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    Premier Metals Perth

    Scrapping Farm Equipment: Tractors, Harvesters & Farm Machinery Prices

    Posted on Nov 17th, 2025

    Scrapping Farm Equipment: Tractors, Harvesters & Farm Machinery Prices

    Scrapping farm equipment is more than simply getting rid of old tractors, harvesters, or other machinery. It’s about recovering value, reducing environmental impact, ensuring compliance with regulations, and partnering with a reliable scrap recycler.

    scrap farm equipment

    Premier Metals provides specialised services across Queensland, Western Australia, and nationwide, helping farms and agribusinesses recycle and profit from end-of-life machinery. With over a decade of expertise, we guide clients through safe removal, valuation, and responsible recycling, turning farm scrap into meaningful returns while protecting natural resources.

    Selling vs Scrapping Farm Machinery

    Factor Selling Used Farm Equipment Scrapping with Premier Metals
    Condition Needed Must be operational or repairable Accepts any condition, from working to broken
    Time Required Weeks or months to find buyer Fast — same-day or scheduled pickup
    Maintenance Costs High (repairs, advertising, inspections) None
    Documentation/Compliance Required for sale, registration, insurance Minimal paperwork; Premier Metals handles most forms
    Payment Reliability Negotiations may fail Guaranteed cash payout at collection
    Value from Metal Recovery Low High – paid for metal content and recyclable components
    Environmental Impact May not be recycled properly 100% responsible recycling and reuse
    Best For Operational machinery with resale value End-of-life or non-repairable farm machinery

     

    What Counts as Farm Machinery?

    Farm machinery refers to equipment used in agriculture for planting, harvesting, soil preparation, and livestock management. Examples include:

    A. Tractors

    • Standard tractors
    • Utility tractors
    • Heavy-duty tractors

    B. Harvesters

    • Combine harvesters
    • Cotton pickers
    • Sugarcane harvesters

    C. Planting and Seeding Equipment

    • Seed drills
    • Planters
    • Cultivators

    D. Livestock and Utility Equipment

    • Feeders
    • Milking machines
    • Hay balers

    E. Accessories & Attachments

    • Ploughs
    • Sprayers
    • Trailers and implements

    These machines typically contain ferrous metals like steel and iron, as well as non-ferrous metals such as aluminium, copper, and brass, making them ideal candidates for recycling.

    Why Scrapping Farm Machinery Is Important

    Scrapping farm equipment provides multiple benefits for farmers and agribusinesses.

    Recover Valuable Metal

    Old machinery often contains a high proportion of metals. Even non-functional tractors or broken harvesters can have components such as aluminium engines, copper wiring, and stainless steel parts that are valuable.

    Reduce Storage Costs

    Idle machinery takes up space, may deteriorate over time, and sometimes attracts regulatory attention. Scrapping clears your yard and eliminates unnecessary maintenance costs.

    Environmental Sustainability

    Recycling farm machinery reduces demand for mining new metals and prevents heavy equipment from ending up in landfills. Premier Metals focuses on closing material loops, helping conserve natural resources for future generations.

    Compliance and Safety

    Improper disposal of machinery can violate environmental laws or safety regulations. Premier Metals ensures full compliance while safely handling hazardous fluids and heavy components.

    Factors Affecting Scrap Value of Farm Equipment

    Several factors influence the price you receive for scrapped farm machinery:

    A. Weight

    Larger machinery with more metal content yields higher returns.

    B. Metal Type

    • Aluminium, copper, and stainless steel are higher value
    • Steel and cast iron are moderately priced
    • Mixed metals may reduce net returns

    C. Machine Condition

    Non-functional or partially dismantled equipment still has value, but complete machines are often easier to process.

    D. Market Prices

    Global metal markets fluctuate daily, impacting the value of recycled equipment.

    E. Transportation & Site Conditions

    Remote farms or equipment requiring heavy lifting may affect pricing, though Premier Metals handles logistics efficiently.

    Preparing Farm Machinery for Scrap

    Proper preparation ensures a smooth process and maximises your payout.

    Remove Hazardous Fluids

    Extract:

    • Engine oil
    • Hydraulic fluid
    • Diesel/fuel
    • Coolants
    • Refrigerants

    Detach Non-Metal Components

    Remove rubber, plastic, glass, or electronic components where possible. This increases the value of the remaining metals.

    Gather Documentation

    Have proof of ownership, farm or business ID, and registration papers (if applicable). Premier Metals assists with any forms needed for compliant disposal.

    Schedule On-Site Inspection

    Our team assesses:

    • Weight and composition
    • Dismantling needs
    • Access and site conditions

    The Farm Machinery Recycling Process

    Premier Metals follows a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible process:

    Step 1: Inspection & Valuation

    We assess the machinery for metal types, weight, and dismantling requirements, providing a transparent quote.

    Step 2: Safe Decommissioning

    Disconnect machinery from power, hydraulics, and attachments to ensure safe handling.

    Step 3: On-Site Dismantling

    We use certified teams for cutting, lifting, and separating heavy components when required.

    Step 4: Transportation

    Machinery is loaded onto trailers, low loaders, or cranes and moved to our recycling facilities.

    Step 5: Material Breakdown

    Equipment is shredded, sorted, and separated into ferrous, non-ferrous, and other recyclable materials.

    Step 6: Refining & Reuse

    Recovered metals are processed into raw materials for manufacturers, supporting the circular economy.

     

    Typical Scrap Values for Farm Machinery

    Here’s a general guide to the types of machinery and their metal value potential:

    Equipment High-Value Metals Estimated Scrap Range
    Tractors Steel, Aluminium, Copper $500 – $5,000+
    Combine Harvesters Steel, Aluminium, Copper $200 to $300  Per Ton+
    Balers & Planters Steel, Iron $300 – $2,000
    Trailers & Implements Steel, Iron $200 – $1,500
    Milking Machines Stainless steel, Copper $100 – $1,000

    Note: Prices fluctuate depending on metal markets, condition, and quantity.

    Benefits of Choosing Premier Metals

    Premier Metals is a trusted partner for farm machinery recycling across Australia.

    Nationwide Reach

    Facilities span Queensland to Western Australia, offering comprehensive coverage.

    Experience & Reputation

    Operating since 2012, our growth is based on strong relationships with suppliers, clients, and stakeholders.

    Sustainability & Compliance

    We ensure environmental responsibility, safe disposal of hazardous materials, and full regulatory compliance.

    Expert Team

    Our professionals are skilled, customer-focused, and experienced in handling heavy agricultural machinery safely.

    Transparent Pricing

    We provide accurate, market-based quotes, clear documentation, and instant payment for your equipment.

    How to Maximise Your Returns

    1. Separate non-metal components where possible
    2. Remove hazardous fluids responsibly
    3. Gather all paperwork in advance
    4. Schedule an on-site inspection for an accurate quote
    5. Use a licensed, experienced recycler like Premier Metals

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What documents are needed to scrap farm machinery?

    Proof of ownership, farm ID, and registration papers (if applicable) are required. Premier Metals helps prepare all forms to ensure smooth, compliant pickup and processing.

    How is scrap value calculated for tractors and harvesters?

    Pricing is based on metal type, weight, machine condition, and current market rates. Premier Metals provides transparent, competitive quotes after inspecting your equipment.

    Do you handle hazardous fluids and materials?

    Yes. Oils, fuel, hydraulic fluids, batteries, and electronics are safely removed and disposed of in line with environmental regulations. Premier Metals provides all documentation for compliance.

    Can Premier Metals collect machinery from remote farms?

    Absolutely. We service farms nationwide with specialised transport and lifting equipment, scheduling efficient pick-ups to minimise downtime and ensure safe, hassle-free collection.