The market has become a very dynamic market in recent years, both for the sale and purchase of second-hand agricultural machinery.
Today, in Europe, one or two agricultural machines are bought second-hand. This market is growing rapidly, and with that growth, the number of suppliers is increasing also.
Duijndam Machines, a specialist in used machinery trade and family run business, was founded in 1970 in Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel in the Netherlands by their father and taken over in 2020 by son Robbert along with his brothers is one such supplier.
Specialising in the buying and selling of horticultural machinery – for fruits, vegetables, flowers, and plants – the company is internationally recognised as a key player in the second-hand market.
More than just a trading platform, where market knowledge and technical skills are often limited, Duijndam Machines positions itself as an expert and offers sales services tailored to the context: purchase-resale and sales on consignment.
Reasons to buy second-hand machinery
- Financial conditions: Who would say no to savings of up to 60%? Almost every machine that is bought new eventually finds its way to the second-hand market, representing significant savings for the next user;
- Availability: Need a machine quickly? Buying second-hand allows for quick action, which is often not possible with the acquisition of new machines, whose delivery times can be several month;
- Farm size and depreciation: On smaller farms, the number of cultivated hectares sometimes does not cover the costs of a new machine with high depreciation. Moreover, machines in smaller operations wear out less quickly, allowing them to be used for a longer period;
- Flexibility in crops and (re)orientation: Many companies prefer adaptability to the changing market demands, frequently changing crops, or testing new activities on a small scale to master production, processing, and sales. If everything goes well in the first season, they move on to larger areas and bigger machines;
- Circular economy: Finally, although not the main argument, reusing existing resources is an increasingly important societal consideration.
The rise of digitalisation
In recent years, modern technologies have played an increasingly important role in commercial processes. Remote purchasing, even of large machines, has become normalized.
Robbert said: “Today, 70% of our transactions are conducted digitally, based on photos, videos, and detailed descriptions. Buyers are increasingly open to these methods, so it is essential to use the right tools.”
Duijndam Machines does everything to inform and serve its customers remotely – photos, videos, and even video conferences, are commonly used to present and sell machines, which are always on display and visible in the company’s warehouses.
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The importance of specialisation
Equipment for horticultural, vegetable, and fruit sectors: When looking for and buying second-hand equipment, it is recommended to consult experts – both in mechanics and agriculture.
“We come from a family of vegetable growers. In addition to growing vegetables, we have always had a passion for automation, mechanics, and technical innovation.
“We understand that tools are a significant investment, especially when changing crops or strategies.
“In this way, Duiitself as a European expert in second-hand horticultural equipment for open-field and greenhouse vegetables, fruits, cut flowers, and plants,” Robbert added.
He continued: “By positioning ourselves in a niche market on a European scale, we are able to offer a deep and broad range of options as diverse as the horticultural sectors themselves.
“With us, you will find various options for planters, harvesters, sorters, washers, packaging machines, packaging lines, and conveyors belts for different purposes.”
Specialised buyers who are up-to-date with technical developments, located in the heart of important production and innovation centres, Duijndam Machines leverages its proximity and knowledge of specialised sectors.
For the company’s commercial and technical staff, horticulture holds no secrets. In terms of purchasing, several people are dedicated to finding machines that meet strict quality standards.
All purchases are then inspected, repaired if necessary, and tested by the company’s mechanics.
An accessible, customer-oriented, and experienced team: Duijndam Machines excels in the care it provides to its clients, from the initial consultation on the potential buyer’s needs to the delivery of the product.
This includes installation and maintenance advice, with these aspects often entrusted to local service providers in consultation.
