Modern farmers have different equipment options for various annual activities. From high-tech combine harvesters to simple tractors, the different farm equipment can meet the needs of small-scale homesteaders and industrial-size farming operations. However, it can be challenging to keep track of all the options. New farmers especially may wonder what the different types of farming machinery are for. For small- and mid-size farms, determining the types of farming machinery you may need to make your operations more efficient can be frustrating.
While all the equipment available may seem confusing, knowing about the basic farm equipment options can be an enormous help. If you’re looking into purchasing new or used farm equipment, take a look at this guide. We’ll review the different types of agricultural machines, their uses and some options for small, mid-size and large-scale farming operations.
Of the different types of farm equipment and their uses, vehicles are the most important and represent the largest investment. While a truck is often a staple of farming life, several other farm-specific vehicles exist.
The tractor is ubiquitous in the farming world and comes in various sizes to fit any farming operation. The primary purpose of a tractor is to pull farm equipment, but modern tractors can be outfitted with multiple attachments to suit just about any farming need. For this reason, tractors are common-sense purchases for small and large-scale farmers alike.
There are several types of tractors, including the following:
Attachments allow tractors to become universal machines capable of getting anything done . For more details on the types of attachments available and what they do, see the section covering tractor attachments.
In nothern California and Oregon, combines are commonly used for rice and grass seed, but you can also use combines and forage harvesters for other purposes on a farm. Even small-scale farmers can significantly benefit from using a combine or forage harvester. These massive pieces of machinery use a complex system of gears, blades, belts and wheels to turn cereal crops into grain. Combines accomplish this through three primary processes:
There is a vast array of combines and combine attachments to meet the needs of any farm. Many newer combines can even track yield data, showing which areas of the field did well and which did poorly so that these issues can be addressed the following year.
All-terrain vehicles, also known as ATVs or four-wheelers, are becoming increasingly common on farms of all sizes, as are utility vehicles or UTVs. These smaller vehicles can move across rough terrain more effectively than most road vehicles and more quickly than a typical tractor. Additionally, several types of attachments will work for these vehicles, including small trailers, spreaders and mowers.
Tractor attachments are attached to tractors or pulled behind them to add a new level of functionality. Their uses range widely from soil management to seeding. The different types of farm machinery attachments are detailed below.
A plow is a large tractor attachment that drags behind the tractor, using long blades to cut furrows in the soil. This process not only loosens and turns the soil, but it also helps kill off any surface vegetation that is not intended to be there. While the soil has to go through several subsequent steps to be ready for planting, plowing is an essential first step.
The concept of a plow may seem simple enough, but there are a variety of different plow types. Each plow type is suited to a specific soil type, soil condition and crop type. Here is a look at the three most common types of plows:
Plows can range widely in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the type, size, brand and condition of the plow.
Where plowing primes the soil, harrowing further agitates it in preparation for agricultural work. These attachments break down clumps of soil, make the soil surface level and redistribute crop and weed residue to make it easier for new plants to take root and grow. Harrows can also be used after distributing manure and fertilizer, as they can help break up clumps and distribute the fertilizer more evenly.
Some common types of harrows include:
Often, multiple types of harrows are used for different purposes and may be used multiple times during the soil preparation process. Harrows can be pulled behind tractors or ATVs, depending on their size and complexity. More advanced harrows require a tractor, but they often combine the benefits of multiple types of harrows all into one.
All-terrain vehicles, also known as ATVs or four-wheelers, are becoming increasingly common on farms of all sizes, as are rugged terrain vehicles (RTVs), and utility vehicles (UTVs). These smaller vehicles can move across rough terrain more effectively than most road vehicles and more quickly than a typical tractor. Additionally, several attachments will work for these vehicles, including small trailers, spreaders and mowers.
ATVs, RTVs, and UTVs make it easier to navigate large properties and provide an easier alternative to walking. You can also use these vehicles to haul equipment or your harvest, depending on the scope of your applications.
Tractor attachments are attached to tractors or pulled behind them to add a new level of functionality. Their uses range widely from soil management to seeding. The different types of farm machinery attachments are detailed below.
A plow is a large tractor attachment that drags behind the tractor, using long blades to cut furrows in the soil. This process loosens and turns the soil and helps kill off any surface vegetation not intended to be there. While the soil has to go through several subsequent steps to be ready for planting, plowing is an essential first step.
The concept of a plow may seem simple enough, but various plow types exist. Each plow type is suited to a specific soil type, soil condition and crop type. Here is a look at the three most common types of plows:
Plows can range widely in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the plow’s type, size, brand and condition. You’ll want to choose a plow based on your soil type, land conditions and type of crop production.
Where plowing primes the soil, harrowing further agitates it in preparation for agricultural work. These attachments break down clumps of soil, make the soil surface level and redistribute crop and weed residue to make it easier for new plants to grow. Harrows can also be used after distributing manure and fertilizer, as they can help break up clumps and distribute the fertilizer more evenly.
Some common types of harrows include:
Multiple types of harrows are often used for different purposes and may be used numerous times during the soil preparation process. Depending on size and complexity, harrows can be pulled behind tractors or ATVs. More advanced harrows require a tractor, but they often combine the benefits of multiple types of harrows all into one. Some harrows can be attached to another implement to save time and expenses since you won’t have to make as many passes through the field. You can also use them to break up manure and smooth riding surfaces.
Fertilizer Spreaders function as the name suggests — they spread fertilizer across a field. While there are fertilizer spreaders that can be run separately, most farming operations require a tractor-run fertilizer spreader for quick, evenly distributed fertilization.
There are multiple types of fertilizer spreaders, varying primarily based on the fertilizer used. These are some of the more common types of tractor-mounted fertilizer spreaders:
Fertilizer spreaders vary widely in size and price, so consider your application closely before deciding which type to buy. It’s also worthwhile to note that fertilizer spreader attachments are available for ATVs, UTVs and tractors.
Seeders are designed to spread seeds across large plots of land quickly and efficiently. While small farms may use small mechanical seeders or even hand-seeding methods, tractor-pulled seeders are most commonly used in large-scale farms today. There are different machines used in agriculture seeding such as the following:
Like other attachments, seeders vary in price based on the size, type and condition of the seeder. Some seeders can even seed, fertilize or spread salt all at once, depending on the needs of your applications.
Balers are essential for hay, straw and corn stalk collection. These tractor attachments collect these materials and wrap them into more easily manageable bales. There are three general kinds of hay balers:
Typically, square balers are less expensive than round balers, but the best type of baler for your farm and the wrapping method you use depends on your application. Balers can be used to collect food or bedding for livestock or collect crop yields to make them easier to transport.
Farm wagons and trailers are a necessity for any operation. Wagons and trailers are available in a wide range of sizes and materials, and they may be used for a range of purposes, including the following:
Tractor wagons and trailers vary widely in size, and many operations may need multiple types to handle all the various duties involved in daily farm operations.
Orchard Cabs offer superior protection and comfort for your operators regardless of the environment. These cabs are designed to reduce distractions and fatigue to improve productivity and precision. Guardian and Sutter Butte both make exceptional orchard cabs that can be added to most existing tractors. They also make it easier to work on uneven terrain with their superior traction and stability.
Some additional benefits include:
Orchard cabs are an excellent tractor addition that makes your work environment safer and more efficient.
While the attachments listed above are the most common tractor attachments purchased, many other tractor attachments are commonly used in farming and related applications. Some of these different types of farming machinery attachments include:
You can also find backhoe tractor attachments if your application requires digging holes regularly. These attachments can dig up to 10 feet. However, renting or purchasing a standalone backhoe may be more effective for larger-scale applications.
Front-end loader attachments can also be very versatile for small to mid-size farms. While they are not an option for all tractors, these attachments can dig, move, lift heavy or bulky items, and perform land-grading tasks.
It is important to note that not all farms need all of these attachments — small-scale farms will need fewer types of agricultural equipment than large-scale farms, and a farm’s need for specialized equipment will vary based on the local environment and farming methods used.
Holt Ag Solutions has the expertise and guidance to help you find the farm equipment you need. We are a leading supplier of new and used farming equipment sourced from various manufacturers. We have a diverse product line to ensure you can find what you need, including product lines like CLAAS LEXION Combines and JAGUAR Forage Harvester and AGCO’s Fendt and Massey Ferguson products. Our Yuba City, Woodland and Willows locations also have Kubota tractors for sale. For those in need of a powerful utility vehicle, our Woodland, Willows, and Yuba City stores carries Kubota RTVs and our Salida store carries the full Polaris lineup.
Holt Ag Solutions is dedicated to providing the service you need to properly maintain your farming equipment. We are a one-stop shop for all your farming equipment needs, serving Merced County to the Oregon-Washington border. Our team of experts can guide you through our product offers and what could work best for your application. We also have a top-notch service and parts department to help you properly maintain and repair your equipment. From sale to salvage, your needs are our top priority.
If you’re ready to partner with a farming equipment provider that focuses on your satisfaction, contact Holt Ag Solutions today!