Off-Season Deals to Expect on Farm Vehicles
Farm trucks are essential for those working in the agriculture industry, but they can be expensive, and you need to get the most value for your money if you’re going to remain profitable. We have some tips on off-season deals that should help your dollars go as far as possible while getting the exact vehicles you need for daily work.
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What’s the best time to look for used farm equipment?
Exactly what qualifies as “off-season” can depend on the vehicle or equipment and its use. Harvesters, cultivators, sprayers, and other equipment directly tied to growing and harvesting will go idle once the crops are in, and that should be your best time to buy. Tractors can fall into this category too if they’re primarily used for crops, but that can depend on the length of the growing season if it’s an area with a moderate climate and more than one harvest.
Many farms use ATVs and side-by-sides for chores, but if they’re used for hunting during the fall, the deal may have to wait until that season is over as well. And farm trucks, which don’t really have a season, will likely depend on other factors for their pricing, which we’ll cover below.
What’s the best time to look for new farm vehicles and equipment?
Farm equipment prices can start softening as soon as the growing season is in full swing, since most farmers have already purchased what they need well ahead of time in preparation for it, and dealers aren’t as busy anymore. But prices overall tend to drop more during the last two months of the year, when equipment dealers are trying to clear out their inventory and make their sales quotas before the new year ticks over.
Anything left in stock in January will likely fall even lower, since these models have to make way for what the manufacturers will soon be sending into showrooms. And the dealerships may also be slow because some customers may hold off buying, so they don’t have to carry those payments through the rest of the winter; and prices may fall even further to entice them to change their minds.
What are the downsides to waiting for off-season deals?
Obviously, your operation has to be set up so that you can wait for slow times in the farm equipment market to potentially save yourself some money without jeopardizing your operation. This includes your budget, to make sure the timing is right and you’re not overextending yourself even if there is a sale; making sure you’re maximizing your tax benefits by buying at the right time; and being in line with your farm schedule for planting and harvesting.
Then there’s the market itself: If you wait too long, will the truck model you want be sold out? You need to look at your own workforce to see if you may want or need to add more automated equipment to your fleet. And you should also consider opportunity costs—should you buy equipment that may be less-expensive right now but won’t get used for several months, or could you invest that cash into other improvements that will have a positive effect much sooner?
What other sales and deals might you find on new vehicles and equipment?
Attending farm shows and equipment trade shows could work in your favor, and for a couple of reasons. First, with manufacturers and dealers showing off all their models, you can compare them in person and see which ones will best fit your needs and at the right price. Secondly, they’re all likely to be offering event pricing, or comparable savings such as throwing in optional equipment or attachments, or offering better financing terms.
What else should you consider when buying used equipment during the off-season?
If a farm plans to sell a piece of equipment, the goal will likely be to find a buyer as soon as that equipment’s final job is done for the season. While you’re considering it, pay special attention to its maintenance and condition, including if it’s already been winterized or had its fluids changed. If this hasn’t been done, you may be able to negotiate a better price for it. Of course, you’ll need to know what it will cost for maintenance and repairs, and how much of it you can do yourself, so that what you’ll need to pay to get it back to prime condition doesn’t end up being more than what you saved.
When will farm trucks be at their lowest?
Farm trucks usually serve a purpose all year round, not just in certain seasons as specialized equipment do. Prices on new and used trucks may tend to soften as the next model year comes out and dealers seek to get last year’s models off their lots; while private sellers looking to replace their trucks—whether with next year’s model or those price-slashed last-year versions—they may want cash in hand right away to put down on their purchases. You may also see used farm trucks coming up for sale close to the end of the year for a tax benefit, so keep an eye on prices during that time.
Find listings online for new and used flatbed trailers for sale.
No matter what type of farm vehicle or piece of equipment you need, no matter when you’re buying it, check the listings online for a nationwide selection available from dealers and private sellers.
Jil McIntosh
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