“You wouldn’t buy a house without first having it inspected, so why should a grower settle for anything less with their pre-owned machines?” explained CLAAS Remarketing Manager Allen Miller. “The FIRST CLAAS USED Program adds transparency to the used equipment transaction and helps ensure that growers are set up for success when they make that investment in pre-owned equipment.”
CLAAS introduced the industry’s first certified used equipment program in 2011 with the launch of HarvestingWorld.com and its LEXION Field Ready Reconditioned Program. The new program focuses on enhancing the value of used CLAAS equipment beginning with three different levels of reconditioning.
Gold Level
This classification is reserved for select CLAAS combines that are five years old or newer with fewer than 2,500 engine hours. The combines are cleaned, detailed and meticulously inspected by a FIRST CLAAS USED certified technician. The combine is then professionally reconditioned by a trained technician. This program level also comes with a one-year MAXI CARE 500 Protection Plan.
Silver Level
Select CLAAS combines and foragers that are five years old or newer with fewer than 2,500 engine hours are eligible for silver level status. The machines are cleaned, detailed and meticulously inspected by a FIRST CLAAS USED certified technician. During inspection, a recommended parts list is produced to give the farmer a good idea of the repairs he may need to make. On silver-level combines, if the critical repairs are completed by an authorized CLAAS trained technician, the machine may be brought up to gold-level status.
Bronze Level
This classification is open to all CLAAS equipment and contains no hours minimum. Bronze-level machines are clean and operational.
“This FIRST CLAAS USED program allows growers to find not only what CLAAS machinery best fits their needs, but also what falls within their budget,” Miller said. “The program offers growers transparency and peace of mind. CLAAS takes a lot of pride in knowing that after purchasing their CLAAS equipment, growers know exactly what they’re getting — no matter the originating dealer.”
By formalizing the process and simplifying the methodology, CLAAS has created a common standard throughout the dealer network. This ensures that a gold-level reconditioning at one dealership will mean the same at a dealership 30 miles down the road.
To learn more about the FIRST CLAAS USED Program and the certified equipment currently in stock, visit our website at fcu.claas.com/.
