Buying Guide
Equipment Buying Guide
Not sure where to start? This guide covers the key things to consider when purchasing farm and ag equipment — whether it's your first piece or your fiftieth.
Need personalized advice? Call us at (888) 341-7800. Tell us about your operation and we'll recommend the right equipment — no obligation.
1. Define Your Needs
Before browsing equipment, answer these questions:
- What task are you trying to accomplish? — Mowing, baling, tilling, hauling, splitting wood?
- How many acres/how much volume? — A 5-acre hobby farm needs different equipment than a 500-acre operation.
- What's your tractor's horsepower and PTO speed? — Most implements require a minimum HP and specific PTO (540 or 1000 RPM).
- What's your 3-point hitch category? — Category 1, 2, or 3 determines compatibility.
- What's your terrain like? — Flat fields, hills, rocky ground, or wooded areas all affect equipment choice.
2. Match Equipment to Your Tractor
The most common mistake buyers make is purchasing equipment that doesn't match their tractor. Here's what to check:
| Specification | Why It Matters | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| PTO Horsepower | Implements need minimum HP to operate safely | Tractor manual or manufacturer specs |
| PTO Speed | 540 RPM vs 1000 RPM — must match the implement | PTO stub on tractor (6 spline = 540, 21 spline = 1000) |
| 3-Point Hitch Category | Determines pin sizes and lift capacity | Tractor manual (Cat 1: sub-compact to 45HP, Cat 2: 40-100HP) |
| Hydraulic Flow (GPM) | Some attachments need hydraulic remotes | Tractor specs — typically 8-20 GPM |
| Tractor Weight | Heavy implements need adequate tractor weight for stability | Tractor manual or weigh at a scale |
3. New vs. Used Equipment
We only sell new equipment, and here's why we believe it's the better value for most buyers:
Buying New
- Full manufacturer warranty
- No hidden wear or damage
- Latest design improvements
- Known maintenance history (zero)
- Manufacturer support available
- Longer service life ahead
Buying Used
- Lower upfront cost
- Unknown history and wear
- No warranty (usually)
- Potential for hidden repairs
- Older designs/less efficient
- Harder to get parts for older models
4. Understanding Shipping & Delivery
Farm equipment ships via commercial freight — here's what to expect:
- Curbside delivery — The freight carrier delivers to the end of your driveway or nearest accessible point.
- You'll need unloading capability — A tractor with forks, a skid steer, or a forklift to move equipment off the trailer.
- Inspect before signing — Always check for damage before signing the delivery receipt.
- Delivery scheduling — The freight company will call to schedule a delivery window (usually a 4-hour block).
5. Category Quick Guide
| Category | Best For | Min. Tractor HP |
|---|---|---|
| Rotary Cutters | Brush clearing, pasture maintenance, roadside mowing | 25–80 HP (varies by width) |
| Round Balers | Hay production, straw baling | 40–100 HP |
| Disc Harrows | Seedbed prep, residue incorporation | 30–80 HP |
| Grain Carts | Harvest logistics, field-to-truck transfer | 80–200 HP (tow-behind) |
| Log Splitters | Firewood processing | 20–50 HP (PTO) or standalone |
| Box Blades | Grading, driveway maintenance, leveling | 20–50 HP |
6. Ready to Buy?
Here's the simple process:
- Browse or call — Find what you need on our site or call us for recommendations.
- Add to cart & checkout — Or call us to place the order by phone.
- We confirm & ship — You'll get an order confirmation and tracking info.
- Receive & inspect — Check equipment at delivery, then put it to work.
Need help choosing?
Call (888) 341-7800 — we'll match you with the right equipment for your operation.