Equipment Pieces Every Commercial Farm Needs to Have

While U.S. farmers are far fewer than they once were, they produce mich larger yields, as well. Farms come in multiple shapes and sizes. They grow and raise commodities of all kinds, both crop and livestock. Smaller farms often concentrate on local markets while larger ones see their abundant harvests shipped all over the world. Accordingly, each farm has differing needs for its own infrastructure and daily function. Yet, there are some farm equipment that benefit every operation that produces food and fiber. This apparatus goes to the core of agricultural production: promoting efficiency, ensuring safety and preventing economic loss. All County Fence provides expert commercial fencing services in Orlando.

 

The Tractor

 

The tractor is what the ox or draft horse once was: the power source that does what far exceeds human strength. Through their power take-off (PTO) function, tractors are employed to operate myriad implement attachments like planters, manure spreaders, plows, cultivators, mowers and rakes. In addition, tractors haul grain carts, produce wagons, hay bales and even other tractors (out of ditches, e.g.) when necessary. Most commercial farming tractors use diesel engines of four to six cylinders that can generate in excess of 85 horsepower. More modest models are made for smaller acreage or even lawn and garden.

 

The Pick-Up Truck

 

The pick-up truck, like the tractor, is useful for carrying bulky or heavy things from one point to another. Unlike the tractor, this conveyance can go faster and farther. Of course, the size of the load is limited in a pick-up itself but the truck’s power allows it to pull trailers of large dimensions. Especially helpful is the pick-up’s ability to bring tools and equipment from the farm shop — or house — out to the field, as when a tractor or combine breaks down and needs repair or part replacement. As to what make and model to purchase, certain questions apply regarding expected loads, frequency of use and intended purpose, i.e. farm only or family vehicle too.

 

Fencing Tools

 

Whether a farmer is keeping deer out of the crops or keeping animals within the pasture boundaries, fencing is a priority. As any farmer will attest, fence issues do not end with installation. Segments of fence must be replaced regularly due to violent weather, among other reasons. This means that every farm should have a fence-post driver — a heavy iron tube used to batter the post into the ground. It can be a manual tool or power-driven. For those who opt for electric fences, a testing device that measures current is also an important must-have. Fence posts and materials must be reviewed often and electric fences should be kept clear of overgrowth.

 

Skid Loader

A skid loader is a small, engine-powered vehicle with two mechanical arms that can save a farmer much time and effort. A constant chore on most every farm is storage — in a barn, shed or other outbuilding. To that end, the skid loader can lift heavy bales, enormous piles of manure, hundred-pound bags of feed or anything else commonly found on farms. Users can attach a bucket to the loader, or prongs for bales, or even tree shears to rip out dead shrubs etc.