Used equipment from “ABA “Astra”: a look at pricing

We suggest planning your 2020 investments in your farm’s development and your profit. The equipment you’ll use to boost your harvest’s efficiency should require the smallest capital outlay possible, but still be high-quality and reliable. That’s exactly why we’d like to draw your attention to premium used-equipment products, which cost less than new equipment but will still help solve your tasks, minimize costs and increase profits.

In 2020 we suggest paying attention to used Manitou telehandlers, tractors from Fendt, John Deere, Challenger, Case, New Holland, Claas, John Deere, New Holland combines, self-propelled and trailed sprayers from the world-renowned manufacturer Berthoud, and trailed tillage equipment from Horsch, Lemken.

Here’s an overview of pricing on the used-equipment market in 2020, using a Manitou telehandler as an example.

To buy a used loader, we have two paths: bring a loader from abroad, most often from Europe, or buy one that’s worked in Ukraine. I’ll assume loaders that work in Ukraine have plenty of flaws, since they’re operated mercilessly. Visiting many farms, I’ve more than once noticed the terrible condition of equipment; operators only maintain it in working order enough to complete the tasks at hand. I appeal to every farm owner, every operator: don’t abuse your equipment! Everything costs money, but if you keep an eye on it and do maintenance on time, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, install “proper” spare parts, the next user of that equipment will thank you for the careful handling. And the farm will be able to sell the loader at market price.

So, we want to bring equipment in from abroad. I’ve visited auctions and used-equipment lots more than once, and I always pick out the best options. Let me tell you about my last visit, back in November 2019. I found used loaders for sale on a German website and started corresponding with the seller. Then I called several times, arranged a visit, mapped out my route, booked tickets, reserved a hotel, took out insurance. Of course, first I got photos of the loaders I wanted to look at before buying, to then resell to anyone who contacts me. I made a spreadsheet in Excel for all the equipment I was interested in and studied the photos in detail. Before leaving, I asked once more whether the loaders I was interested in were still available, and whether the listed price matched reality. Over two days I was supposed to inspect 7 loaders. Here’s the table and photos I received via WhatsApp from the overseas sellers:

Now let’s calculate the cost with delivery to Ukraine:

Purchase cost + delivery + VAT + broker services.

Delivery to Ukraine on average costs 50-60 UAH per kilometer. Bringing it from Germany will cost roughly 1,400 euros.

Below is the calculated cost in Ukraine for each loader:

Note that abroad, farms on average operate 100 to 250 ha, so the working hours match that reality.

I only chose those Manitou loader models fitted with a Perkins engine.

 Arriving abroad, I met with a representative from the selling company and went to see the loaders themselves. I inspected the loaders and was very surprised and disappointed by the condition of equipment being asked for more than the market price in Ukraine. Main disappointments:

• The boom had cracks that were skillfully disguised.
• The overall condition didn’t match the photos received.
• Side leaks, a broken kingpin, cylinder leaks…

Photos for your attention:

On one of the loaders I saw that oil had been poured into the cyclone filter, and the loader’s owner said that’s how it’s supposed to be… But I want to note that this is unacceptable!

So we didn’t buy a single loader from Europe. Overall, in 2019 sellers were trying to sell things that wouldn’t work right away, and would need skilled repair.

Dear clients, every piece of equipment you plan to buy needs to be inspected very carefully, with repair costs calculated.

Now about buying equipment that’s worked in Ukraine. “ABA Astra” is the official Manitou dealer in Ukraine, we sell, service and repair loaders, we know the service history, we work under the “Trade-in” program and buy back loaders we know almost everything about. We offer good purchase terms and openly disclose all of the equipment’s flaws, or make repairs we can back with a warranty.

Our company’s employees know the equipment they offer for sale inside and out, and understand what to look for when buying used equipment. In 2019 we launched a used-equipment selection project with video reviews on our YouTube channel. I try to reveal, as fully as possible, all the details worth paying attention to when you want to buy quality equipment.

At “ABA “Astra”‘s lots you’ll find the best models in the premium segment, at a price affordable for every farm – from the smallest to the largest.

We offer: Manitou telehandlers, Fendt 936 tractors, John Deere 8400 tractors, John Deere 8295R, John Deere 8335R, John Deere and Class combines.   

When drawing up your 2020 plan, it’s enough to budget for the used unit’s price plus 15% of that price for future repair work and scheduled maintenance.

You can find the list of available equipment on our website at astra-group.ua. The information is constantly updated, so call and let us know exactly what you need, and we’ll find you the best offer.

Contact our company for qualified advice on choosing used equipment that will bring you profit at minimal cost. We’re always moving forward! We’re waiting for you at our used-equipment lots!

For more information, call: 050 409 29 49

Best regards

Andriy Kovinia

Head of used-equipment sales projects and programs

e-mail: a.kovinia@astra-group.com.ua

Mob. +38 050 409 29 49

*Photos taken with a phone, unedited.