Many used machines are sold with verified dealer inspections and service histories, giving buyers confidence in what they’re getting.
Stansbury’s advice is simple: once you buy a used piece of equipment, make sure you understand its maintenance intervals and where it is in its lifecycle. “Go through and do a very thorough inspection, or have a dealer perform a PM 360 inspection,” he suggests. “Make a list of what has to be fixed this year, what can wait, and what’s still in good shape.”
Planning out repairs like this not only helps avoid downtime but also makes the costs easier to manage.
The financial advantage of used machinery is hard to ignore.
It’s usually much cheaper than new, and if a farmer knows they’ll need to put a certain amount of money into repairs upfront, it’s easier to budget accordingly.
Stansbury also points out that many older machines can be retrofitted with modern technology, allowing farmers to improve efficiency without paying the price of brand-new equipment. That means it’s possible to run older machines effectively for years while still benefiting from today’s advancements.
Of course, no one can see through an engine or gearbox to know exactly what’s going on, but buyers have tools available.
Oil analysis, for example, can reveal wear in internal parts by showing elevated levels of metals like iron or copper. Dealers may also provide repair histories, and some buyers even request third-party inspections for a non-biased opinion.
“It might be used, but for many growers it could be the newest piece of equipment on their farm,” Stansbury notes. “And if you’re planning to run that combine for the next seven to ten years, you want to know what you’re getting into.”
Ultimately, the decision between new and used equipment comes down to what fits the farm’s financial and operational reality.
Stansbury says AG Revolution’s approach is to meet growers where they are, whether that means providing full service, helping with a single inspection, or even just giving advice over the phone. “Not every farm is in a position to let us do all their service work, and that’s okay,” he says. “Our goal is to help growers be successful, because their success is what our success depends on.”
For farmers weighing the choice, used equipment can be a smart, cost-effective path—as long as it’s backed by careful inspection, proactive maintenance, and a plan to keep it running strong for years to come.
Check out the whole video on buying old vs new equipment here: