A second-hand horse float can look cheaper up front, but you usually buy it with no warranty, an unknown history and repairs you can't see. A new EuroFloat comes with a 2-Year Warranty on the chassis, body frame, roof frame and suspension, plus an 11-Year Aluminium Flooring System warranty. And because EuroFloats are sought after on the second-hand market, they hold their value well, so when you sell, more of your money comes back to you. If you'd still prefer second-hand, buy a used EuroFloat through us and ask about trade-ins.
In this guide9 sections
G'day, Wes here. One of the most common questions I get is, "Should I just buy a second-hand horse float?" It's a fair question. Floats are a big purchase, and there are plenty of used ones for sale. Here's an honest look at what you actually get for your money either way, so you can make the call that's right for you and your horses.
New vs second-hand at a glance
| New EuroFloat | Typical private second-hand float | |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty | 2-Year Warranty plus 11-Year Aluminium Flooring System | Usually none from a private seller |
| Floor | 25mm aluminium panels that don't rot | Often timber, condition unknown |
| History | You're the first owner | Accidents, overloading and servicing often unknown |
| Upfront price | From $15,990 | Lower, depending on age and condition |
| Repairs in year one | Defects covered under warranty | Tyres, bearings, brakes and floor are on you |
| Choice | Your layout, size, colour and upgrades | Whatever's for sale |
| Resale | EuroFloats are sought after second-hand | Depends heavily on brand and condition |
The real cost of a cheap float
The advertised price of a used horse float is rarely what it ends up costing. Before you compare it with a new float, add up what it might need:
- Tyres: old tyres can look fine but be cracked or past their safe age.
- Wheel bearings and brakes: often overdue on floats that have sat in a paddock.
- Floor: a soft or rotting timber floor is a safety risk and a big repair bill.
- Breakaway unit, lights and wiring: all need to work before you can tow safely.
- Ramp springs or struts, latches and seals.
- Registration and a roadworthy, where your state requires one.
- Your time: travelling to inspections, chasing paperwork and arranging repairs.
Once those add up, the gap between a cheap second-hand float and a new EuroFloat can close very quickly.
What a warranty is worth
Every new EuroFloat comes with a 2-Year Warranty from the date of purchase. It covers the parts that carry the load and keep the float riding properly behind your vehicle:
- Chassis
- Body frame
- Roof frame
- Suspension
If we find a manufacturing defect in a covered part, we'll repair it, replace it or refund you. Keep your float serviced at least every 12 months by a qualified mechanic to keep your warranty valid. Your warranty is also in addition to your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
Buy privately second-hand and, in most cases, the moment you tow it away, any problem is yours. Read the full EuroFloat warranty
The floor is the big one
If there's one thing I'd want every horse float buyer to think about, it's the floor. It carries your horses on every trip, and it lives with urine, manure, water and cleaning. A failing floor is one of the biggest safety risks in any float.
Many older floats have timber floors, and timber can rot from underneath where you can't see it. Every EuroFloat uses a reinforced aluminium flooring system made from 25mm aluminium panels. Aluminium doesn't rot, which is why we back it with an 11-Year Aluminium Flooring System warranty. Conditions apply.
Resale: why EuroFloats hold their value
Here's the part a lot of buyers don't think about until they come to sell. EuroFloats are very sought after on the second-hand market. Well-kept, regularly serviced EuroFloats tend to sell quickly, and in my experience owners often get back a large share of what they paid. In a strong market, some even sell for more than they paid.
That changes the maths. What a float really costs you is the price you pay, less the price you sell it for. A float that holds its value can cost you less over the years you own it than a cheaper float that's hard to sell.
It's also why I think buying new is the best and safest option. You get the full warranty, you know the float's whole history, and you own a float that other buyers want when it's time to upgrade.
To protect your resale value:
- Service your float every 12 months and keep the records.
- Wash it out after use and let the floor dry.
- Stay under your ATM and your vehicle's GCM. Overloading wears a float out faster.
- Keep your invoice, compliance details and upgrade receipts together.
If you still want second-hand
That's fine. Not everyone is ready for a new float, and a good used EuroFloat is a great buy. If you're going second-hand, I'd suggest buying it through us. Talk to our team about pre-owned EuroFloats when they come in, and ask about trade-ins if you have a float to sell.
Buying from a business rather than privately also means your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply.
Second-hand checklist
Whoever you buy from, check these before you hand over any money:
- Floor: look underneath and press for soft spots
- Chassis and drawbar: cracks, corrosion or repairs
- Tyres: tread, cracking and age
- Wheel bearings and brakes, including the breakaway unit
- Lights and wiring
- Ramp, struts, latches and dividers
- Compliance plate: tare and ATM, and whether your vehicle can tow it
- Registration, service history and proof of ownership
- Check the float isn't under finance or reported stolen. A search on the national Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is the place to start.
Making new affordable
- New EuroFloats start from $15,990 for a 2-horse straight load. See prices explained
- Finance is available through iCREDIT, with terms up to 7 years. Try the finance calculator
- In-stock floats are usually ready within a week or two of your deposit. See floats in stock
- Trade-ins: send us the model, year, options and condition with a few photos, and we'll come back to you.
EuroFloat is Australian owned and operated, with showrooms on the Gold Coast and in Melbourne. Come and see the floats in person, and test drive one behind your own vehicle.
Questions buyers ask
Is it cheaper to buy a second-hand horse float?
Up front, usually. But once you add repairs, tyres, servicing and no warranty, and allow for resale value, a new EuroFloat can work out the better buy over the years you own it.
What warranty comes with a new EuroFloat?
A 2-Year Warranty on the chassis, body frame, roof frame and suspension, plus an 11-Year Aluminium Flooring System warranty. Both start from the date of purchase. Conditions apply.
Do EuroFloats hold their value?
Yes. EuroFloats are sought after on the second-hand market, and well-kept, regularly serviced floats tend to sell well.
Do you sell second-hand EuroFloats?
Talk to our team. We can let you know about pre-owned EuroFloats as they come in.
Do you take trade-ins?
Talk to us. Send us the model, year, options and condition with a few photos, and we'll come back to you.
What should I check on a used horse float?
The floor, chassis, drawbar, tyres, bearings, brakes, breakaway unit, lights, ramp and compliance plate, plus the service history and a PPSR search.
New or pre-owned, talk to us first
Visit our Gold Coast or Melbourne showroom, by appointment. Ask about new floats in stock, pre-owned EuroFloats and trade-ins.
Prices as listed on eurofloat.com.au. Each model page shows the current price. Warranty conditions apply; see our warranty page. Resale values depend on the float's model, age, condition and the market at the time of sale.
