Streamlining the Search for Pre-Owned Sprayers: Tips for Agricultural Businesses

Finding used farm sprayers shouldn’t feel like hunting for treasure.

Sprayers are one of agriculture’s biggest capital investments. For agricultural businesses looking to keep more money in their pocket, buying used makes good financial sense. The difficulty? Identifying what you actually need ahead of your search.

Let’s break down what you need to know…

Inside you’ll find:

1. How Buying Used Makes Sense
2. Important Specs To Consider
3. Sources For Pre-Owned Sprayers
4. Sprayer Inspection Checklist
5. Mistakes To Avoid When Buying Used

How Buying Used Farm Sprayers Makes Sense

The math is simple.

Net cash farm income is expected to decline almost 20% in 2024, creating serious impetus for agriculture businesses to cut spending where they can. And with input costs for farm chemicals, fertilizers, and machinery rising 37.5% since 2011, trimming equipment expenses is one smart place to look.

New sprayers aren’t cheap. Pre-owned farm sprayers offer exactly the same functionality at a lower price point. Today’s market for used sprayers features an extensive selection of makes, models, and price points to fit any budget.

Here’s the deal:

• Low initial cost retains more working capital in your operation
• Depreciation takes the biggest hit in year one & two
• Many used sprayers still have plenty of productive life left

If you know what you need, buying used is a no brainer. Let’s take a closer look at what you should be looking for.

Specs to Consider When Buying A Used Farm Sprayer

Not every used farm sprayer will fit your needs.

Before searching for pre-owned equipment, farmers and agricultural businesses need to establish their requirements. How many acres do you need to cover? What kind of crops will you be spraying? How much tank capacity do you require to maximise each trip to the field?

There are three main categories of farm sprayer to choose from:

• Self-propelled sprayers — ideal for large acreage that needs covering quickly. Self-propelled units account for over 40% of sprayer sales across 2024, so there’s no shortage of pre-owned models to choose from
• Tractor mounted sprayers — these are the most economical choice if there’s already a fleet of tractors on-hand
• Trailed sprayers — these offer a middle-ground between capacity and price, without the costs associated with self-propelled sprayers

Once the right type has been identified for the operation, it’s time to consider the specifics.

Sources for Finding Used Farm Sprayers

Here’s where most hunters mess up…

They waste hours searching through unordered lists on miscellaneous sites. Trying to sort through badly photoshopped pictures and sparse equipment descriptions is time-consuming and rarely produces leads. A better idea is going directly to a specialised equipment dealer with fully detailed and listed inventory.

Your ideal source should have:

• Detailed information up front including make, model, year, and engine hours
• Photos from multiple angles
• Honest reporting of the unit’s condition
• A dealer with an established history in the agriculture industry

Auction sites are always an option, but they often come with more risk. Auctions offer little to no inspection time and customer recourse after purchase is limited. Auctions may end up being cheaper, but dealing with a trusted tractor and sprayer dealer is typically a much safer option — dealers often have larger selections of used farm sprayers as well.

How To Inspect Used Sprayers Before Purchase

This step is why some deals are great… and some deals aren’t.

Don’t buy a used farm sprayer without inspecting it first. A gem can absolutely be found on the used market, but skipping inspection because the equipment seems “too good to be true” is how buyers get caught out. If at all possible, get up on that machine and give it a once-over before buying.

Here’s what to look for when inspecting:

1. Tank — Look for cracks, staining from chemical buildup, patch jobs or repairs, or obvious signs of wear
2. Pump — Does it crank under load? If not, there’s serious work ahead. Pumps aren’t cheap and poor pump performance dramatically decreases sprayer efficiency
3. Boom — Inspect the full length of the boom for bends, cracks, or field damage
4. Nozzles — Wear items. Check every nozzle carefully for wear
5. Hoses and fittings — Chemicals eat through hoses. Make sure they aren’t cracked, dry, brittle, or broken
6. Service history — Hours don’t matter as much if a sprayer has been well cared for. Ask about service history if documentation isn’t provided
7. Electronics and controls — Modern farms rely on electronics to control sprayer functions. Test every switch and button and ask about any aftermarket electronics upgrades

If an in-person inspection isn’t possible, ask for a video call to vet the machine firsthand. Any reputable seller will accommodate the request.

Common Used Sprayer Purchasing Mistakes To Avoid

Here are a few ways buyers shoot themselves in the foot.

Overlooking specs just to save a few bucks. Every penny counts. But low-priced sprayers with hidden issues end up costing more than their higher sticker price counterparts.

Buying before verifying compatibility. A used farm sprayer isn’t much use if it doesn’t work with existing equipment. Tractor mounted sprayers must have compatible hydraulics and PTO. Self-propelled sprayers must fit the operation’s accessible footprint. Don’t forget to do the measurements and homework.

Not doing homework on parts availability. It’s important to ensure that parts are still available for the preferred make and model before buying. Certain brands drop product lines after a few years, making parts difficult to source down the road.

Failing to consider true cost. Freighting a used sprayer to the farm, immediate repairs to get it field-ready, and other expenses all add up. Always calculate true cost before comparing sprayer prices — the sticker price and the real price can be vastly different.

Final Thoughts On Buying Used Farm Sprayers

Buying used farm spraying equipment is one of the best ways to maximise the dollar in agriculture.

With farm budgets getting thinner and input costs creeping year after year, buying used gives agriculture businesses access to the tools they need without the financial gut-punch of buying new. As long as the requirements are clear, the source is reputable, and inspection happens before purchase, pre-owned farm equipment is hard to beat.

To review:

• Know equipment needs before starting to shop
• Go to a reputable dealer who details and categorises their inventory
• Inspect every piece of used equipment before buying
• Consider total cost when comparing sprayers
• Ensure replacement parts are available for the chosen model

Follow these tips and the search for the perfect used farm sprayer will be half the battle.