Top tips for buying agricultural vehicles online

Buying used agricultural vehicles and machinery is a cost-effective solution for many farmers, but if it turns out to be stolen it could leave you seriously out of pocket and without vital equipment.

Ensuring a thorough check of a vehicle’s history is carried out is just as important as assessing its condition – nobody wants to uncover any nasty surprises after the sale.

Although it can be easy to think ‘it won’t happen to me’ it’s worth remembering that the problem is widespread.

NFU Mutual’s rural crime claims data reveals that agricultural vehicles worth £9.3m were stolen in the UK in 2019 – a rise in value of 25 per cent on the previous year.

Rural affairs specialist, Rebecca Davidson, at NFU Mutual says: “Trade in agricultural vehicles and equipment has become big business for organised criminal gangs who are selling it online under seemingly bona fide accounts or moving it abroad for onward sale.

“In some cases what’s being sold doesn’t even exist and thieves are using the identity of legitimate vehicles to sell online. Others advertise machinery priced below market value to try and get a quick sale without the buyer making checks.

“Another popular tactic is putting pressure on potential buyers to pay a deposit to reserve an item that doesn’t exist.

“Buying from a trusted dealer can help to reduce the risk of being scammed – and can also make it easier to get redress or problems sorted.

“The vast majority of sales involving agricultural machinery and vehicles will be legitimate but there are persistent criminals out there, which means you should remain vigilant.

“Everyone likes a good deal but if the price you are paying is way under the market value then you shouldn’t ignore those alarm bells ringing in your head.

“Buying a stolen vehicle or machinery can also result in it being seized by the police.”

Whether you are buying a car or a tractor, a few checks made before you part with cash should provide you with the peace of mind you need:

• If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is – check the market value and find a legitimate reason the price is low.
• Check the seller’s contact details – address and telephone number – are valid.
• Be suspicious of sellers offering to meet halfway at a layby or services – it’s much better to visit their home or business premises.
• Check important, identifiable features, such as serial numbers, haven’t been scratched away for example, on trailers or quad ground frames.
• For CESAR marked vehicles, you can check whether the item is recorded as stolen with Datatag, who manage the scheme.
• As you would with a car, give the vehicle a thorough inspection and test drive.
• Always check the documentation related to the machinery or vehicle.
• Don’t feel pressured into buying or rushing a sale. If it doesn’t seem right it’s much better to give yourself time to do your research before parting with your cash.
• Be wary of suspicious stories – for instance, the seller saying that they are away or asking you to pay for the vehicle without seeing it.

Don’t forget, if you’re looking to buy or sell farm-related items Farmers Guide has a dedicated section in the magazine and now, FarmAds online too. We do our best to keep you safe. We have an on-hand team to look out for scams and at the ready to answer any questions you might have.