Farm equipment for industrial use is designed to withstand constant heavy-duty use. Some common pieces of agricultural machinery include combines, tractors, tillage tools, seeders and irrigation machinery.
One major concern in buying farm equipment is the impact that fluctuating tariffs have on purchases.
President Donald J. Trump instigated a range of tariffs on Chinese goods in 2018 that had direct and indirect impacts on the purchase of farm equipment.
Even companies that choose to purchase farm equipment from American companies may experience price increase if the materials used in them come from China.
That is particularly true in the case of equipment made of aluminum and steel. Many of the products used in manufacturing farm equipment are directly affected by the current tariff war, including belting, aluminum rivets and articles made from some of the most-used metals.
A savvy strategy to avoid potential scarcity or price increases related to tariffs is to purchase locally. Buying domestic equipment allows reliability unaffected by tariffs that may be added in the future.
It also helps prevent potential supply-chain issues. Imported equipment has a larger potential of delayed shipments or quality-control problems because of borders and distances involved. By contrast, buying locally allows business personnel to visit the facility to ensure the equipment is up to standards. The shorter distances further reduce costs associated with shipping and potential delays such as weather.
Additional advantages of buying farm equipment locally are in terms of procurement, which is becoming streamlined. Fewer factors are at play since there is no need to worry about matters such as currency conversions, tariffs and long-distance shipping. Logistics services are also required to a lesser extent with domestic purchases because of the lack of oceans to cross and customs to deal with.
Buying locally may even improve the credibility of a business among its customers. After all, most of the buying public prefers locally produced goods. That preference extends to the products and equipment used by the companies they frequent. Buying domestically also helps local economies.
Purchasing farm equipment is a major investment and as such, it is unwise to buy without evaluating and taking proper precautions. Before buying industrial farming equipment, be aware of local regulations, such as required training to operate the equipment.
It is also very important that a person compare the equipment available. That will provide a company with an idea of the various pieces of industrial-duty farming equipment and their features. A comparison allows for an overview of the various features that may prove useful, and the ease-of-use of machines.
The source of the equipment is also a key consideration, since companies should purchase from farm equipment manufacturers with strong reputations. Opting for locally or domestically produced equipment provides the advantages of ease of purchase and assurance of quality.
There is also the consideration of whether to purchase used or new equipment, since there can be a significant price difference. The latest farm equipment will use the latest technology, which can improve efficiency and productivity on the farm. By contrast, used equipment can offer significant savings or work well as a backup or temporary measure until the company can afford new equipment.
Those that select used industrial farm equipment, however, must take additional precautions. Ensure that the machinery has the features and appropriate specifications the company will require. Pay attention to the manufacturer and its reputation for durability, and equipment wear and tear.
Regardless of the type of farm equipment purchased, buyers should ensure that they fully understand the pricing and delivery estimates. Understanding pricing includes being aware of what is included and what is not, such as tariffs or shipping fees.
To assist businesses in their searches, consider the following examples of suppliers:
Bluff Equipment, Inc., Vandalia, Ill., in business since 1949, offers new and used equipment, including financing.
Byrd Tractor, Inc., Manassas, Va., has been serving the area since 1976, and is a full-service Kubota dealer for agriculture, turf and construction.
Greenway Equipment, Inc., Weiner, Ark., offers rebuilt and new tractors, combines and cotton pickers, and other farm equipment. It has been in business since 1988.
Tribine Harvester, LLC, Newton, Kan., focuses on assembly of harvesting machinery.
Industrial purchases of farm equipment require careful consideration and an understanding of the current market, including tariffs. To avoid tariffs and potential repercussions in the supply chain because of them, companies can opt for domestically sourced farm equipment.
Regardless of the source, caution is required to ensure quality and a proper fit for a farm-industry company's needs.
Click here to see a full list of all farm equipment and farm machinery suppliers in the U.S. on IndustryNet, the nation's premier industrial marketplace. IndustryNet is powered by MNI, the nation's oldest and largest compiler of industrial data, connecting industrial buyers with suppliers since 1912.
Follow IndustryNet on Google News