Used crop sprayers: gather records before discussing a sale
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Before discussing a crop sprayer sale, assemble its identity, test and service records and the known history of products used. Give residue questions their own section. A test certificate, an empty-looking tank and a cleaning note answer different questions.
Do not run, flush or open equipment to fill a gap in the sale file. Where contamination or condition is uncertain, obtain advice from an appropriate sprayer and pesticide specialist before planning inspection, movement or supply.
Assemble the document pack
Use these sections:
- Machine identity: manufacturer, model, serial number and documented configuration, including boom and control equipment where applicable.
- Inspection and test records: certificate reference, date, machine identity, test scope and recorded findings.
- Service and repair history: work performed, provider, relevant parts and follow-up records.
- Previous products: available application records and product information relevant to residues and safe handling.
- Cleaning or decontamination evidence: who carried out the work, when, what they recorded and the limits of the evidence.
- Outstanding questions: unknown contents, inaccessible areas, damaged components, missing records and the specialist responsible for advice.
- Sale package: controller, cables, accessories and instructions actually included.
Keep unrelated field, customer or commercial information out of material shared for valuation. Supply enough product history for the specialist to assess the relevant issue.
Read the test record precisely
Check that the certificate identifies this sprayer. Compare its configuration and any later changes with the current equipment.
HSE's guidance on plant protection product equipment explains regular inspection requirements and distinctions for equipment types and use. Do not apply one interval to every sprayer or treat a sale date as a substitute for checking the applicable position.
Ask the specialist what the existing record establishes, whether changes or storage affect the next assessment and what must be resolved for the intended sale and use. Keep any jurisdiction-specific question explicit.
A historic test result does not, by itself, prove that residues are absent. It also does not tell you what happened to the equipment after that test.
Make the residue enquiry specific
A useful enquiry sheet separates facts from unknowns:
| Point | Available information | Question for the specialist |
|---|---|---|
| Last known products | Dated records or owner report | What evidence is needed for safe assessment? |
| Remaining contents | Known, reported empty or unknown | What restrictions apply before inspection or movement? |
| Cleaning record | Provider, date and scope | What does the record establish or leave unresolved? |
| Current damage | Dated observations | Does it change handling or assessment requirements? |
| Storage history | Location and period | What further checks are appropriate? |
The previous contents guide explains why a general "clean" description is weaker than a documented scope. This sheet is not a pesticide disposal or decontamination procedure.
Resolve the package and release plan
If the sprayer has stood unused, add the storage timeline.
Place shared controllers, trailers or other equipment on the dispersal lot map. Confirm when the sprayer can be released after the necessary assessment, rather than setting an unconditional collection date first.
Send UK Auction Group's agriculture service the document index and outstanding specialist questions. This supports an informed sale discussion while keeping test status, residues and included equipment as distinct matters.
Sources
This guide gives general information. Equipment-specific, legal, tax and safety decisions may need a qualified adviser or competent specialist. The guides do not promise sale prices, fees or results.