Close-up of agriculture red tractor cultivating field over blue sky
The agricultural industry has made incredible strides thanks to technological improvements over the past few decades. Today’s farmers and agriculturists have a tremendous array of machinery to pick from, catering to numerous farming tasks that dot the calendar year. From sophisticated combine harvesters to versatile tractors, the spectrum of agricultural equipment is broad enough to facilitate small-scale homesteaders and industrial-sized operations.
The first challenge is determining what agricultural equipment you need—the second is getting your hands on high-quality machinery without burning a hole in your wallet. Consider some of the most common types of agricultural equipment and their uses. Then, learn why buying agricultural equipment at auction could be the best option for your budget.
Types of Farming Vehicles
Heavy Trucks and Trailers
Trucks and trailers are big players in the agriculture sector. These vehicles are the lifeblood that keeps your operations flowing seamlessly. Here are some types of trucks and trailers you may find useful:
- Dump trucks are indispensable for hauling and dumping large quantities of material such as soil, sand, or harvested produce.
- Flatbed trucks, with their level bed and no sides or roof, are ideal for transporting large or oddly shaped equipment.
- Tanker trucks are essential for transporting liquids such as water or fuel.
- Livestock trailers are designed to transport animals safely.
- Grain trailers facilitate the delivery of produce to storage facilities or markets during the harvest season.
- Equipment trailers securely move heavy machinery and equipment from one site to another on the farm or other locations.
- Refrigerated trucks offer a controlled temperature environment ensuring the freshness and quality of perishable goods en route to the market.
Tractors
The term “tractor” covers a range of machinery, all of which are indispensable in agriculture. Consider these popular options:
- Compact tractors are ideal for small to medium-sized tasks, making them a boon for small-scale farmers with less demanding chores.
- Wheeled tractors are a go-to choice for improved speed and maneuverability over various soil types.
- Track tractors are best suited for heavy-duty tasks on challenging terrain, offering superior traction and reduced soil compaction.
- Orchard tractors are specially designed for orchard work. Their compact and low-profile design makes them a perfect fit for navigating tight orchard rows.
Contemporary tractors come with an array of attachments to cater to almost every conceivable farming chore. Some examples include:
- Wagons or trailers (used for harvesting, material handling, transporting employees and visitors, moving farming equipment, etc.)
- Backhoes (able to dig up to 10 feet)
- Front-end loaders (able to dig, move, and lift heavy or bulky items)
- Sprayers (boom, broadcast, airblast, etc.)
- Mowers (rotary, flail, reel, etc.)
- Mulch layers (plastic, paper, organic, etc.)
- Rakes (landscape, leaf, thatching, etc.)
Combines or Harvesters
Grain farmers can’t get the job done without a trusty combine, also known as a harvester or combine harvester. These mechanical beasts employ gears, blades, belts, and wheels to turn cereal crops into grain.
- Reaping is the first step in the harvesting process, where the combine cuts down the crop.
- Threshing separates the edible part of the grain from the chaff.
- Winnowing is the final step that cleans the grain, readying it for the market or silos.
Hay and Forage Equipment
Hay and forage equipment is crucial for preparing fodder for livestock and managing pasture land. These machines aid in cultivating, cutting, and storing feed crops.
- Mower-conditioners cut down forage and hay crops while simultaneously conditioning them to accelerate drying.
- Balers are instrumental in compacting cut forage into bales for easy handling, transport, and storage.
- Forage harvesters are used for chopping crops into silage, which is then stored in silos or pits to be used as animal feed.
- Rakes gather cut hay or straw into windrows, while tedders spread it out to dry more quickly.
Soil Preparation and Cultivation Equipment
Before seeds are planted, soil preparation and cultivation equipment is deployed to ensure the ground is fertile and ready for sowing.
- Tillers and cultivators churn the soil, making it loose and aerated for the upcoming planting.
- Plows turn over the soil to bury crop residues, thus enhancing the soil composition.
- Harrows further refine the soil after plowing.
- Bed shapers prepare the soil into raised beds, promoting better drainage and soil structure.
- Fertilizer spreaders distribute nutrients to seeds and plant roots, helping them grow quickly and productively.
Planting Equipment
The best way to set the stage for a fruitful harvest is with reliable planting equipment. Such machines ensure seeds are sown correctly, which is crucial for optimum growth.
- Seed drills plant seeds at precise depths and intervals.
- Broadcast seeders scatter seeds across the ground, making them suitable for cover cropping and seeding wildflowers or lawns.
- Transplanters, available in manual, semi-automatic, and automatic versions, move seedlings from greenhouses to fields with minimal shock.
ATVs or UTVs
Rising in popularity among farmers and other agricultural professionals are all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UTVs). These machines are known for their agility, able to zip across rugged terrain faster than traditional tractors. They can also be outfitted with attachments like small trailers, spreaders, and mowers for increased versatility.
Buying Agricultural Equipment at Auction
The equipment mentioned above is but a peek into the agricultural machinery you can find at auctions. Savvy contractors keep their eye on the auctions organized by Dakil Auctioneers, Inc. to snag pre-owned heavy construction and farming equipment at a great price. Examples of the heavy construction equipment you can expect to find at auction include:
- Bulldozers
- Backhoes
- Excavators
- Forklifts
- Cranes
- Trenchers
- All types of heavy trucks and trailers
Dakil Auctioneers, Inc. is Oklahoma’s top heavy equipment auction house, with auctions once a quarter featuring a broad array of agricultural equipment. Consider bidding in our next auction, or sell your underutilized equipment if you have excess inventory. Check out our upcoming auctions or contact us at (405) 751-6179 for more information.
