Farm machinery after years in storage: disclose what is known
- Reading time
- 3 minutes
- Last reviewed
On this page
Machinery that worked when stored has a known historical event, not a confirmed current condition. Describe when it last operated, what happened during storage and what has been observed since. Keep any missing years visible.
Do not start equipment just to make the description more attractive. A competent assessment may be needed before movement, power or a demonstration is appropriate. The sale file should help that assessment rather than replace it.
Reconstruct the storage timeline
Use records first and clearly attributed recollections where records are absent:
| Period or event | What is known | Source | Uncertainty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last recorded work | Date, task and relevant reading | Job or service record | Whether later use occurred |
| Entry into storage | Date and location | Owner report or movement record | Exact condition at that time |
| Storage period | Indoor or outdoor locations and known moves | Photographs and site records | Exposure during gaps |
| Work during storage | Parts removed, repairs or attempted starts | Provider records or owner notes | Undocumented changes |
| Current preparation | Dated visible observations | Photographs and assessment | Areas not checked |
A fictional example might show a service in 2019, reported last use in 2020 and an outdoor move in 2023. The description should preserve all three dates. "Serviced before storage" does not describe the later exposure.
If a date is approximate, say so. Do not create a precise timeline from uncertain recollection.
State the present observations narrowly
Useful notes describe visible condition, accessible identifiers, missing components and reported faults. Avoid statements such as "only needs a battery" unless a qualified diagnosis supports the claim.
The non-running plant guide helps distinguish a symptom from its assumed cause. A failed start attempt is not evidence that every other function is sound.
For a tractor, connect the timeline with the working-history file so older invoices and counter records remain traceable to the machine.
Give the inspector a gap list
A focused request can ask:
- Does the current configuration match the available documents?
- What assessment is needed before movement or any demonstration?
- Which missing or damaged parts affect the proposed sale or use?
- What information is needed about stored energy, fluids or previous materials?
- Which areas cannot be assessed with the current access?
- What further work and records would resolve the findings?
HSE's inspection guidance explains that deterioration and other circumstances can determine the need and scope of work-equipment inspection in Great Britain. It does not create one universal recommissioning checklist for every stored machine.
For a crop sprayer, previous products and unresolved residues need their own specialist enquiry. A general machinery inspection should not be assumed to answer all pesticide-related questions.
Choose a description after the evidence is gathered
Keep original observations alongside later findings. If a specialist resolves a fault, update the description and retain the supporting record. If uncertainty remains, make it visible.
An honest account can distinguish a machine offered after appropriate assessment from equipment whose proposed route still needs discussion. Do not use "sold as seen" as a shortcut around the relevant supply questions.
Send the timeline, current photographs and inspection gap list to UK Auction Group's agriculture service. Explain the last known working date and what has not been checked. This supports a realistic sale discussion without promising a simple return to service.
Sources
- HSE inspection of work equipment Checked
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.