Using improper agricultural equipment can waste time and money for your farm. Preparing your field for winter becomes challenging without the appropriate tillage tools and plow. Attempting to complete this process with inadequate tools may lead to your field being in poor condition when it comes time to plant again in the spring.
Whether you are commencing a new farming venture with new equipment or considering upgrading your well-used tools, exercise caution in selecting your next pieces. Avoid the pitfalls of overspending on unnecessary tools or investing in substandard equipment that may not endure a full year of farming. Adhere to these nine guidelines for selecting your farm’s most suitable agricultural equipment.
Do Not Be Swayed By the Lowest Prices
Opting for the highest-priced equipment may not always be necessary. Solely pursuing the lowest-priced options could fill your equipment collection with tools lacking longevity. Durable farming equipment should endure through multiple seasons with regular upkeep. While opting for inexpensive garden sprayers might seem like a cost-saving measure initially, if they fail prematurely and require replacement the following year, any initial savings are negated.
Strike a balance between quality and cost efficiency. Avoid compromising quality for price savings, yet excessive spending is also unnecessary. Prioritize both quality and affordability when selecting your agricultural equipment.
Embrace the Top Brands
You may have a family tradition of exclusively using one heavy machinery and equipment brand. However, brands can evolve, leading to changes in quality. Newer brands may emerge with superior products at competitive prices tailored for modern farms.
Remain receptive to exploring top-quality brands, even if a particular brand has been a long-standing favorite. Opt for a retailer that provides diverse brands and equipment to ensure access to the finest selection of high-quality farming tools and machinery for your needs. New Mexico John Deere Dealers sell a wide range of farm equipment, from tractors to harvesters, and their team can help you find the most suitable option for your specific farming operation.
Budget and Extended Expenses
Plan your farm machinery procurement by evaluating both the upfront costs and future expenses. While opting for the most affordable option may seem appealing, prioritize durability and quality over initial savings. Consider the complete ownership costs, including maintenance, repairs, and operational expenditures.
Assess the equipment’s expected lifespan and how it can enhance your farming operations to calculate the potential return on investment. Consider purchasing high-quality used equipment at competitive prices, such as center pivots, collector rings, and rainbow pumps, which are accessible online. Ensure you select a trustworthy vendor when buying pre-owned items.
Research
Arguably, the most critical aspect of purchasing new farm equipment is conducting thorough research. Rather than buying the first item you come across, delve into details about technological advancements, performance levels, maintenance requirements, and other relevant factors. Comprehensive research ensures that you select the best equipment at a fair price. Before making a purchase, consider the following:
- Technology: Machinery has likely evolved since your last purchase. Be informed about any technological shifts and assess whether you need the latest equipment to remain competitive.
- Specifications: Always verify that the machine’s specifications meet your needs without causing undue stress on its components. Selecting equipment with specifications that match your requirements will help ensure its longevity.
- Maintenance requirements: Understand the maintenance demands of the chosen machine and assess whether you can meet these preventive maintenance needs.
- User manual: Ensure that anyone operating the machine is familiar with the user manual. Confirm that your intended uses align with the equipment’s designed applications.
- Expected lifespan: Investigate the anticipated life span of the equipment to determine if the investment is worthwhile.
Starting from the Foundation
Purchasing farm equipment differs significantly from acquiring a new car. When selecting a car, the choice is largely independent of road conditions since all cars are designed to operate on standard roads. However, in contrast, when choosing agricultural equipment, one of the primary considerations is the type of soil in which the machinery will be used.
For instance, assessing whether the soil is light or heavy with clay-like properties is essential. Lighter soils necessitate less intensive farming practices and lighter agricultural machinery. Conversely, in areas with dense clay soil, excessive tillage can lead to waterlogging, decreased organic content, and muddy terrain. The crucial aspect is to match the appropriate equipment with the specific characteristics of the clay soil being cultivated.
Ease of Convenience
Regardless of the quality of the equipment you purchase, maintenance and servicing will be essential down the line. When deciding on purchases, take into account the closeness of service centers in your local area.
Opt for equipment with nearby service centers to minimize downtime and ensure convenient service provision at your location. Prioritize proximity to service facilities from the outset to simplify matters for yourself.
Select Your Method of Purchase
Many farm machinery and equipment can be bought outright or acquired through purchase agreements. While small tools are typically not leased, bigger agricultural machinery is commonly obtainable through rental agreements. Leasing presents a viable choice for those averse to heavy equipment investments, offering tax benefits as the lessee avoids income taxes on leased equipment.
Labor Cost
Purchasing farm machinery offers a significant advantage with a notable decrease in labor expenditures, particularly evident with larger equipment that efficiently covers expansive areas within a short timeframe.
When utilizing part-time or hourly hired labor for machinery operations, it’s essential to factor in both the wage rate and the additional costs for benefits as part of the labor expenses. If a hired worker or farmer is receiving a fixed wage for machinery operation, their labor should be considered in terms of opportunity cost, evaluated based on the potential returns if the machine were utilized elsewhere.
Access to Repair Facility or Service Center
Avoid the hassle of traveling long distances for repairs when handling large machinery. Ensure that the machine parts or equipment you utilize have a nearby brand or manufacturer service center for necessary repairs.
Having service centers in close proximity saves time on searching and helps prevent major disruptions to your essential farming routines and operations. Keeping the service center’s contact information readily available expedites repair and maintenance requests for your farm equipment.
Endnote
Choosing the correct agricultural machinery can be quite a challenge. To acquire high quality agricultural equipment, it is crucial to work with a reliable supplier with a demonstrated history of assisting farmers in finding the ideal tools for their farming operations.
