Intermediate Equipment Handbook
Intech Associates
Q31 Are there particular requirements for the intended application?
For example: Are the tyre sizes to be specified available locally? Should I
consider heavy duty tyres on availability, expected performance and cost
considerations? What operator safety and protection equipment should be
fitted? If there is a hitching system, what Category and type is required for
the application and compatibility with other equipment.
Q32 What essential spares, fast-moving parts and tools should I procure with
the equipment?
If the supplier offers you a list of suggested spare parts, get this
independently checked to ensure that you are not having inappropriate items
‘dumped’ on you.
Be more specific than requesting, say, 10% value of the new price in spares.
For example, request a suggested list of spares necessary to support 2,000
hours or 2 years of operation. This will possibly include the parts necessary
for 8 routine preventive maintenance services.
It is advisable to obtain a current list of spare parts retail prices. This will help
in later negotiations if the costs rise above the rate of inflation.
Q33 To what extent is it likely that the equipment can be maintained or even
upgraded in the future?
Many farms have working agricultural tractors that are more than 50 years
old. This is partly because of continued availability of spares and possibilities
to upgrade to changing requirements.
Q34 Can I afford it? Can I afford NOT to have it?
Q35 Am I being realistic?
Q36 What are the risks?
Q37 Will it be profitable?
REMEMBER - THE LOWEST INITIAL-COST MACHINE MAY
NOT HAVE THE LOWEST WHOLE-LIFE COSTS.
October 2012
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