Buying Used vs. New Farm Machinery: What WA Farmers Should Know

Rachel Burton
May 29
2 min read

In farming, every dollar counts. Whether you're running 5,000 hectares or managing a mixed block closer to town, your machinery is one of your biggest — and most important — investments. But should you go new? Or take a gamble on a second-hand machine?

Let’s break it down so you can make the right call for your operation.

🆕 Why Go New?

Buying new machinery is like planting with clean seed — you know exactly what you’re getting, and you can trust it’ll deliver season after season.

✅ Advantages of New:

Full Manufacturer Warranty: Peace of mind if anything goes sideways.
Latest Fuel-Efficient Technology: Reduced operating costs, lower emissions, and tighter control.
Better Financing Options: More flexible loan terms, seasonal repayment options, and manufacturer-backed rates.
Zero Hour Machines: No hidden wear, no surprise breakdowns — just turn the key and get to work.

New also means access to the latest tech — GPS guidance, real-time diagnostics, precision seed rate controls — all baked in from day one.

⚠️ Downside?

Sure, it costs more upfront. But what you pay now often saves you in maintenance, downtime, and fuel efficiency over the life of the machine.

Buy New Holland At De Rosa Highway Motors , WA,

🔁 Why Go Used?

Used gear has its place — especially if you’re expanding your fleet, need a backup tractor, or want to spread your budget further.

✅ Advantages of Used:

Lower Purchase Price: Obvious, but powerful — frees up cash for other investments.
No Immediate Depreciation Hit: New machines lose value as soon as they leave the lot. Used ones? That hit’s already been taken.
Great for Second-Line Work: Ideal for tasks like hay baling, feeding out, or running attachments.

⚠️ Risks of Going Used:

Unknown History: If you don’t know where it’s been, you don’t know what’s lurking under the bonnet.
Out-of-Warranty Repairs: One major failure can eat any savings you made upfront.
Potential Compatibility Issues: Older machines might not play nice with new implements or GPS systems.

That’s why buying second-hand from a dealership you trust matters more than ever.

🧠 The Smart Middle Ground

Here’s the straight-up truth:

If it’s going to be your primary workhorse — handling the heavy lifting, towing, or seeding — go new. You need reliability you can bet the season on.
If it’s a secondary unit, or you’re looking to round out your fleet, low-hour used machinery from a trusted source (like us 😉) is a solid move.

And no matter what:

✅ Check the hour meter
✅ Ask for a full service history
✅ Inspect for wear on hydraulics, PTO shafts, tyres, and linkages
✅ Confirm parts availability

At De Rosa’s Highway Motors, every used machine we sell is workshop-checked, serviced, and backed by people who actually know the land you're working.

💬 Final Word?

Used or new — it’s not about which is better, it’s about what’s right for your farm, your budget, and your season.

And if you’re stuck in the middle? Come have a yarn. We’ll walk you through both sides — no pressure, no fluff — just real advice from a team that gives a damn.