Guide to Buying Used Grain Carts

Key Points to Consider Before Purchasing a Used Grain Cart

Making an informed choice means matching cart size, mobility, and condition to your operation’s acreage and harvest pace.

Capacity: Common used cart sizes range from 500 to 1,400 bushels. Select capacity based on combine output, field distance, and tractor horsepower.
Brands: Miost operators favor Brent, Unverferth, Kinze, J&M, Demco, and Parker for reliability, strong dealer support, and resale value.
Auger System: Inspect flighting, tube, and drive for cuts, bends, rust, or noisy operation. Dual augers offer faster unload and larger capacity, while single augers suit smaller farms.
Tires/Tracks: Consider flotation tires for soft fields, tracks for high capacity or wet years, and check tire tread depth and hub condition for safe transport.
Scales and Electronics: Confirm scale system functionality, calibration, and clean wiring. Scales help monitor yield and load management.
Frame & Welds: Inspect frame, tongue, and hitch for cracks, welded repairs, or corrosion. Heavy-duty frames and good weld health ensure safe hauling.
Safety & Transport: Confirm that SMV emblems, lights, and safety chains are present and functional. Folding augers and hydraulic jacks make setup and transport easier.

Common Wear Factors in Grain Carts

Harvest-stressed parts can wear quickly, ensure these areas are in good condition when buying a used grain cart:

Auger flighting, tubes, and intake hoppers (look for pitting, bending, and kernel grinding).
Wheel bearings, hubs, axle assemblies (signs of dry operation or poor maintenance).
Hydraulic systems (check hoses, cylinders, folding mechanisms for leaks).
Scale systems and monitor cabling (ensure calibration and accurate data).
Frame corrosion, tongue cracks, or previous weld repairs.

Price Ranges for Used Grain Carts

Understanding grain cart pricing allows buyers to budget accurately. Factors like age, brand, size, condition, parts replacement, and more go into the determination of final asking price. Note that just because something is above or below the outlined ranges does not mean they are inaccurately priced.

Small Grain Carts (500 to 750 bu, basic auger): $9,000 to $28,000 for older and more basic models, $28,000 to $40,000 for newer and well conditioned models. These carts are often used for smaller operations or in conjunction with other carts.
Mid-Size Grain Carts (750 to 1,100 bu, scales, some technology features): $32,000 to $65,000 for older and more basic models, $65,000 to $95,000 for newer and well conditioned models. These carts are most common type for grain operations and can be used with other carts as well.
Large Grain Carts (1,100 to 1,400+ bu, dual augers, advanced features): $$9,000 to $28,000 for older and more basic models, $28,000 to $40,000 for newer and well conditioned models. These carts are often used for smaller operations or in conjunction with other carts.

Why Buy Used Grain Carts from Koenig Equipment?

Confidence in your cart means confidence in harvest, Koenig helps deliver that confidence with:

Certified Inspection: Koenig checks augers, tracks/tires, scales, bearings, hydraulic parts, and frame for readiness.
Best Brand Selection: Find top brands like Brent, Unverferth, J&M, Kinze, and Demco, trusted for reliability and service.
Parts & Support: Quick access to all common wear parts, scale calibration, on-farm delivery, and setup.
Harvest Solutions: Koenig helps match cart size and options to your combine, tractor, and hauling needs, from family farms to large operations.

Next Steps to Buying a Used Grain Cart

Browse our current used Grain Carts inventory or contact Koenig Equipment to find the right machine for your operation.