Steel Deals - Seed Tenders

Seed tenders are critical equipment for grain producers in the spring. They efficiently deliver bulk amounts of seed to the field and keep the planters rolling. If you need one, now is the time to buy, especially a used model.

Dave Mowitz is the executive machinery editor for Successful Farming magazine and researches price trends on used machinery. He says prices for late-model used seed tenders are flat. This presents an opportunity for a farmer who needs a larger tender.

"He's added some acres, the seed tender he has now doesn't have as many bushels, or let's say he wants to go from a two-box unit to a four-box unit. He's looking at a brand new seed tender, and then he's looking at some of the used ones that are out there," says Mowitz. "And frankly, a late-model used seed tender, 1,2,3,4-years old, really is about half to 40% of the price of a new unit."

Unlike planters and combines, seed tenders aren't subjected to wear and tear that could have an impact on yield. However, you should still pay attention to the condition of the unit. Mowitz says the price for a used seed tender will vary depending on the bells and whistles it comes with.

"Especially when it comes to their conveyors. Not a lot of tenders are using augers anymore, but a lot of them will use poly flighting which is more gentle on seed. Or, the ultimate is belts that are really good on seed. They don't cause any cracking," he says. "And then, there's a lot of other bells and whistles as well, such as the ability to have remote control seed tender or reloading automation."