Last week we started covering my check list for producers looking to buy new precision ag equipment. We covered the first 4 items on the list, so now we’ll cover the rest of the list. To review, here is my list of things to consider and ask about before buying:
- Availability
- Compatibility
- Demands
- Features
- Functionality
- Upgradability
- Service
- Support
- Price
We covered availability, compatibility, demands and features in the last blog. Next on the list is functionality.
Assessing the functionality of the system helps you decide if the system you are looking at meets your demands. Whenever possible, try a system demo before buying. Admittedly, this is not always possible. If you are looking at a multi-component system, ask the dealer about demo-ing the system out or if it takes too long to install, see if your dealer can link you with someone who has a similar unit or system so you visit them to look at it and hopefully, see it in action. When an on-farm visit is not possible, there is still great value in talking to someone that is using the system to get an idea from them what they think of the system, pro’s, con’s, likes, dislikes. You can learn a lot from their experience. It is important that the system/component should be easy to use, or at the very least, be easy to learn how to max out the functionality of the equipment. Understand that there is a learning curve with everything. We all didn’t learn to drive on the highway our first time behind the wheel - it took some time, but with practice we gained the skills and knowledge to operate it.
The next point to consider is upgradability. If you are looking for a simple starter system such as a lightbar guidance system, you need to know whether that system be expanded or upgraded to do more. Some questions to ask are: Can you upgrade the accuracy of the unit? Can you add an auto steer or assisted steer system to it? Will it accommodate boom control? Can we add planter population to the system? Will it display as applied field coverage? Will it log feature points and line and area features? Can it import and export field data? If you buy it basic can you add to it? If you can add to it what’s that going to cost? Sometimes when you find a simple starter system and it’s within your budget the upgrades are where the companies make the money because they got you in their door, they got the first sale and it’s cheaper for you to buy the second step from them then to buy the whole system over again. So be careful!
As a retailer, I feel that what sets us apart from the competition is service and support. These two points are linked very closely together. If you decide that you have found the perfect unit for your operation, the next question is, who is going to service the unit if something happens to it? It’s perfectly normal to have questions on how to make the system work or even how to get started. Who can you call when you have these questions? Will you be able to get a hold of them? If its 3:00 pm on a Friday afternoon on a long weekend, will someone be there to help you or are they gone for the weekend? If you need parts will they be around to help. If you are working late at 2:00 am and have a question will they answer the phone? Do they have a 24/7 customer support system?
These are questions that you need to ask. Will you have problems, definitely! There is no doubt in my mind that you will have a question or problem at some point in the season regardless of which brand or product you buy, and reading a manual is not always the answer. You need a dealer/retailer that will support the system they sold you.
Last, but not least, is price. As I stated at the beginning of this discussion, price is important, but hopefully not as important to you now that we have covered some of the other items on the buyer’s check list. Just because a dealer comes in at a lower price doesn’t mean it’s the correct buy and purchasing a precision ag system on E-bay is entirely the WRONG thing to do, no matter how cheap it is. It has been said that “what is cheap is not good and what is good is not cheap”. I have seen more stolen goods on E-Bay then anyone would want to see. There has been a lot of fraud in the industry and E-bay is a perfect way out for a lot of crooks.
Dealer location can be a minor issue, but as long as the dealer is permitted by the companies it represents to sell in your area, the distance the dealer has to travel to get to you is not an issue. A well qualified dealer should not have to be on-site to fix minor issues. Major hardware issues may require a service call. I know personally that 95 % of my support is managed over the phone, and there is no reason that other knowledgeable dealers shouldn’t be able to provide the same support as well.
Training courses can be available as well and it might be another thing to ask about before you buy. Courses will most likely come at an added cost but at the same time they are a great investment to make to help you become educated on what it is you own, or are thinking of purchasing. We have customers who take our training course every year as a refresher prior to the spring season.
With all the information that is available you still have to be on your toes and aware of a good deal and a good scam. Good judgment and a clear head go a long way in making an informed decision in today’s quickly moving precision ag industry.
If you have any comments or questions about anything I have stated here please feel free to write to me: jordan@gpsontario.ca If you have a precision ag topic that you would like me to cover, please let me know.
Jordan Wallace is a partner in GPS Ontario, a North Gower, Ontario based company. He handles sales, service, and 24 / 7 technical support. Jordan is also working with Trimble Engineering to help test new products and firmware slated for future release. Jordan spends a lot of time working on new and improved ways to advance the precision ag industry. He sees improved compatibility between components and technical support as key topics. GPS Ontario is an industry leader in precision agriculture, providing specialized and compatible equipment and information for progressive producers.
Jordan Wallace
GPS Ontario
6558 3rd Line Road South
P.O Box 456 North Gower
K0A2T0, Ontario, Canada
Office (613) 489-2932
Cell (613) 229-6377
Support (613) 327-6377
Mike PPT 905*5*52389
jordan@gpsontario.ca
This commentary is for informational purposes only. The opinions and comments expressed herein represent the opinions of the author--they do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Farms.com. This commentary is not intended to provide individual advice to anyone. Farms.com will not be liable for any errors or omissions in the information, or for any damages or losses in any way related to this commentary.