Equipment inspection tips: used swathers

If you’re in the market for a used self-propelled swather, check our current inventory. You’ll find a huge selection of farming equipment for sale at Ritchie Bros. onsite auctions and online at IronPlanet and Marketplace-E.

Before you inspect the machine that interests you, read our inspection tips for a general overview of what to look for when buying a used self-propelled swather:

1. Check the serial number and odometer

The first process is verifying the serial number on the unit you are inspecting. Once you have obtained the proper serial number, you will be able to verify year, make, and model. These details are very important to know when buying used equipment.

2. Examine swather’s overall appearance

Start up the piece you are inquiring about and drive it forward and backwards to make sure the transmission operates smoothly. Take a walk around the unit and pay close attention to sounds from the engine, the paint, damages or leaks you may see. The appearance of the swather will dictate how well the unit was cared for by the previous owner(s).

3. Check engine compartment

As with all pieces of equipment, lift the hood, let it run and check for any signs of leaks from the engine, hoses or hydraulics. Check for any cracked or worn hydraulic, coolant and fuel lines. Locate the engine plate, verify the specifications, and make sure that the engine meets emission standards for your jurisdiction.

When the machine is off, remove the air filter. Check the operator’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation on proper replacement times. If regularly replaced, the air filters should not appear dirty.

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4. Examine the swather’s cab

When going through the cab, the first thing you will notice is the condition. If it is a well-maintained unit, the cab will generally be clean with little to no damage inside. In a swather, there can be value-added options you need to view, displays, receiver, activations, etc. Make sure displays turn on and function properly and are not damaged – these accessories can be costly to replace.

5. Front and rear attachment

The swather header will have many different options to examine. The first step is to check the serial number for year, make, model, and size. Verify the type of reel, whether it be a P/U, split P/U, or batt reel. Check the condition of the reel for broken fingers, rust, dents, and bends. Review the header reel and verify manual or hydraulic fore & aft. If hydraulic, check for damages to the hoses or rams.

Next, you will want to verify the condition of the knives and the drive type. There are two options, single or double knife drive headers. Look for damages on belts, motors, and hydraulics. The type of delivery is another important feature on these headers. Verify if it’s center delivery, double swath, or triple delivery. Confirm whether the header has a factory transport or if you will need to supply one for transportation to your fields. Check underneath the header for wear/damage to the skid plates and draper belt from being over used.

The rear attachment on a swather can be either a mounted or pull-type swath roller. When buying at one of our sites, we will sell the pull-type swath rollers separately. Examine the swath roller and determine if it is manually or hydraulically adjusted on mounted swath rollers. Inspect any hoses or cables for leaks or tears.

6. Undercarriage and suspension

When inspecting swather tires, check make, size and quality of tread. Make sure to check the rims for any cracks or deficiencies. This can be costly to replace and may need to be replaced before it is field ready.

7. Additional parts

Swathers may have certain parts stored away at our sites, such as displays, receivers, and unused parts. At each auction site, these will be kept indoors. When inspecting, ask the main office where they might be located for viewing. It will be hard to test these devices, but you will be able to see if they have any damage or if they are missing.

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8. Maintenance log and supporting documentation

We encourage sellers to supply maintenance logs, inspection lists, work orders and other supporting documents. Make sure to ask at the auction site for these documents. They provide valuable insight into how often and what types repairs were performed.

In most cases we will be able to give you the owners information to allow you to contact them and get more details if needed.

If you’re interested in buying farming equipment being sold in upcoming Ritchie Bros. onsite auctions, visit the auction site to test, inspect and compare different models before you bid. Or see what’s available for sale on IronPlanet and Marketplace-E, including a large selection with IronClad Assurance Equipment Condition Certification.

See also

Miller vs. Lincoln welders: resale value compared