Top Heavy Equipment You Should Invest for Your Farm

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Just like any other business, there are things you need to invest in when it comes to your farm. These investments are important not just for securing a stable profit but also for potential expansion later on.

Among the most important things needed in a farm business is heavy equipment including heavy equipment maintenance. You can’t run a decent farm smoothly without these. So, here’s a list of heavy equipment you should invest for your farm.

1. Tractor

A tractor is top on this list because it serves a lot of purposes. There is a lot of work involved in maintaining a farm, such as:

●      Preparing the land

●      Sowing the seeds

●      Ensuring effective irrigation

●      Applying fertilizers

●      Harvesting

All of these things can be done with a tractor. All you need are the necessary attachments. This machine is what you want to buy first because it can serve you in the long run.

Below are two types of tractors you can consider when buying for your farm:

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  1. Row-crop tractor – Known for its excellent performance on row-grown crops, the row-crop tractor is used worldwide for its versatility and is most useful in cultivation and tillage. Going back to its early years, the row-crop tractor is a subject of concern due to its flawed design. However, modern versions of the equipment now allow safer operations.

  2. Utility tractor – This tractor is the most versatile equipment you can think of. With the right attachments, you’d be able to accomplish any critical farming task such as plowing and land clearing. This type of tractor can do well in small-scale farms. It’s also an excellent option for those who are just starting in the farm industry.

2. Heavy Equipment Attachments

It’s also very possible that you will need to purchase other attachments yourself. The tractor will merely lose its essence without the accessories that could bring out its potential. You will need the following for your farm:

  1. Tiller – This will be used for the primary and secondary tillage. Tilling has been a subject of debate in the farming community. One side claims that it exposes the soil to the elements, giving way to erosion. On the other hand, people believe that a no-till process only incurs additional expenses without producing observable benefit. If you’re leaning towards the traditional way of doing things, a tiller is definitely a must-have for your farm.

  2. Sprayer – Tractor sprayers are used to apply insecticides and herbicides to crops to ensure they won’t get eaten away or damaged by pesky pests. You can also use it to apply liquid fertilizer. When buying a sprayer, make sure that the pumps are up to your standard and can withstand the chemicals you will be using.

  3. Planter or seeder – To avoid the laborious task of manually seeding, you will need a seeder attachment to plant your crops more efficiently. Choose which one to get based on your need and preference. These are the two types of seeder attachments.

●      No-till seeder – This type of attachment uses a blade to clear the path to plant the seed efficiently

●      Traditional seeder – This type of seeder doesn’t have a blade, so it requires manual effort and tilling before you can seed.

3. Mini Excavators

These things are mini when compared with a full-sized excavator, but they pack enough power to help you with daily farm work.

No matter what type of farm or ranch you have, a mini excavator is going to be your best friend. It's especially helpful for maintenance work around the farm, such as the following:

●      Creating trenches and ditches for irrigation

●      Fence assembly to keep the animals inside the farm

●      Keeping weeds out

●      Land clearing

4. Pickup truck

The last one on the list but definitely not the least important investment is a pickup truck. Ideally, you’ll be using this equipment for a long time, so be sure you get something of reliable quality. This is especially true for farms that have hundreds of acres of land to cover.

There are certain things you need to consider when shopping for the right pickup truck, such as the following:  

●      How much load will you be carrying with it?

●      Will you need a truck with a 4-wheel or 2-wheel drive?

●      How large will you need the bed to be?

●      How much is your budget?

●      Do you prefer a diesel or a gas engine?

●      How much horsepower will you need to do daily farm work?

●      Will you need extra space for other passengers? 

Farming work will not be complete without transporting materials and supplies necessary for each step. Whether you have a small or big farm, a pickup truck is non-negotiable.

Conclusion

Heavy equipment needs may vary from farm to farm, but the things mentioned above stays constant no matter what the condition is. Moreover always observe proper maintenance and safety when operating these pieces of equipment.