Buying used farm equipment is a smart way for Texas farmers, ranchers, and landowners to save money while maintaining productivity in agriculture. Whether you’re searching for used tractors, trailers, skid steers, or specialty implements in the Stephenville or Decatur area, knowing the key things to check before buying protects your investment and ensures you get reliable machinery.
Start With the Machine’s History and Paperwork
Before operating any equipment, request the machine’s full history. Maintenance records are essential for understanding how well the equipment was cared for over time.
Service and Maintenance Records
Look for detailed logs of oil changes, filter replacements, and scheduled servicing. Equipment maintained regularly by authorized dealers—especially brands like New Holland, Massey Ferguson, KIOTI, Polaris, or GEHL—usually remains in better mechanical condition than those serviced irregularly or only when broken.
Ask about major repairs such as rebuilt engines, replaced transmissions, hydraulic fixes, or electrical work. This information helps you anticipate future maintenance needs.
Hours and Age
Engine hours indicate usage like mileage on a vehicle. High hours alone don’t mean trouble if the equipment was well maintained, but high hours without consistent service records should raise caution. Also, compare hours to the machine’s age; unusually low hours might mean long disuse, causing issues like degraded fuel or dried seals.
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Conduct a Thorough Physical Inspection
Spend 20 to 30 minutes on a detailed walk-around to spot costly problems early.
Check for Structural Damage and Welds
Inspect frames, loader arms, bucket mounts, and structural parts for cracks, bends, or non-factory welds. Mismatched weld repairs suggest past damage—ask about the cause and if it was fully fixed.
Tire, Track, and Trailer Condition
For wheeled equipment, check tire tread depth, sidewall cracks, and uniformity. Worn or mismatched tires add immediate costs. For tracked machines, carefully inspect tracks since replacement is expensive. Also, if trailers are included, inspect their condition thoroughly.
Hydraulic System and Cylinders
Look for leaks around hydraulic cylinders and seals. Even small leaks indicate wear and potential soil contamination. Test all hydraulic functions—loader lift, bucket curl, rear hitch—for smooth, quiet operation.
Cab and Controls
Inside the cab, verify gauges, lights, HVAC, and seat adjustments work properly. Controls should move freely and return to neutral, reflecting good care.
Run the Machine Under Load
Static inspection isn’t enough; operate used equipment under real working conditions before buying.
Cold Start and Warm-Up
Start the engine cold to catch issues that warm-up might hide. Listen for knocking, rattling, or smoke. A well-maintained diesel starts cleanly and idles smoothly.
Hydraulic Performance at Temperature
Run the machine until hydraulic fluid warms, then retest all functions. Some hydraulic problems appear only when fluid is hot.
Drive Functions
Test forward and reverse gears, speed ranges, differential lock, and four-wheel drive if equipped. Listen for unusual noises. For skid steers and compact track loaders, test steering and ensure both drive sides function equally.
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Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection From a Qualified Technician
Even experienced buyers benefit from a professional inspection. Dealer service teams can run diagnostics, pressure-test hydraulics, inspect hidden parts, and provide expert condition assessments.
Hendershot Equipment’s technicians in Stephenville and Decatur specialize in KIOTI, GEHL, Hustler, New Holland, and Massey Ferguson equipment and offer this service. The inspection cost is minor compared to potential repair savings.
Verify Serial Numbers and Paperwork
Always check the serial number on used farm equipment to avoid legal issues. Confirm that paperwork matches the machine to ensure clear ownership and avoid stolen equipment.
Factor in Post-Purchase Service Access and Insurance
Buying used equipment from a dealership offers access to parts, certified service, warranty options, and factory-trained technicians. Insurance premiums for used equipment are generally lower, reducing ongoing costs.
Consider Simpler Machinery and Auctions
Simpler used farm equipment is easier and cheaper to repair than newer, more complex models. Auctions can be a good source for finding used equipment and trailers at lower prices, but thorough inspections remain essential.
Benefits of Buying Used Farm Equipment
Purchasing used farm equipment can significantly reduce overall operational costs and avoid steep initial depreciation that new machines face. Older machines often have a proven reliability record, making them a valuable piece of agriculture machinery for many farmers.
Conclusion
Buying used farm equipment in Texas requires careful evaluation of maintenance history, physical condition, and operational performance. From paperwork review and cold-start tests to professional inspections, each step helps avoid costly mistakes.
Hendershot Equipment in Stephenville and Decatur offers a quality selection of used tractors, trailers, skid steers, and specialty implements alongside new KIOTI tractors, Hustler mowers, GEHL, Polaris, New Holland, and Massey Ferguson equipment. Our knowledgeable team helps Texas farmers and landowners find the right machine at the right value. Visit us or contact us today to explore our thousands of pieces of used farm equipment.
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