Why local Servicepoints are important when buying a second hand machine.

Having local service points is one of the aspects to keep in mind when purchasing a second-hand agricultural machine. Naturally, it is convenient when your machine can be maintained by a local expert from the brand, as this saves time. Maintenance is important for the machine's reliability, but when something unexpectedly goes wrong, a quick repair is essential.

The four biggest advantages of a local service point:

1. Maintenance and Repairs Agricultural machines require regular maintenance to continue functioning optimally. Local service points ensure that you have quick and easy access to expert technicians familiar with your specific machine. Additionally, a local service point reduces the downtime of your machine during unscheduled repairs, which is especially important during harvest season or other busy periods.
2. Availability of Parts Second-hand machines may require parts more frequently due to wear and tear. Local service points often have the most common parts in stock and have a network to quickly order them. This not only minimizes the time your machine is out of operation but also allows you to focus on your farming activities.
3. Expertise and Advice A service point familiar with your brand usually has staff well-versed in the specific maintenance and repairs associated with it. Moreover, they can provide valuable advice about your machine and which machines best suit your needs and circumstances, as they understand local agriculture. They also know how to best maintain the machines for a longer lifespan.
4. Warranty and Aftercare If your second-hand machine still has a warranty, local service points can support this warranty and perform the necessary repairs or maintenance under the warranty conditions. Furthermore, they often offer additional aftercare services that can extend the lifespan of your machine.

The presence of local service points ensures that your second-hand agricultural machine is well-maintained, quickly repaired, and continues to operate efficiently, ultimately boosting productivity.

Examples of local service points:

Brands such as Grimme, Sorma, Javo, Ulma, Aweta, Greefa, Affeldt, and Imants are examples of companies that support local service points. These brands have strategically located service centers that provide customers with fast and expert support. Whether it's maintaining advanced harvesters from Grimme, repairing vegetable processing equipment from Sormac, or obtaining spare parts for sorting systems from Aweta and Greefa, their local presence ensures that farms receive the help they need in time to remain efficient. Most of these brands have a service or partner page on their website, where you can easily check in advance if they are located near you.

What if there is no service point nearby?

If there is no service point nearby, there are several things you can do to still properly maintain the second-hand agricultural machine:

Self-maintenance and Training Training: Invest in training for yourself or your employees to perform basic maintenance and simple repairs yourself. Many suppliers offer manuals, videos, or even courses on the maintenance of specific machines. Consider setting up your own workshop with the necessary tools and spare parts. This can help you tackle minor issues independently without relying on a service point.

Mobile Service Providers Mobile technicians: Some companies offer mobile maintenance services where technicians come to your location to carry out repairs. This can be an alternative to the lack of a local service point. Additionally, most modern machines are equipped with technology that can be remotely accessed. This allows a technician to diagnose the problem from a distance and possibly guide you in resolving the issue.

Maintenance Contracts Sign a maintenance contract with a service point, even if it is farther away. Some contracts offer regular inspections and preventive maintenance, allowing problems to be identified and fixed early. Ask whether the service point offers a transport service to pick up and return machines for maintenance or repairs.

Online Support If even a distant service point is not an option, you can always find online resources to help with maintenance. There are often online communities or forums where other users of the same machine share experiences and solutions. This can provide useful tips for solving problems. If such communities do not exist, some manufacturers offer virtual support or instruction sessions, where technicians can help with simple repairs via video or phone.

By checking in advance whether there is a service point nearby and how to compensate for this if needed, you are prepared for potential maintenance issues and can ensure that the machine remains reliable and well-maintained despite the distance from a service point.