Used Windrowers For Sale in Oregon & Washington

Tips For Buying A Used Windrower

A windrower is a farm machine that cuts grain crops in a row, which are then left to dry before being baled or combined. These machines make harvesting a speedier process by drying the crop to the moisture content that is suitable for harvesting and storage. Windrowers are also known as swathers.

Since farm equipment isn’t cheap, it’s good to invest in well-maintained pre-owned windrowers instead of new ones. At SS Equipment, we want to help you make the best decisions for your farm, so we’ve made this guide for buying a used swather. For more information or to look at our range of used windrowers, come to one of our dealerships in Washington or Oregon.

A Good Lookover

Examine the swather’s appearance. Walk around it to notice any dings, scratches, leaks or any other damage to the machine. It will show you whether the previous owner took care of the machine or not. If it’s running, pay attention to the engine sounds, and listen for anything that sounds out of the ordinary.  

Serial Number & Odometer

With the correct serial number of a windrower, you will be able to check the year, model and make of the machine. Check the odometer to know the engine hours and the header hours. This will tell you if the machine has enough life left in it.

Examine Under The Hood

Like you’d do while buying a used car, pop the hood and look at the engine, hoses, and hydraulics. There should be no cracked or leaking lines. Check the specifications on the engine plate to see if it meets your area’s emission standards. The air filter shouldn’t be too dirty.

Undercarriage

Windrower tires have a heavy load to carry so check to make sure they have enough tread and that there are no cracks in the rim. These can be costly to replace so factor it into your budget if you need to replace them.

Header Check

Check the swather header reel for dents, broken fingers or any sign of rust. If it is a hydraulic reel, ensure the hoses and rams are undamaged. Windrowers can have single or double knife drive headers; check for damage to the belt, motors or hydraulics. Ask if the header has factory transport or if you’ll need to get one for transportation to your land.
 

Cab Condition

Examine the swather cab thoroughly. It should be well-maintained with little to no damage. View all value-added options like receivers, displays, and activations. Check to ensure that the displays are functioning as these are again costly repairs to make.
 

Paperwork

All good dealers keep the paperwork and maintenance records of the used machines in their inventory. These are essential for buyers to know they are getting genuine and fully-paid-for equipment that they can use for years to come.
 

We hope this guide helps you make a more informed choice when it comes to buying used windrowers. Come to our dealerships in Washington and Oregon to get yourself good farm equipment. Our professional and friendly staff are always happy to answer your questions, address your concerns and help you choose the right model for your work. We invite all our patrons from Washington and Oregon to call or drop by today!