Common Causes of Farm Equipment Breakdown

What Is Included in a Farm Equipment Inspection?

Inspecting your farm equipment can prevent major repairs and ensure it remains in optimal working condition. Partnering with professional and experienced service technicians makes the process much easier, as they work with various farming equipment every day and can quickly identify whether you might need services.

Inspections will generally consist of checking for leaks, assessing wear and tear and taking oil samples. Each step of the process can help you prevent costly repairs, reduce downtime and maximize productivity. Here's what to expect from a professional heavy equipment inspection:

Fluid 

In an agriculture equipment inspection, it's crucial to check the fluid levels of your farming equipment. This is especially important if you notice fluid leaking around the equipment, as this can indicate an internal problem. To keep your equipment in optimal condition, professionals will perform a thorough inspection of machine fluids and related areas:

• Engine and hydraulic oil
• Engine coolant
• Transmission
• Fuel water separator
• Diesel exhaust fluid

Adequate levels of these fluids help your equipment function to the best of its abilities, reducing wear and tear and extending its life span. This crucial step in heavy equipment inspection can ensure safe and reliable operation — contributing to productivity and the overall success of your operations.

Engine Compartment and Electrical Components

It's crucial to regularly check your equipment's engine compartment and electrical components. Doing so can help you keep your farm safe and productive. Professionals can perform a thorough evaluation that might include:

• Switching front and rear lights on and off
• Testing the equipment's back-up alarms
• Ensuring the engine battery is charged
• Ensuring all belts, hoses and hydraulic hoses are connected properly and not damaged
• Making sure engine compartment covers and guards are properly installed
• Looking for and removing any debris in the engine compartment
• Ensuring a functional exhaust and muffler system

An engine compartment inspection can help identify signs of leaks, wear or damage. In the electrical system, professionals can ensure your lights are functioning, including headlights and signal indicators. That way, you can stay safe during dawn, dusk or night work.

Identifying any issues in these areas can help you prevent breakdowns in the field, improve your fuel efficiency and ensure operator safety. Professionals can perform regular inspections to keep your operations running smoothly while reducing costly repairs.

Operator Cab

Inspecting the operator cab is crucial for the safety and comfort of your operator. Keeping this area clean, safe and organized can also contribute to productivity. Here's what's included in a cab inspection:

• Ensuring all steps, handrails and grab bars are secure
• Inspecting windows and mirrors to configure them and optimize visibility
• Checking wiper fluid levels and ensuring they can clear the windshield
• Evaluating the seatbelt, safety harness and other safety-related components 
• Testing the horn 
• Ensuring the operator control panel or display screen works properly
• Checking for active error codes
• Evaluating the climate control system for effective heating and cooling

Additionally, you'll want to ensure the operator's seat and controls are comfortably adjusted. An ergonomically designed seat can reduce fatigue during long working hours. 

Professionals can also plug a diagnostic tool or scanner into your equipment's onboard diagnostic port. The tool will retrieve active error codes from your machinery and help them determine how to address malfunctions or issues affecting its operation.

Wheels and Tracks

Whether you're operating equipment with wheels or tracks, you'll want to keep these components in good working condition. Doing so is especially important to help avoid ground or field disturbances while working. Here's what professionals will look for on wheeled machines:

• Debris or air leaks in the tires
• Excessive wear and tear
• Rim damage

It can be more challenging to detect undercarriage issues if you operate track machines. As a result, you'll want to partner with a reputable equipment service provider to see if service is needed. Professionals will examine the following on this machinery:

• Rollers, sprockets and idler wheels
• Tension and torsion axles on rubber track machines
• Shoes and links on metal track equipment

A well-maintained undercarriage can ensure equipment stability, optimal traction and safe operation in rough terrain.

Brake Systems

Checking the braking system on your equipment is especially important for farm safety. Brake systems are complicated and specialized machinery, emphasizing the need for a professional inspection tailored to your specific equipment.

In general, professionals will examine the following:

• Air or fluid leaks
• Brake system diagnostic tests
• Excess wear on brake system components that need a replacement

You should also have your brake lights, rear reflectors, headlamps and functional stop lamps assessed to ensure the braking system is safe and in good working condition.

Safety Systems

While it's crucial to inspect all of the above to keep your equipment operating safely, professionals can make sure the following features are also working properly to protect operators:

• Verifying emergency shutdown systems work, such as kill switches and emergency stop buttons
• Ensuring all safety lights and signals are operational
• Confirming that brakes, steering systems and transmission controls are functioning properly
• Inspecting seatbelts and other safety restraints
• Ensuring fire extinguishers and first aid kits are in place and fully equipped
• Confirming all safety labels and warning signs are legible and in place

Evaluating these safety systems can help your operators stay safe and ensure your equipment is prepared to handle unforeseen challenges or emergencies. Overall, this inspection can contribute to a safer and more secure working environment on the farm.

Partner With Holt Ag Solutions for Equipment Services 

You rely on your equipment to work efficiently and stay profitable. Ensuring your equipment is in proper condition can help you maintain your productivity and prevent the need for costly repairs. To keep your operations running smoothly, partner with Holt Ag Solutions. We provide comprehensive ag equipment inspections to ensure your equipment is in safe and optimal working condition.

Partnering with us means safety, compliance and peace of mind. Our goal is to ensure your machines are well-maintained. If breakdowns occur, our highly experienced technicians will act quickly to resolve any service issues you might be experiencing. We can help you enhance the efficiency and longevity of your agricultural machinery.

Fill out our service request form to schedule an inspection today.

Guide to Becoming an AG Mechanic

Quick Navigation

• What Is an AG Mechanic?
• What Do AG Mechanics Do?
  • Researching and Understanding Various Equipment Operations
  • Performing Essential Maintenance Steps
  • Repairing Malfunctioning Farm Equipment
  • Upgrading Outdated Equipment
  • Giving Advice for Equipment Upgrades
  • Providing Reports or Logs for Each Repair or Maintenance Job
• How to Become an AG Mechanic
  • Meet the Education Requirements
  • Receive On-the-Job Training
  • Attend Training Sessions
• What Skills Are Needed for AG Mechanics?
• What Is the Work Environment Like for an AG Mechanic?
• Browse Our Service Technician Jobs and Apply Online

Agriculture and farming are essential to growing and sustaining society. As a community, we rely on farmers to grow our food and raise livestock. Many farms rely on heavy machinery to complete their work, which requires the skill of professional mechanics to maintain and repair their equipment. Without these machines or people to work on them, farmers wouldn't be able to grow crops or raise livestock at their usual rate, affecting our food supply and the farmers livelihood.

If you enjoy working with your hands, or have mechanical experience and are looking for a career change, becoming an agricultural (AG) mechanic could be an ideal choice. Below, we'll explain what a farm mechanic is, what they do, their roles and responsibilities and how you can start your career as a farm equipment technician.

What Is an AG Mechanic?

An agriculture service technician primarily works on heavy farm and agriculture equipment, including fertilization equipment, tractors and farming implements. Ag mechanics improve farming techniques by testing machine systems, troubleshooting problems, repairing machines and maintaining equipment to help farmers work more efficiently. A farm equipment technician will typically work on compact tractors, utility tractors, combines, hay balers, swathers/windrowers, and any other equipment used on the farm. From hauling crops, to fertilizing the soil, Ag mechanics have a unique skillset to work on and operate agricultural equipment. Ag mechanics can work as first- or third-party employees or contractors. These employees may:

• Work on a single farm and provide repairs and maintenance for all farming equipment.
• Provide repairs within a third-party agriculture heavy-equipment shop
• Travel between various farms to provide repair and maintenance help

With so many possibilities, a career as an Ag mechanic can be incredibly fulfilling, especially if you enjoy working with your hands on the farm. 

Some Ag technicians work with multiple clients, checking in on different farms on a consistent schedule. Multi-farm technicians may visit their clients regularly if requested to visit in between regular scheduling. Some mechanics can even work at independent shops where farmers can bring their equipment in for repairs, allowing them to work without creating contracts beyond those for individual repairs.

All the options available for an Ag mechanic make it an ideal career choice for those that enjoy flexibility, various opportunities and hands-on work. If you're interested in a career as an Ag mechanic, continue reading to learn more about what they do and their responsibilities on the job.

What Do AG Mechanics Do?

Ag technicians will have various responsibilities to fulfill their roles. Some of the responsibilities of an AG mechanic include the following:

1. Researching and Understanding Various Equipment Operations

Farm equipment technician duties and responsibilities include understanding their clients' equipment and operation. Typically, they'll read instruction manuals and research the equipment design documents to better understand how the equipment works. This research stage can happen during their training or before performing maintenance or repairs. 

Agriculture technicians develop a deep understanding of equipment's braking options, electrical systems, air compression tools, hydraulic setups, fuel line designs and mechanical arm operations. Continuing education and regular research help Ag mechanics fully understand their equipment and any necessary upgrades they need to make to help equipment stay operational and reach its peak efficiency on a farm. 

2. Performing Essential Maintenance Steps

Another responsibility of Ag mechanics is performing equipment maintenance to minimize long-term problems that can cause significant damage and increase costs. These technicians may provide steps for maintenance, including equipment cleaning, identifying moving parts, checking these parts of lubrication and fixing any other significant problems they may notice. 

For example, an AG mechanic may remove broken gears, replace engine belts and repair minor scuffs caused by regular operation. These maintenance steps are essential to prevent minor problems from worsening. If maintenance is done on a regular schedule, it can potentially extend the life of the equipment. Adding extra years to the life of your equipment will help you save money by pushing back the need to buy a new machine.

3. Repairing Malfunctioning Farm Equipment

On top of maintenance, a farm equipment mechanic is responsible for repairing farm or agriculture equipment. An Ag technician inspects the equipment visually and with technical assistance. Similar to cars, modern farming equipment is built with advanced technology which mechanics can hook up to a diagnostic tool to run tests and gauge the efficiency and operation of a piece of equipment. Ag technicians can verify these readings through visual inspections, identifying problem areas and making repairs.

When completing repairs, an AG mechanic may use various tools, including pliers, lathes, pneumatic wrenches, welding equipment, blowtorches and screwdrivers, to repair equipment and ensure it runs smoothly.

4. Upgrading Outdated Equipment

Over time, farm equipment will become old and could become outdated in the evolving industry. Ag mechanics will help farmers by removing older components and replacing them with newer parts. 

For example, an Ag technician may replace the dull, outdated teeth on a combine header with newer, more compatible teeth that cut crops more efficiently and effectively. During these replacements, an Ag mechanic usually takes apart machinery and puts it back together, especially when upgrading engine components, hydraulic tools or electrical systems. Regular updates can keep farming equipment operational longer than their usual life span and help farmers save money by reducing the need to spend on equipment replacements.

5. Giving Advice for Equipment Upgrades

Most farmers will want to replace their outdated equipment with something newer and stronger but may need help making the right purchasing decision. Ag technicians can help with this by advising on what models work best for a particular job on a farm. 

For example, an Ag mechanic will research a replacement for a specific type of equipment, determining the advantages and disadvantages and how well the equipment would work for the farmer. Once they've completed their research, they can advise a farmer on what equipment to purchase. Ag technicians may even discuss the repair needs for new prospective equipment to help farmers better understand their new investment. 

6. Providing Reports or Logs for Each Repair or Maintenance Job

Ag mechanics are also responsible for providing detailed reports or logs for each maintenance and repair job they complete. These logs are essential to keep track of their work and provide clients with information regarding their responsibilities. 

For example, an Ag technician may share reports after a maintenance and repair job, indicating what tools they used, the tool costs, the exact steps taken during the job, the duration of each stage, the total work hours and the maintenance or repair result. Ag technicians may keep track of these logs for years to give their clients accurate information about each job. 

How to Become an AG Mechanic

If you want to become an Ag service technician, there are a few steps that you have to follow:

1. Meet the Education Requirements

The first step to becoming a farm equipment mechanic involves completing the education requirements. Most farm or mechanic shops will hire Ag mechanics with a high school diploma or GED, so you can become an Ag mechanic fresh out of high school or after going through a GED program.

You can also choose to attend community college or vocational schools with programs in heavy equipment mechanics, diesel repair, electronic and computer operations or diagnostics if you want to give yourself a competitive edge in the hiring process. However, post-secondary education isn't a requirement, and many Ag mechanics are hired fresh after high school graduation. You'll often receive the necessary training and educational tools while working on the job or through a program a farm or mechanic shop offers, so you won't need the additional schooling if you prefer to jump right into the field.

2. Receive On-the-Job Training

Once you've finished your education, you'll want to look for on-the-job training opportunities. Many trades, including mechanics, typically use an apprentice-style system to help workers learn the necessary skills on the job. When individuals are hired after they've fulfilled their education requirements, they may perform simple repairs, such as changing air filters or fuel lines. 

As you gain more experience on the job, your employer may introduce new responsibilities and training opportunities for repair components. Being a quick learner is an important quality of a good Ag technician, which can help you complete the training process quickly and start working on the job.

3. Attend Training Sessions

Depending on the farm or shop you work at, you may be sent to additional training opportunities to improve your abilities. These training sessions often focus on specific technology and components, such as tractor models and unique fertilizing equipment. During these training opportunities, you may receive hands-on experience working with particular equipment, helping you to progress as an Ag mechanic. 

Some states may allow you to receive certification in specific repair techniques. Certifications depend on the type of equipment and can increase your chances of finding a high-quality career.

What Skills Are Needed for AG Mechanics?

As Ag mechanics work, they'll develop many unique skills that can help them improve their careers. Many of these skills can be improved with practice and educational training, helping you advance your career. By improving your ability to handle your responsibilities, technicians can continue to provide high-quality and accurate repairs. Some of the skills that an Ag mechanic needs to develop and focus on improving include the following:

• Mechanical skills: Farm equipment mechanic skills include professional mechanical repair skills to repair agriculture equipment. These skills include understanding how to remove and reassemble parts and equipment design. 
• Manual dexterity: Performing maintenance and repairs requires skilled dexterity and a steady hand to handle diagnostic tools, engine parts and other tools. Aspiring Ag mechanics can improve their dexterity with regular practice with their tools. 
• Organizational skills: Farm equipment technician duties include organizational skills, which are essential for Ag mechanics to hone. Working with mechanics can consist of complex designs that Ag technicians must understand when performing maintenance or repairs on various equipment types. Understanding how to organize these items is essential to help Ag technicians keep their responsibilities in order.
• Physical strength: Ag mechanics skills include some physical strength to handle tools, remove parts and steer heavy equipment while taking them to the shop. AG mechanics can improve their physical force on the job or with exercise.
• Problem-solving skills: Various types of farm equipment can develop unique problems, and Ag mechanics need problem-solving skills to diagnose mechanic issues. These skills can be improved by additional education or internships at relevant mechanical shops. 

If you want to improve your abilities as an Ag mechanic, you can look for entry-level positions or work with other mechanical repairs, such as trucks, cars and other small vehicles. While many types of farm or agriculture vehicles will vary in design and size from these vehicles, the overall maintenance and repair process is similar, which can help you develop your skills.

What Is the Work Environment Like for an AG Mechanic?

Ag mechanics have the opportunity to work in various environments depending on their exact role. Most Ag technicians work on farms and perform maintenance and repairs on equipment after damage occurs, such as engine trouble, fuel system difficulties, and electrical system issues. 

If Ag mechanics are employed on a single farm, they could have a small repair shop or office where they perform maintenance and repairs. Other mechanics with multiple clients may utilize haulers to take their equipment to a repair shop. They may also operate a repair truck when equipment is too large to move or if it's incapable of running. Ag mechanics that work on multiple farms usually travel from each farm to provide repairs on-site.

Some other things you can expect when working as an Ag mechanic include the following:

• Spending time outdoors on the farm
• Handling lifting equipment
• Working on advanced technological and electrical systems

Farm work hours vary based on the season. Some Ag mechanics will work full-time depending on the season, usually during harvest or planting. During these busy seasons, Ag mechanics can work between 8 to 12 hours a day, earning overtime wages if they go over 40 hours a week. 

Ag mechanics often work in a fast-paced environment and must meet specific deadlines. Becoming an Ag mechanic could be ideal if you enjoy staying active during work. 

Browse Our Service Technician Jobs and Apply Online

Holt Ag Solutions can help you kickstart your new career if you're looking to become a farm equipment technician. You can browse our service technician jobs and apply online, making it easy to find a new job. Whether you're a professional Ag technician with plenty of experience or just starting, we have various options available. Holt Ag Solutions is dedicated to continuous growth for both the company and employees. The more time you spend working on equipment, the more your skillset will grow.

You can also work towards our Apprenticeship Program, where you'll have the opportunity to work on more challenging projects. As you develop your skills and work through the program, you can progress toward becoming a qualified professional Ag mechanic. If you're looking for more information about how you can start a career, fill out our contact form today, and we'll get in touch with you!

When to Repair vs. Replace Farm Equipment

Quick Navigation

• When to Repair Farm Equipment
  • Minor Damage
  • Newer Equipment
  • Easy Replacement Part Access
  • Essential Equipment
  • Limited Budget
• When to Replace Farm Equipment
  • Old Equipment
  • Excessive Maintenance Costs
  • Dated Technology
  • Reduced Productivity and Efficiency
  • Minimal Support 
  • Poor Safety
• Expert Farm Equipment Services From Holt Ag Solutions

Farm equipment forms the backbone of your agricultural operations. Properly functioning machinery is essential for your space. When faced with malfunctioning machinery, farmers often find themselves choosing between repairing and replacing their equipment. Finding the right option maximizes productivity, cost-savings and safety while working. 

Understanding when to repair vs. replace agricultural equipment can be challenging — remember these considerations to help you pick the best option for your situation. 

When to Repair Farm Equipment

Repairs are often your first line of defense when dealing with equipment issues. Deciding whether to repair or replace agriculture equipment often comes down to cost and difficulty — the less expensive or difficult option is usually the one you'll want to pick. Knowing when to opt for repairs can help you extend your machine's life span and get the most out of your investment. 

Here are some times you should pick repair over replacement:

1. Minor Damage

The more minor your equipment damage, the easier it is to repair. If you replaced your equipment every time a small issue popped up, you'd end up wasting thousands on new equipment and constantly throwing out perfectly good machinery. Minor problems, such as a damaged hose or a faulty sensor, are typically more cost-effective to repair than replacing the whole machine. Conducting a thorough assessment of the damage and obtaining estimates for repair costs can aid you in making an informed choice. 

2. Newer Equipment

If your equipment is newer or not that far along in its life cycle, it's better to repair it. Younger machinery often still has significant life remaining, making repairs your most viable option. Investing in routine maintenance and timely repairs can extend your equipment's life span, maximizing your return on investment. Investing in a completely new model when your current one needs repairs is usually a waste of resources. You'll save money and reduce downtime by repairing your newer equipment instead of replacing it. 

3. Easy Replacement Part Access

If you have convenient access to replacement parts, this could be a sign you should repair the equipment. Readily available and reasonably priced components make repairs much more manageable than replacing your machinery. While some parts may be so difficult or expensive that replacement becomes an option, easy repair swaps are simpler than shopping for new equipment. 

4. Essential Equipment

Your malfunctioning equipment's role in your operations is a crucial factor when choosing to repair or replace farm equipment. Essential equipment that's vital during critical periods, such as planting or harvest, might need swift repairs to minimize disruptions and avoid setbacks. Balancing the repair's urgency with the potential downtime and impact on productivity is essential when making repair decisions. 

5. Limited Budget

Financial considerations are integral to the decision-making process. Repairing equipment is often more cost-effective over shorter periods. This affordability makes it appealing to farmers who want to maximize their budgets. If your equipment isn't at the end of its life span and you've put less money into repairs than you would have put into a replacement, try fixing the issue first. Repairs are usually less expensive than purchasing an entirely new machine, making them a budget-friendly choice. 

When to Replace Farm Equipment

Replacing farm equipment is often your last resort — once you've invested as much time into repairs as you safely can, you should start looking at replacements. If you're debating your repair vs. replacement farm equipment options, a replacement can be a valuable choice for your operation. While replacing your equipment is more expensive up front, it is an important investment that will prove a greater ROI. New equipment will boost productivity with fresh, efficient technology.

You might want to consider a replacement if you're dealing with these factors:

1. Old Equipment

Farm equipment's age is a pivotal factor in your replacement decision. Older equipment tends to be more prone to breakdowns and may lack the efficiency and features of newer models. Frequent breakdowns can lead to increased downtime and repair costs, negatively impacting operations. 

Assessing your equipment's reliability and comparing it to the manufacturer's estimated life span can help you choose whether to repair vs. replace ag equipment. If your equipment is old enough, you might spend far more money keeping it running than a replacement would cost you in the long run. 

2. Excessive Maintenance Costs

As farm equipment ages, maintenance costs tend to increase. The cumulative expenses of frequently repairing and maintaining older machinery can eventually surpass the cost of purchasing new equipment. Look back at your maintenance records and track your costs and time invested into the equipment — analyze this data to see if it makes financial sense to keep repairing the equipment or if you'd save more resources by buying new machines. 

3. Dated Technology

The rapid evolution of agricultural technology brings about significant improvements in efficiency, precision and environmental stability. Newer farm equipment often incorporates advanced features — GPS guidance, automated controls and improved fuel efficiency are all excellent features to invest in. Evaluate how technological advancements align with operational goals and whether you can retrofit older equipment with these replacements. A replacement could significantly improve your operations if your equipment is too old to accommodate advanced technology.

4. Reduced Productivity and Efficiency

Upgrading your farm equipment can lead to enhanced productivity and operational efficiency. Newer models are designed to optimize various aspects of farming tasks — with this support, you can reduce labor requirements and increase output. Analyzing how existing equipment's performance compares to the requirements of modern farming practices can help you find the right replacement for the job. 

5. Minimal Support 

Older machines often see fewer and fewer replacement parts or repair options as time goes on. The availability of replacement parts and support services is crucial when replacing farm equipment. As equipment becomes older, sourcing replacement parts may become more challenging. 

If manufacturers discontinue support for older models, obtaining spare parts could become time-consuming and expensive. Farmers should weigh the potential difficulties of getting parts against the benefits of newer equipment with readily available support. 

6. Poor Safety

Safety is paramount in agricultural operations. Older equipment might lack modern safety features and fail to meet current industry standards. Additionally, older machines more prone to breakdowns might put users' safety at risk. Upgrading to equipment with improved safety mechanisms and designs can mitigate the risk of accidents and injuries, promoting a safer working environment for farm personnel. 

Expert Farm Equipment Services From Holt Ag Solutions

Choosing between replacements requires careful consideration of all factors. With the right solution, you can improve productivity while maximizing cost-efficiency for your operations. Holt Ag Solutions has everything you need to repair, replace or maintain your farm equipment. As a trusted expert in agriculture equipment, we can help provide you with the farm equipment services you need. From investing in new machinery to shopping for quality used equipment, our team will deliver essential professional support. 

If you have questions or want to request a service, contact us online to get started today! 

Different Attachments and Implements for Farm Equipment

Without farm equipment, many tasks would be significantly more time-consuming and strenuous. Implements offer versatility and give one machine the capability of several. For example, tractor implements are tools and accessories that farmers and agribusiness owners can attach to their tractors to complete various tasks around their property. These implements make it easier to scale earth, dig, move large objects and more.

Farm implements allow you to have the equipment for various tasks without purchasing a different machine for each capability. Read on to learn about farm implements and consider the tools on our tractor attachment list.

Difference Between Farm Equipment and Farm Implements

Farmers use various farm tools, implements and equipment to care for crops and maintain their property. While these terms are similar and often refer to the same items, it’s helpful to define farm implements and farm equipment to see the difference.

What Is Farm Equipment?

Farm equipment typically refers to machines like tractors and harvesters. Mechanized equipment like tractors runs on diesel, petrol, electric or hydraulics to control movement and apply force. Tractors are versatile, allowing farmers to use one piece of equipment for various tasks, making them arguably the most common piece of farming equipment.

What Are Farm Implements?

Farm implements, also called attachments, are tools you can add to machinery to complete various tasks. Different implements serve different purposes. For example, some implements are tools for digging or moving earth, while others cut grass and brush. Depending on the implement’s design and purpose, a tractor may push or pull it. 

Farm equipment and tractor implements designed to be used together are important advancements in the farming industry. Implements are what make tractors so versatile, adding value to essential farm equipment. 

Importance of Farm Equipment and Implements in Crop Production

Farm equipment and implements modernized the farming industry and significantly improved crop production. Manual farming methods were extremely time-consuming and strenuous for farmers and their animals. Horses and cattle would pull plows and other tools, while farmers had to use old-school farming tools like a sickle and hoe to tend their crops. They maintained entire crop fields by hand, resulting in long days.

Different farm tools, implements and equipment impact crop production by improving the farming processes. Modern farm machines and implements increase productivity and are significantly more cost- and time-effective. Here are a few reasons farming equipment and implements are valuable for crop production and how they can be beneficial:

• Reduces manual and animal labor: Tractors and other farm equipment have replaced or reduced manual and animal labor. Machines can now do what farmers once did by hand, increasing effectiveness and efficiency.
• Improves control over vegetation health: Before advanced farming equipment and implements, controlling crop health was a significant challenge. Now, these tools allow farmers to quickly and easily spread pesticides and insecticides to protect crops.
• Increases yield: Modern implements and tractors are significantly more efficient than traditional farming methods. With more time and advanced capabilities, farms can complete more crop production.

What Are the Different Farm Implements and Equipment?

Farm implements exist for nearly any farming task imaginable. Having several different tractor implements allows you to complete a broader range of tasks with greater ease. Consider this common tractor implements list to learn the purpose of each and whether it may be a tool you need.

Front Loader

A front loader is a common example of farm implements and equipment. This open bucket attaches to the front of a tractor to perform various tasks — most prominently, moving significant amounts of materials. You can use a front loader implement to transfer manure, fertilizer, gravel, soil, snow or any other material on the farm. Front loader arms can also connect to other bucket designs, pallet loaders and various other tools for optimal versatility.

Backhoe

Backhoe implements attach to the tractor’s rear. They typically have a longer arm than front loaders and feature a small toothed bucket, making this implement ideal for digging. Many farmers also use backhoes for moving dirt and grading, especially for small-scale projects. While backhoes offer less versatility than other implements, they’re extremely powerful digging tools. 

Box Blade

Though farmers may overlook a box blade as a necessary tool, most find uses for them. Box blades feature scarifiers to break up the ground before the box pushes it forward and a blade to smooth the dirt out. This implement is pulled behind a tractor for leveling and grading, which is especially useful when creating paths or roads. A box blade can come in handy anywhere you need to move dirt and smooth out the ground.

Post Hole Digger

Post hole diggers attach to the tractor’s rear and bore perfect holes in the ground. This implement is mechanical, connecting to the tractor’s power so the operator can control it from the cab. To create the desired hole size, you can select auger bits with different diameters and lengths. Post hole diggers are primarily used to dig holes for fence posts, though you may also use them when you’re planting trees or shrubbery. If you find yourself frequently digging fence holes, this implement can significantly simplify that task.

Rotary Tiller

Rotary tillers are important pieces of farm equipment that allow you to use your tractor to till your fields. Farmers use rotary tillers to prepare old fields for new crops. This implement features rotating tines that cut into the ground to turn up fresh, loose soil. 

Farmers typically till to soften and prepare a field for planting new seeds. Rotary tiller implements are also helpful for tilling cover crops, which protect the soil until it’s ready for your crops. Tilling in cover crops can add nutrients and fertilizer back into the soil.

Spreader

Spreaders are extremely versatile farm implements that scatter materials on the ground. For example, spreaders can spread seeds, compost, fertilizer, lime, wood chips or road salt, among other materials. While you can find spreaders in many different designs, they all feature a hopper to hold the material and a wheel that spins to release the material behind the tractor. 

Spreaders can be either ground-driven or power-driven, which refers to how the hopper releases the material. Ground-driven spreaders derive power from the wheel movement and will start spreading as soon as the wheels start moving. Power-driven spreaders connect to the tractor’s power take-off (PTO), giving the operator more control over when the spreader starts releasing material. 

Sprayer

You can use sprayers to spread liquid materials over fields. For example, a sprayer implement helps farmers spray liquid fertilizers or pesticides across fields quickly and easily. Sprayers come in various designs and sizes, allowing you to find one that fits your needs. They can also attach to a three-point hitch or the tractor’s rear.

Pallet Fork

Pallet forks can attach to front loader arms in place of the bucket or directly to the bucket. Various industries use pallet fork implements to move pallets and oversized loads. On a farm, forks are versatile, allowing you to move anything from pallets and crates to hay bales and boxed products. You can also use pallet forks to move long objects like pipes or tree branches that wouldn’t sit in a front loader bucket. 

Rotary Cutter

Rotary cutters go by many names, including brush hogs or brush cutters. You can use this implement to cut long grass, weeds, brush and shrubs to a more manageable length. 

These implements are built to cut tough plant material that a typical grooming mower couldn’t handle. Rotary cutters are ideal for farmers and property owners that need to maintain acreage. You can even use them to chop down long grasses and hay for farm animals.

Grain Cart

Also called chaser bins, farmers use grain carts beside combine harvesters. A tractor will pull a grain cart next to a combine to collect the grain. Since the combine isn’t collecting the grain, it won’t have to stop to unload it before going back to cutting. The grain cart makes collecting and transporting the grain much simpler. 

Hay Rake

A hay rake is pulled behind a tractor to arrange hay or straw into neat lines or windrows for baling. Hay rakes can also turn wet hay over so it dries quicker. A series of pronged wheels that create a “V” shape behind the tractor grab loose hay and collect it in rows. You’ll find hay rakes in several sizes and variations to meet different farming needs. 

Hay Baler

After a hay rake creates windrows of cut crops, you can use a hay baler to collect the straw, hay or grass and pack it into round or rectangular bales. Once the compressed bales dry, you can collect them for sale or use around the farm. Balers connect to the tractor’s PTO and come in various shapes and sizes. 

How to Use Tractor Implements

A strong understanding of your farm tools, implements, equipment and their uses allows you to get the most out of your equipment. Knowing how to use your tractor implements ensures you use them properly and effectively. 

Before you use a new attachment, you should read the owner’s manual. Every tractor and implement manufacturer is different, and reading the manual provides manufacturer-specific guidelines to help you form a solid foundation of understanding for your equipment. 

You should also visually inspect an implement before you use it, regardless of its age. This step helps ensure the attachment is in good condition for use. Check shields and guards around the entire attachment to ensure they’re in good shape and work properly. Look for any signs of damage that may make the implement hazardous to use.

Once you’re ready to use your tractor implements, you’ll need to know how to attach the implements to your tractor. Here’s how to attach an implement to two common types of hitches:

• Hitching to a drawbar: Back your tractor up to the implement to align the drawbar hole with the hole in the implement hitch. Once the hitch is aligned with the drawbar, set the brakes and put the tractor in park to ensure it won’t move while you’re hooking up the attachment. Use the appropriate security clip to secure the attachment in place. Finally, make any electrical, PTO or hydraulic connections the implement needs to operate.
• Hitching to a three-point hitch: The tractor drawbar should be forward to align the draft arms and pin holes with the hitch points on the implement. Adjust the draft arms until they match the hitch points. With the brakes engaged, attach the left and right arms with the corresponding clips and pins. Raise the arms to match the hitch to the upper hitch point and attach the pin.

Be sure to do one last look-over to ensure everything is properly attached and hooked up before putting the implement to work.

How to Store Tractor Implements

Just like any of your farm equipment, you need to store your tractor implements properly to prevent damage and unnecessary wear and tear. Most implements take up significant space, so you’ll want to ensure you have somewhere to store them, especially if you have or plan to get several. It’s best to store implements indoors and off the ground. 

For example, an ideal storage setup would be in a garage, barn or shed with low shelves or pallets to put the implement on to keep it off the floor. This setup will most effectively protect your equipment from the weather, moisture and other elements that can damage it. 

If indoor storage isn’t an option, try to keep implements under overhangs or covered with tarps. Take any action possible to keep your implements protected. Keeping weather and debris off your implements and any farm equipment will go a long way in preserving your investment for years to come.

Shop Farm Implements and Equipment From Holt Ag Solutions

If you’re in the market for new farm equipment or implements, Holt Ag Solutions has the inventory for you. Whether you’re looking to replace your old tractor or want to purchase your first implement, we offer a variety of high-quality farm equipment. 

From hay implements to name-brand tractors, we can help you find the right equipment for your agribusiness. Our experienced team offers personalized services that keep your equipment running smoothly long after you’ve made your purchase. From preventive maintenance to emergency repairs, we’ll be your partner for life. 

Contact our team for more information regarding our farm implements and equipment.