Do you want to buy a New Agricultural Machine, Implement or Equipment?

Here is what to Look out for:

1.??The Machine Operation

Asking the relevant questions about the operation of the machine will always inform your decision on purchasing. As a farmer or contractor, your interests are to familiarize yourself and your operators about the functions, and operations, of the machine quickly and fast enough for you to be comfortable to use the machine with highest regards for safety. A good training on operations will also guarantee maximum utilization of all machine aspects for increased efficiency and effectiveness on the farm operations.

Therefore, always ensure you get the best training on the operations of the machine. Here is a guide to the important questions to ask the seller/dealer.

a.???How do you properly hitch the machine on the tractor?

b.???How do you put the machine into working position?

c.???How do you put the machine into transport position?

d.???What is the working width/height of the machine?

e.???How do you adjust the working depth/height?

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2.??The Design of the Machinery

The different features on the machine for example the shape of the frame are not just aesthetical additions, they stand for something. A H-frame on a planter for instance ensures more robustness, and makes it easy to adjust row spacing, and to attach and detach the row units.

The design further encompasses the technology of the machine. Does it have additional tools such as levelling bars for achieving finer tilth in power harrows etc. The technology the manufacturer has utilized will also determine whether you will be about to practice conservation tillage or not.

A quick guide of questions to ask before committing your funds to purchase the machine is:

a.???Can the machine be used for minimum tillage?

b.???Can the machine work under wet conditions?

c.???What type of soils is the machine meant to work in?

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3.??Safety and Maintenance

How to operate the machinery under the safest of circumstances should be your number one question in this category. Other questions might be:

a.???How do I safely start/stop the machine?

b.???What are the danger zones on the machine?

Under maintenance, it is critical to inquire from the dealer all and more of the following:

c.???How do I increase the service life of the machine?

d.???Where is the lubrication and oil change points?

e.???What type and quantity of oil is required?

f.????What are the fast wearing parts and how do I replace them?

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4.??After-Sale Support and Re-sale Value

Here consider many things including:

a.???The availability of genuine spare parts for the machine.

b.???Training and commissioning of the machine by the dealer.

c.???Servicing and maintenance by the dealer.

d.???Availability of the dealer by phone or physical location when you need them.

Purchasing an equipment is a capital-intensive affair. As a farmer or contractor, you are looking for Return on Investment, and not just this but the best possible ROI on your equipment. Therefore, assessment of the above-mentioned factors with additional research on the likeability and re-sale value of the machine will be a prudent way to ensure your purchase gives value for your money.

5.??The Price of the Machine

After considering all the above discussed factors and more, then compare what you are getting vis a vis the price offered. Consider initially the quality and value of work the machine offers, the ability to do the work assigned, the features and support that comes with the machine, then the price of the machine.