Skip to content
Contact Us
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Guide to Buying Used Vertical Tillage

Read the below guide to buying used vertical tillage equipment to better understand what to know before investing in a pre-owned vertical tillage unit.

Choosing the right used vertical tillage tool supports soil health, seedbed quality, and residue management for row crop operations. There a variety of factors that matter from use, wear, technology milestones and more. This guide will go through each of these factors to help you make a more informed decision.

What is Vertical Tillage and Why Does It Matter?

Vertical tillage implements break up surface residue and lightly mix soil with minimal horizontal compaction. This process provides a smooth seedbed, helps cornstalks decompose, and creates optimum planting conditions, especially in fields transitioning from no-till or heavy-residue cover crops. 

Key Factors to Check Before You Buy Vertical Tillage Equipment

Before buying vertical tillage equipment, it's important to understand the various wear points and equipment condition.

  • Blade Condition: Inspect for diameter (replace under 18"/original 20–22"), excessive wear, nicks, and cracks. Wavy coulters and notched blades should show uniform edge wear, flat-spotted or heavily chipped blades reduce effectiveness.

  • Bearings and Hubs: Spin gauge wheels, depth coulters, and gangs to detect noise or wobble from failing bearings. Bearings should be tight, greased, and show no lateral play.

  • Frame, Welds, and Mounts: Look for cracked welds, twisted main beams, and patched hitch points. Carefully check wing pivots, lift arms, and frame joints. Signs of repeated weld repair may indicate heavy abuse or long-term flexing.

  • Adjustments: Verify that hydraulic or manual depth controls, gang angle settings (where equipped), and rolling baskets can easily be moved and hold their settings under load.

  • Finishing Attachments: Check rolling baskets, tines, or drags for straightness, freed movement, and complete bar assemblies. Missing basket segments and seized bushings are common issues.

  • Hydraulics and Cylinders: Inspect for leaks at hoses, connectors, and cylinder rods. All wings and fold functions should operate smoothly.

Important Model and Technology Milestones for Used Vertical Tillage Equipment

Below ae some important updates that have been made to vertical tillage equipment over the years.

  • 2000s–2010s: Widespread adoption of straight coulters and shallow wavy blades for true vertical tillage; first models primarily focused on residue sizing.

  • 2010s–2020s: Versatile tools introduced adjustable gang angles, on-the-go depth and reel adjustment, and heavier-duty frames for high-speed applications.

  • Recent Trends: Larger working widths (up to 50 ft), reinforced baskets, quick-adjust gangs, and better compaction management for C, G, and S-series models across major brands.

Common Price Ranges for Used Vertical Tillage

Factors like age, features, working width, and condition all influence resale value. Below is a general guide to price ranges for used vertical tillage, prices below or above these ranges do not mean the product is improperly priced, as this is just a general guide.

  • Smaller Sized Vertical Tillage (20 to 30 ft): Smaller tillage units are primarily used for smaller farms or operations that do not have large, high horsepower tractors that can pull larger vertical tillage units. Small vertical tillage equipment ranges in prices from $20,000 to $45,000 for older models and $45,000 to $85,000+ for new and well maintained models.
  • Larger Size Vertical Tillage (30 to 50 ft): Larger vertical tillage units require large, high horsepower tractors to pull these units. Large vertical tillage equipment ranges in prices from $65,000 to $120,000 for older models and $120,000 to $180,000+ for new and well maintained models.
  • High-Speed & Advanced Vertical Tillage Models: High speed and advanced vertical tillage models can be used in a variety of operations, but because of their premium price, are normally used in larger operations. This equipment ranges in price from $65,000 to $140,000 for older and worn down models compared to a range of $140,000 to $225,000+ for late and like new models.

Why Buy Used Vertical Tillage Tools from Koenig Equipment?

  • Expert Inspection: All units are checked for blade wear, bearing life, adjustment ease, hydraulic integrity, and transport safety.

  • Setup Support: Koenig helps with field-matched setup advice and in-season adjustments, plus easy access to wear parts, blades, bearings, and more.

  • Reliable Investment: Buy confidently from a dealer that prioritizes transparency, maintenance records, and field-ready performance.

Next Steps to Find the Right Vertical Tillage Equipment

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