11 Northwest FCS
customer education
Machinery purchases are a major capital commitment and one of the biggest financial decision you can
make for your operation year to year. The right equipment investment can improve processes, productivity
and ultimately increase your bottom line. Choosing the right equipment involves weighing lots of options
including where to buy, what to buy and how much to spend.
Questions to Ask Before
Your Next Equipment Purchase
That's why we created the following checklists to help
guide you in your decision making. Here are some key
questions and considerations to think about as you plan
for your next equipment purchase.
Assess current equipment
If you're thinking about making an equipment upgrade,
completing an audit of your existing equipment is a
good place to start. Ask yourself these fundamental
questions about your machinery costs and performance
to help you justify your next purchase and identify your
short- and long-term goals.
•
Does your current machinery perform reliably
under a variety of field conditions?
•
Are you spending valuable time and money on
unscheduled maintenance or repairs?
•
Are you looking to increase productivity or capacity?
•
Can you cut costs by downsizing?
•
Does your equipment meet the requirements – like
horsepower or towing capacity – of the jobs you
need to complete?
•
Will different equipment be needed in the future to
accommodate additional acres or crop types?
•
Is newer technology available to help you operate
more safely or efficiently?
