Second-hand car salesmen might sometimes have a reputation for being dodgy, but one thing they can do well is sell cars. It’s a sophisticated business nowadays, with assurance and warranty schemes the norm.

And farm machinery is no different. In fact, it’s estimated that every new tractor sold in the UK prompts a further six or seven knock-on deals further down the chain, with nearly new upgrades, part exchanges and, ultimately, export sales. Without that second-hand business the machinery makers would struggle to sell any of their shiny new kit.

But until now there hasn’t been quite the same level of sales sophistication in the agricultural equipment trade as there is in the car world.

However Claas says it intends to change that. The company has just launched its own “Approved Used” scheme that will initially see tractors put through a rigorous assessment and any faults put right before they appear on the dealer forecourt.

Only Claas tractors fewer than five years old or with less than 5,000 hours on the clock are eligible for the Approved Used tag. When they come into the dealership they have to undergo a 60-point check that starts with a standard 1,000-hour service.

Next, things such as the four-wheel drive driveline, air-con, pick-up hitch and linkage are inspected and any faults rectified. The injectors are whipped out and given a thorough spring clean. Hydraulic flow and pressure are tested and if there is any issue that too will be put right. Similarly a brake test assesses when the tractor’s own anchors need looking at and whether there’s enough air or oil going to any trailer coupled up behind.

If tyres are down below the 30% mark they are changed and things such as mudguards, mirrors, lights and steps are all put in order. Up in the cab seat, cushions, switchgear and trim will be replaced if they’ve got tatty and the tinwork touched up.

Once all that’s complete, an Approved Used sticker is slapped on and a special seat cover is fitted to indicate everything is tip-top.

Potential buyers gain assurance that what they’re looking at buying has been thoroughly checked over by trained technicians and any faults put right, says Claas. Most importantly, there is a three-month, 300-hour Claas warranty that the dealer can then choose to extend.

From the dealer’s perspective, the tractor should make an altogether more attractive proposition to potential purchasers.

But of course there is a cost. Machines going through the scheme take quite a bit of time and effort to prepare, so they’re likely to command a 5-10% premium over tractors sold as-seen straight off farm. But there’s a lot to be said for the peace of mind of knowing what you’re getting.