Purchasing a Used Combine? Consider These 7 Key Factors

Purchasing a Used Combine 

Whether you're in the market for a used combine in the summertime or think you'll look for one just after the season, our team wants to help you make the most of your harvest. Titan Machinery proudly carries one of the country's largest fleets of competitively-priced, pre-owned combines. We also offer exclusive programs, including low-lease payment options, extended warranty, and Titan Machinery Advantage Used Powertrain Warranty to ensure it doesn't feel like a roll of the dice. 

This year, we surveyed some of our finest combine experts and asked, "What are the key factors you suggest a potential customer consider when purchasing a used combine?"

Whether you buy from us or another dealer, here are some best practices:

The Buyer's Checklist: Key Considerations

1. Previous Owner(s), Maintenance History, and the Uptime Inspection Report

Though probably the most obvious one on our list, we believe this is the most vital. Know before you buy! If not already shared, ask for information about the trade-in. Was the trade local? Who traded it in? What's its shop history? Then, get an Uptime Inspection Report. Uptime inspections provide confidence that your machines are ready for work. If the machine was routinely cared for, you should have access to a summary report detailing the inspection results and any recommended actions to maximize performance and reliability. These can range from software upgrades and updates to general problem prevention. Verify that this is available to you and thoroughly read through it before jumping into your purchase to ensure you're not at risk of inheriting someone else's problem.

2. Availability

We recommend paying attention to two components of a machine's availability. First, is the unit field ready when you need it? Depending on when you buy, a customer looking to trade in may not be quite ready to let go of their combine at that moment, especially if they're still waiting for their new one to come in. 

Next, we encourage you to confirm that the unit is quickly available for you to look at and inspect yourself. You wouldn't commit to purchasing a used car without first getting your own eyes on it; this is no different! Ensure it's clean, matches the advertised unit, and doesn't appear to have any apparent deficiencies you weren't prepared for. 

3. Basic vs Loaded

Maybe you don't need all the bells and whistles, and that's okay! Even so, they exist for a reason. If you want to make the most of your harvest and work smarter, not harder, ask yourself, " What efficiencies, features, or benefits will I gain with this purchase?" Examples include AccuGuide Complete, Rowguide Unlock, Power Folding Grain Tank, Extended Wear Package, and more.

4. Hours Clocked vs Hours Needed

This is another obvious one, but still one worth noting. Hours are almost always reported on listings for a reason. Confirm the hours already clocked on your combine of interest and jointly take into consideration how long you intend to use it yourself. Is the life you're looking to get out of it reasonable? Then, take it a step further and consider the model year. You can ask your local tech about any patterns or recent issues they might be seeing in the shop recently with this model year.

5. Right Fit for the Job

Of course, you'll want to review the combine's specs and capacities (Bu/hr, grain tank, class size/engine HP, separating square inches, etc.). Make sure you're not getting tunnel vision. Ask yourself if this particular unit matches your needs as a whole. If you'll need to purchase a new head as well, be sure you've calculated those costs into your budget and have deemed this purchase worth the additional cost.

6. Warranty

Warranty is everything. Find out if there's any warranty left on this machine, or make certain you're purchasing from a dealership that offers extended warranty options to avoid costly shop bills down the road.

7. Cost Analysis: Cost Per Acre/Hour and Cash Flow

Finally, the combine is likely the costliest piece of equipment on your farm, so it's vital to perform a cost analysis before purchasing and periodically thereafter. Ensure you're taking the time to break down the cost per acre or hour of the combine you're interested in before you buy. Determine the minimum acreage you'll need to harvest per year. If that's easily within reach, great. You can purchase with confidence. If it's not, you'll want to take a look at your cash flow and alternative sources of returns necessary to justify your purchase. Additionally, take into consideration current commodity prices and commodity futures, and if this is an addition to an already existing fleet — what will that impact be for your other machines' hours per year and life spans?

What Makes Titan Machinery Your Best Option

You have options. We get it! Lower-cost options will always stand out as especially enticing, but we also know that there's a significant difference between cheap and best value. Our team is confident we're your best option. Here's why:
- Inspected for the Season| When you buy from one of our 90+ dealerships, you'll have the assurance that the unit has been checked over and is ready for a full season of work. Sure, you can buy cheaper from an auction, but... what good is that if it needs costly work and isn't ready when you need it most?

- Purchase Protection Plans & Titan Advantage Used Powertrain Warranty | Titan Machinery always provides a 1-year/500-hour Titan Advantage Used Powertrain Warranty. We also offer promotions throughout the year that include free Used Equipment Purchase Protection Plans (PPP) of up to 36 months/3,000 machine-hours on select models, including most late models. PPP is a service contract designed to help keep new and used equipment working properly beyond the Manufacturer's Base Warranty Period so that you're protected beyond the base warranty period. Our plans cover ALL makes of equipment sold through Titan Machinery. 

- Long-term, Low-rate Financing | When you find a combine you love from Titan Machinery while financing through CNHi Capital, you can utilize the 0% financing offers currently available rather than paying lenders 7-8% or more in interest. It's a no-brainer!

- Get In-Season Priority | Finally, when you buy from Titan Machinery, you become our top priority. You'll be at the top of the list for in-season breakdown assistance.

Ready to Put the Power of Titan Machinery to Work for You?

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