Certified used machine movement goes global
Rising inventory of “experienced” equipment is a driver for new programs
from Claas and Fendt for Europe. Here’s a look at the European approach
to the problem of rising inventories of used machines.
U
.S. farmers have not cornered the market
on low crop prices and soft returns, the
global commodities market is slumping and it
is impacting farmers everywhere. One result
of that market slide is a rising inventory of
used machines in the hands of local dealers
as farmers slow their trade-in habits and step
back from iron buying, and Europe is not
immune.
European manufacturers are joining the
Certified Pre-Owned club with new programs
that aim to assure buyers that going "used"
is a good idea. At the recent Agritechnica
show, two major Germa ny manufacturers
each announced their certified pre-owned
equipment programs. For Fendt, the program
is called Fendt StarCertified and at Claas the
program is called First Claas Plus (nice play on
the corporate name).
U.S. growers have access to these kinds of
programs from all their major suppliers, and
Claas has an extensive Lexion program there
too. Here's a look at the two new programs
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FARMERS GAZETTE
November 2015
unveiled for European buyers, there are plenty
of similarities.
Claas and used-machine history
Claas has long had programmes to market
used machinery around the world noting it has
sold more than 15,000 used combines and
self-propelled forage harvesters worldwide
since the 1980s. Claas is stepping up with a
new International certification program for
select later-model used machines providing
customers with added warranties. The First
Claas Plus program will automatically include a
12-month Maxi Care First Plus warranty under
which all Claas original spare parts, operating
materials and repair work required for a
warranty claim are carried out by local dealers.
The program is available for selected used
Claas tractors (the company bought the
Renault line of tractors several years ago to
expand into this machine area in Europe);
combines and forage harvesters up to three
years old. This program includes full machine