How to Sell Your Used Farm Machinery Online for the Best Price

Make the Most of Seasonal Demand

Selling second-hand farm machinery online can be simple, and surprisingly profitable, when you prepare well. Demand often rises before major seasons like sowing and harvest, so timing, presentation, and the right platform make all the difference.

List gear 4–8 weeks before the local use-window (seeding, hay, harvest). That’s when buyers are most motivated and pay a premium for ready-to-work machines.

Queensland (Darling Downs & Central QLD)

Winter-crop sowing runs autumn into early winter; hay work pushes into spring; and grain harvest kicks off earliest nationally from October–November in many districts. So, list seeders/tillage in late summer to early autumn (Feb-Apr), hay gear in mid-winter (Jul-Aug), and headers/chaser bins/augers in late winter to early spring (Jul-Sep) to catch pre-harvest buyers.

New South Wales

NSW sowing for winter crops typically sits April-June, hay cutting/baling runs spring (Sep-Oct), and harvest tracks north to south from Oct-Dec. List seeders/tillage in Feb-Apr, hay gear in Jul-Aug, and headers/harvest support in Aug–Sep so buyers can organise inspections, finance and freight in time.

Victoria

Vic growers generally sow April-June, cut hay Oct-Nov, and harvest Nov-Dec. Your best windows: seeders/tillage in Feb-Apr, hay gear in Aug-Sep, and headers/harvest support in Sep-Oct. For forage/hay quality, timing your cut matters, use crop stage rather than the calendar and call that out in your listing to reassure buyers.

South Australia

In SA, sowing lands Apr-June, hay work leans Sep-Oct, and harvest typically Oct-Dec. Aim to list seeders/tillage Feb-Apr, hay gear Jul-Aug, and harvest kit Aug-Sep. These pre-season windows give interstate buyers enough time for transport and any cleaning.

Western Australia (Wheatbelt)

WA’s opening rains drive May-June sowing; oaten hay for export is cut spring (Sep-Oct); harvest is largely Nov-Dec (into Jan in some zones). List seeders/tillage in Mar-Apr, hay gear in Jul-Aug, and headers/harvest support in Sep-Oct. If your listing targets export-grade hay producers, call out cleaning standards and cut timing knowledge, export hay has tighter specs.

Tasmania

Cooler conditions push windows later: sowing May-July, hay Nov-Jan, and harvest Dec-Feb. List seeders/tillage in Mar-May, hay gear in Sep-Oct, and headers/harvest support in Oct-Nov to meet demand before works ramp up. 

Choose the Right Platform for Your Sale

There are plenty of places to sell farm machinery online in Australia, including LocalAg, Farm Tender, AuctionsPlus, Machines4U, TractorHouse, Gumtree, and several active Facebook groups.
Each has a slightly different audience and fee structure. For high-value or specialist machinery, choose a marketplace that understands the agricultural sector and provides genuine support.

Why LocalAg Stands Out

At Feed Central’s LocalAg, we’ve built a marketplace designed by farmers, for farmers.
Here’s what makes us different:

• Experience that matters – backed by Feed Central’s 20+ years and over 100 years of combined team experience in agriculture.
• Community values – through our Local4Locals program, we give back to regional communities that sustain Australian farming.
• Safe, secure transactions – we partner with CheckVault for protected payments, so both buyers and sellers trade with confidence.
• Support when you need it – our team is on hand to answer questions and help you complete sales smoothly.
• Purpose-built for ag – whether you’re selling hay gear, tractors, or tillage equipment, you’ll find serious buyers who understand machinery value.

LocalAg combines proven technology with real industry knowledge, giving you a trusted platform to sell quickly, safely, and at a fair price.

Prepare Your Machinery for Sale

A clean, well-documented machine attracts confident buyers.

1. Clean and service it: remove dirt, grease, and crop residue. A thorough wash-down also prepares it for any quarantine checks if selling interstate.
2. Collect paperwork: gather service records, manuals, and proof of ownership. Include any precision farming software details or unlock codes.
3. Take detailed photos: aim for at least 20 clear shots: all sides, cab, hydraulics, tyres, and any wear points. Show the good and the bad, transparency builds trust.

Tip: Photograph on a clear day, use even lighting, and keep the background uncluttered.

Write a Listing that Speaks to Buyers

Focus your listing on what farmers want to know:

• Make, model, year, and hours of use
• Service history and condition
• Key features, PTO, hydraulics, guidance systems, attachments
• Honest notes on faults or upcoming maintenance
• Asking price and delivery options

Describe the machine in plain, factual terms. Avoid exaggeration, buyers appreciate straight talk and accuracy.

Set a Fair & Competitive Price

Do your research before setting a price:

• Compare similar models on multiple marketplaces.
• Consider condition, upgrades, and demand.
• Remember that spring often brings stronger demand for hay and tillage equipment.
• If you’re unsure, start slightly above your target price and stay open to negotiation.

Overpricing can slow your sale, while realistic pricing often brings faster, higher-quality offers.

Understand Transport, Cleaning, & Compliance

When selling across states, biosecurity and transport costs matter:

• Check each state’s quarantine cleaning requirements, heavy soil or crop residue may require professional cleaning.
• Confirm who pays for cleaning, freight, and permits before finalising a deal.
• Ensure compliance documents (e.g., ROPS/FOPS, software licences, or registration papers) are ready to transfer.

Clarifying these details upfront avoids disputes later.

Manage Enquiries & Negotiations Efficiently

• Respond quickly, within 30 minutes if possible, and always within a day.
• Use the marketplace messaging system to protect your details.
• Ask polite qualifying questions (e.g., “Where will the machine be used?” “When do you need delivery?”).
• Know your limits before negotiating and be willing to walk away if the offer isn’t right.

Confidence, courtesy, and speed all help build buyer trust.

Handle Payment & Delivery Securely

Once you’ve agreed on a price:

1. Use a secure payment method, LocalAg’s CheckVault system holds funds safely until the transaction is complete.
2. Confirm cleared funds before releasing the machine.
3. Agree logistics in writing, who organises freight, loading, and insurance.
4. Provide a handover pack – manuals, spare keys, and a signed proof of sale with serial numbers and hours noted.

FAQs: Seller Questions Answered

How long does it take to sell?
Well-priced, well-presented machinery can sell within two to four weeks.

What if I’m selling interstate?
Factor in quarantine cleaning, permits, and freight costs early. Make these clear in your listing.

How can I avoid scams?
Stick to verified buyers, keep all messages within the marketplace, and use CheckVault for payments.

Do I need to include warranty or service records?
Yes. Providing service records adds credibility and can speed up your sale.

Final tips to maximise your return

• Feature your listing on LocalAg for added exposure.
• Highlight recent servicing or upgrades.
• Offer attachments or implements as a package deal.
• Re-share your listing in farming groups or newsletters for extra reach.
• Keep your machine clean and inspection-ready while listed.

Ready to Sell Your Farm Machine With Confidence?

When you list your machinery on LocalAg, you’re choosing a platform built for Australian agriculture, one that protects your payments, supports regional communities, and connects you with serious buyers. List your machinery today and see why farmers nationwide trust LocalAg to get a fair deal, fast.