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Hay, Forage & Livestock EquipmentUsed Hay Equipment Buying Checklist
Used hay equipment can save a lot of money, and it can also hide expensive problems. A careful inspection and the right questions separate a good buy from a headache.
Key points
- Match the machine to your tractor, bale size and acreage before you shop.
- Inspect frame, shafts, shields, bearings and hydraulics in daylight.
- Ask for service records and the reason for the sale.
- Bring a mechanic, or walk away, if you see structural damage.
- Service and shield-check the machine before first use.
What should you do before you look at a machine?
Know what you need. Check your tractor's PTO speed, hitch type and power in the operator's manual, and match them to the machine's requirements. Decide your bale size and your acreage. A baler that makes a bale your loader cannot lift is a poor choice.
Get the model and serial number from the seller ahead of time, and look for the manual and parts availability. Dealers can often tell you how long parts are supported.
Think also about the support behind a brand. A machine made by a company that is no longer in business may be hard to repair, while one with active dealers is easier to keep running. Ask local dealers what they can service.
What should you inspect on any used hay machine?
Go over the whole machine in daylight, standing on the ground and looking underneath. Look for cracked welds, bent frames, worn bearings, missing shields and signs of poor repairs. Check that PTO shafts and shields are intact and turn freely.
Bring a flashlight, a rag and a helper. Ask the seller to hitch up and run it if safe.
- Frame and hitch: cracks, bends, repairs.
- Shields and PTO shaft: complete and undamaged.
- Bearings: play, noise, heat.
- Tires and wheels: wear, damage, age.
- Hydraulic hoses: cracking, leaks, patches.
What should you check on a mower or a mower conditioner?
Look at the cutter bar, knives or discs, guards and the drive. Check the conditioning rolls or tines for wear and damage. Turn the cutter by hand with the machine shut down and the tractor off to feel for rough bearings.
Examine the gearboxes for leaks and the oil for milky color. Replacement cutterbar parts can be costly, so ask about the condition and what has been replaced.
Ask for a short run with the machine cutting real crop if the seller allows it. A mower may sound fine on the stand and plug in the field.
What should you check on a baler?
Balers are complex. Check the pickup teeth and the drive, belts or chains, and the gearbox. On round balers, look at belts for wear, cracks and splices, and at the bale chamber rollers. On square balers, look at the plunger, the knotters and the needle drive.
Ask how many bales the machine has made, if the seller keeps count, and how it was stored. A baler stored outside under snow often hides rust and rodent damage.
Look for patched belts, welded repairs near stress points and mismatched parts. They often point to previous breakdowns and hard use.
What questions should you ask the seller?
Ask why the machine is for sale, how it has been maintained, what repairs have been done and whether there are records. Ask who used it and for what. Ask about known problems. A candid seller will answer plainly, and an evasive one is a warning.
Confirm the title or ownership, and that no lien is attached if it is a titled implement. Ask your lender or attorney about paperwork if you have questions.
If the seller is a dealer, ask what warranty or return policy applies, and read it. Warranty terms vary and may not cover wear items.
When should you bring a mechanic or walk away?
If you are unsure, bring a qualified mechanic or the dealer service technician and pay for an inspection. Walk away from machines with frame cracks, major rust through structural parts, missing safety shields you cannot replace, or a seller who will not let you test it.
Compare the price to the cost of repairs you will need, not to a new machine alone. Ask your dealer for a parts and labor estimate on what you see.
Set a budget for repairs before you start shopping and stick to it.
How do you protect yourself after you buy?
Replace damaged shields and decals right away, and read the manual, which you can often get from the manufacturer. Do a full service before the first use, including all fluids and grease points. Tell your insurance agent about the purchase and ask about coverage.
Keep a bill of sale and any records, and start your own maintenance log.
Sources and further reading
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