Agricultural machinery encompasses all equipment and machinery used in professional agriculture, forestry and horticulture. The main group includes tractors (standard and compact), harvesting machines such as combine harvesters and forage harvesters, as well as soil cultivation equipment including ploughs, harrows, cultivators and rotary harrows.
In the sowing and cultivation sector, you will find seed drills, fertiliser spreaders and plant protection equipment. For hay and straw harvesting, balers, hay turners and rakes are used. Forestry machinery such as log splitters, forwarders and harvesters round off the range.
Feed mixers, livestock housing and irrigation systems complete the range in the areas of animal husbandry and irrigation.
Well-known manufacturers include John Deere, Fendt, CLAAS, Massey Ferguson, Deutz-Fahr, Case IH, New Holland, Lemken, Krone and Pöttinger. Agricultural machinery is used in arable farming, livestock farming, fruit and vine growing, as well as in forestry and landscape management.
Frequently asked questions about buying second-hand agricultural machinery
What types of machinery are typically classified as agricultural machinery?
These include tractors, combine harvesters and forage harvesters, soil cultivation equipment such as ploughs, cultivators and rotary harrows, sowing and planting equipment, crop protection and fertiliser spreaders, as well as grassland and harvesting equipment such as balers and forage wagons. Key factors to consider when choosing are power output, working width and the compatibility of mounting points, the PTO shaft and hydraulic connections.
How do I assess the operating hours for tractors and combine harvesters?
For tractors, engine operating hours are a rough guide, whilst for combine harvesters, drum or engine hours and output per hectare are also important factors. Seasonal machinery such as combine harvesters accumulate comparatively few hours per year; more important than the sheer number here are the condition of the machine, cleaning after the season and thorough maintenance.
How can I identify wear and tear on a combine harvester’s threshing and cleaning components?
Check the threshing basket, drum beaters, shaker or rotor, sieves and elevators for wear, cracks and deformation, as well as the cutting unit blades and fingers. Excessive grain breakage, grain loss or uneven running indicate worn threshing components; a look inside the grain tank and the chopper area reveals wear and rust damage.
What should I check on a tractor’s four-wheel drive, gearbox and PTO?
Test all gear ratios, the reverse shuttle, the four-wheel drive engagement and the differential lock under load, as well as the PTO speeds, to ensure smooth engagement and disengagement without jerking. Check for oil leaks at the axle flanges and the lifting mechanism, check the play in the three-point hydraulic system, and ensure that the lifting force holds the load without sagging.
What inspections and regulations are important for agricultural machinery?
Self-propelled and towed machinery used on public roads requires, depending on the design, an operating licence or registration, fully functional lighting and, in some cases, an annual roadworthiness test; during operation, the UVV inspection in accordance with DGUV Regulation 3 must be carried out by a qualified person. Safety devices such as PTO guards, drive shaft guards and roll-over protection must be present and in good working order.
What should I look out for with tyres, tyre fitment and ballasting?
Tyres are a significant cost factor for agricultural machinery; check the tread depth, tread wear, cracks in the sidewalls and the year of manufacture of the tyres. Suitable tyres (standard, wide or low-profile tyres) and any front and wheel weights have a noticeable impact on soil conservation, traction and the range of applications.
How important are the electronics and connectivity of modern agricultural machinery?
Modern machines use ISOBUS, GPS steering systems and terminals; check whether existing systems are activated, up to date and compatible with your current equipment. Missing licences, outdated terminals or interfaces that cannot be retrofitted can significantly reduce the practical utility and resale value.
What should be borne in mind when transporting large or wide agricultural machinery?
Harvesting machinery and attachments often exceed the permitted transport width, meaning that cutting units, front-mounted implements or wheels must be dismantled for transport, or transport trailers used. Check the permissible gross weight, permits for oversized loads, and whether driving the machinery yourself over short distances is more practical than using a low-loader.
What are the typical pitfalls when buying second-hand agricultural machinery?
Wear and tear on harvesting components, corrosion caused by aggressive fertilisers, leaking crop protection sprayers and undocumented repairs to gearboxes or hydraulic systems are frequently underestimated. A demonstration under realistic conditions, ideally in the field or with the machinery running, reveals faults that are not visible when the machine is stationary.
How do I get in touch with the seller of a piece of agricultural machinery?
Using the contact function in the relevant advert, you can contact the seller directly on the multilingual marketplace, without going through a dealer. You can arrange viewings, field demonstrations, pricing and collection directly with the seller; communication takes place via email.
How do I recognise reputable sellers and filter suitable listings?
Sellers undergo a verification process, and verified sellers are marked accordingly in the listing. Using the filters for manufacturer, condition, year of manufacture, price and technical specifications such as operating hours or power output, you can find machines specifically suited to your farm and location.
Are there leasing or hire-purchase options for agricultural machinery?
For many listings, you can submit a non-binding leasing or hire-purchase enquiry directly, which can be particularly useful for seasonal workload; you can clarify the terms with the seller or financing partner. The payment process itself takes place outside the platform, as it serves purely as a marketplace.