Farm & Equipment Appraisal FAQ

Question 1

How much does a farm or equipment appraisal cost?

Accepted Answer

Our online certified equipment appraisals start at $149 and are delivered the same day. In-person appraisals vary by market — call or email for a quote. Pre-purchase inspections start at $349.

Question 2

What types of equipment do you appraise?

Accepted Answer

We appraise farm tractors, combines, hay equipment, excavators, loaders, skid steers, bulldozers, cranes, flatbed trailers, enclosed trailers, livestock trailers, forklifts, and other material handling equipment.

Question 3

Can I use an equipment appraisal for an SBA loan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our certified appraisals are accepted by SBA lenders, banks, and credit unions for equipment loan collateral and refinancing. We document current market value with comparable sales data.

Question 4

Do you appraise equipment for insurance purposes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide certified agreed-value appraisals for farm and construction equipment insurance — accepted by major agricultural and commercial insurers.

Question 5

Can you appraise equipment for estate or probate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide certified appraisals for estate, probate, and equitable distribution proceedings involving farm and construction equipment. Our reports are accepted by courts nationwide.

Question 6

What does an equipment pre-purchase inspection cover?

Accepted Answer

Our inspection covers hours, engine and hydraulics, structural condition, tires and undercarriage, electrical systems, and any attachments or implements. You receive a written report with photos and a buy/walk/renegotiate recommendation.

Question 7

How long does an equipment appraisal take?

Accepted Answer

Online appraisals are delivered the same day you submit photos and details. Pre-purchase inspections are typically completed within 24–48 hours of scheduling.

Question 8

Do you appraise trailers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We appraise flatbed, enclosed, utility, livestock, and specialty trailers for insurance, bank loans, and estate purposes.

Question 9

Can you appraise equipment for a business valuation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide certified equipment appraisals for business valuations, partnership disputes, and commercial lending purposes.

Question 10

Do you cover all 50 states?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our inspectors cover all 50 states and Guam. Online appraisals are available nationwide with same-day delivery.

Question 11

What are the most important things to check during a tractor or excavator pre-purchase inspection?

Accepted Answer

For tractors, the critical areas are engine hours (and whether the hour meter has been tampered with), hydraulic system pressure and response, three-point hitch function, PTO engagement, tire condition and remaining tread, and any signs of frame cracks or weld repairs. For excavators and loaders, we additionally check track or tire wear, boom and bucket cylinder seals for leaks, swing bearing play, and undercarriage condition. These are the failure points that drive repair costs and affect resale value most significantly.

Question 12

How does equipment hours affect appraised value?

Accepted Answer

Hours are to equipment what mileage is to vehicles — the primary measure of wear. A tractor with 2,000 hours is generally worth more than the same model with 8,000 hours, all else being equal. However, documented maintenance history matters as much as hours: a high-hour machine with complete service records and recent major work can be worth more than a low-hour machine with unknown history. We document hours, service history, and condition in every equipment appraisal.

Question 13

Can you appraise antique or vintage farm equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Antique tractors — particularly pre-1960 John Deere two-cylinders, Farmall M and H models, Oliver 88s, and Minneapolis-Moline models — have a dedicated collector following. Restored examples in show condition can bring significant premiums over working-condition machines. We appraise antique farm equipment for insurance, estate, and collector purposes and understand the specific value factors that drive the antique tractor market.

Question 14

What documentation do I need for an equipment appraisal?

Accepted Answer

We need clear photos of the equipment from multiple angles, the hour meter, engine compartment, hydraulic connections, tires or tracks, and any attachments. Documentation that strengthens the appraisal includes the title or registration, service records, dealer invoices for recent work, and any prior appraisals. For high-value equipment, the serial number plate photo is essential for confirming model and year.

Question 15

Can a certified equipment appraisal help with an insurance total loss dispute?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and this is one of the most common situations where equipment owners leave money on the table. Insurance companies often use depreciated book value for equipment total loss claims, which can be far below actual market value for well-maintained machines. Our certified appraisal documents the equipment's actual market value with comparable sales data, giving you the documentation needed to invoke the appraisal clause and recover the full value of your equipment.

Farm & Equipment Appraisal FAQ

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