In today’s world, those shopping for used equipment can compare listings across states in seconds. Auction results are public. The market is visible. For buyers, pricing is anchored to comparable evidence. Transparency is here to stay.
On a recent episode of the “Moving Iron” podcast, Aaron Fintel, wholesale manager for 21st Century Equipment, joins host Casey Seymour to share his boots-on-the-ground insights.
Q: As you talk to dealers and farmers across the country, what are you seeing in the market for those looking to buy or sell right now?
Fintel: Nothing is “runaway” by any stretch. We are seeing a lot of interest in 24-row planters, particularly late-model, low-acre units. In parts of the Midwest, dealers have struggled with 24-row inventory because so many people updated at once back in 2021, and those units finally hit the lots in 2023. For us, the “stack fold” remains the bread and butter. We’re also seeing the 8R tractor market firm up, and loader tractors in the 140- to 200-horsepower range are moving well.
I’d describe the current market as a full net — we are holding all the balls in the net; they aren’t spilling out yet, but that net is awfully heavy.
Q: If a farmer wants to sell a machine privately, rather than trading it, what is your best advice?
Fintel: The biggest thing is to “tell the story.” This is something only a private seller can truly do. Gather every shop ticket and service record you have. Tell the buyer where you bought it, why you chose it and what has been replaced — from the hydro pump to the winter greenlight inspections. Beyond the history, you have to do your pricing research. Don’t just pick a number because that’s what you want; look at auction values versus advertised prices and position yourself aggressively in between. Also, if you have a “unicorn” — a rare, low-hour machine such as an 8430 ILS Power Shift — don’t trade it. You are the only one who can maximize the value of a machine like that.
A few “work clothes” photos can be a powerful part of a private seller’s story. It shows the machine finishing up beans on May 10, proving it’s a working, reliable unit. Just make sure the trash is out. If you can show that you’re the guy who puts a piece of carpet over the floor mat or never even unfolded the buddy seat, you’re going to stand out in a sea of listings. At the end of the day, the buyer is trusting the evidence you provide.
In Machinery Pete’s absence on the latest episode, Seymour welcomes Tanner Ehmke, an economist with CoBank, to break down shifting acreage trends, with soybeans gaining favor due to stronger economics, renewable fuel demand, and global trade dynamics. Listen to the full conversation below, on Farm Journal TV or wherever you get your podcasts.
