Guide to Finding Agricultural Equipment and Supplies

New and used equipment is easy to find on the Internet

By Dave Chartock, Consultant and Sr. Writer, Information Resources

The Web provides small businesses with a greater choice in finding what they need. To start:

1. Determine your immediate and long-term equipment and supply needs.
2. Check equipment options: outright purchase, leasing or rental.
3. Used equipment can be an alternative to buying new equipment.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare equipment offers online

Many 'directory' Web sites will help you search for specific agricultural equipment online.

I recommend: Search "directory" or Yellow Pages-type agricultural equipment search sites such as AG Buyer's Guide, John Deere Machine Finder, Outlook Used Farm Equipment Guide, Web Farmer or Macrae's Blue Book.

Find and order supplies easily

It is always a good idea to have multiple suppliers so you can compare prices while ensuring your needs. Pay attention to shipping details.

I recommend: Ask suppliers to notify you by email of special pricing or sales on the supplies you buy most. Get supplies from QC Supply Farm Store or Farmer Boy Ag Supply.

Get the operating manuals and maintenance materials you need

To keep any equipment you have in good working order, you need the proper manuals and maintenance.

I recommend: If you buy used equipment, Manuals.us may have the manuals you need. Managerplus offers agricultural equipment-maintenance management software that helps to schedule maintenance and repairs.

Find the equipment financing you need

Shop for financing options online.

I recommend: Farm Credit Services is a network of independently owned and operated credit and financial services institutions that serve farmers and agribusinesses. First National Equipment Financing also offers assistance.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Determine the availability of items you need.
• •  Because equipment can be bulky and costly to ship, see if it is less expensive from a local vendor or supplier.
• •  Carefully plan out your equipment purchases. See if leasing or renting is available and a better option for your budget.