farmer.

Be aware that life threatening accidents can happen if you buy used farming equipment which has not been properly serviced or regularly maintained. To guarantee your personal safety and those of your farm workers, be extra careful when buying used equipment, in particular farming tools and machinery. The following associations will be able to give you advice regarding the safety of farming equipment:

Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG)
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
The Countryside Agency

A key consideration when buying used farming equipment is to ensure that any spare or replacement parts or accessories you may need now or in the future are easily available. Check warranty details on all used equipment. It is essential to ask for all safety manuals and operation instructions to ensure you know how to operate the equipment safely as well as how to service it.

Some Final Thoughts
Although the internet is a highly convenient way of shopping for farming equipment, do bear in mind that you will not be able to check the condition of the equipment beforehand. If you are buying from a private seller, you will have to make your decision based on the seller's written description. Some sellers will provide images of the equipment but many will not. If you are unsure about any aspect of the equipment that is for sale, the best thing to do is to contact the seller directly either by telephone or by email. Openly discuss all your queries and concerns before you finally make your decision to purchase.