Modern farmers use different heavy machinery for multiple annual activities. From simple tractors to combine harvesters, these machines can handle industrial-size and small-scale backyard farming activities. With the many options available, new farmers may wonder how to use these machinery pieces to increase their production.
Determining the type of equipment that can make farming operations more efficient for mid-and-small scale farmers can be quite frustrating. After all, farmers already have to deal with cloudless skies and tough soil, so they need the right tools that can make their work easier.
Must Have Heavy Farm Machinery
Here are the best heavy machinery that you can add to your arsenal.
1. Tractors
Tractors are handy machineries that deliver high torque at a very slow speed for hauling machinery or trailers. Initially, these vehicles were designed to pull equipment around the farm, but with time, they evolved into universal farming machinery. Modern units come outfitted with numerous attachments that help them tackle various functions. These ubiquitous farming units are available in various sizes and types, so make sure you talk to the Texas John Deere Dealer before settling on any of the following types of tractors:
- Track tractors: These vehicles don’t have tires; instead, they come with tracks that help them plow with more power and provide the farmer or operator with a smoother ride.
- Compact tractors: These high-powered, small vehicles can handle various basic functions on the farm and work in tight spaces that traditional tractors can’t access.
- Wheeled tractors: These vehicles are outfitted for equipment pulling, material handling, and tilling. They have varying cab styles, controls, lifting capabilities, and horsepower.
- Specialty crop tractor: These farming vehicles are designed to work in vineyards and orchards. Their slender design makes it easier to drive between a line of vines and trees while granting them the power for landscaping.
The many attachments designed for tractors can convert these automobiles into universal machines. These attachments can turn most tractors into balers, mowers, plowing equipment, and even pull wagons. These farming implements are usually mounted or towed behind while being powered by the tractor.
2. Plowing Machine
Plowing is a crucial farming practice that has helped farmers create a grained, straight, moist, and structural sowing layer. This simple function granulates, inverts, and cuts the soil while creating ridges and furrows. Doing this discourages weeds from growing and makes it easier for farmers to take care of their crops.
Plowing was a tough task in the past, but thanks to technology, farmers have modern equipment that saves time while doing an even better job. Here are a few plows that can transform your farm:
- Moldboard plow: This wing-shaped unit has a big curved bottom that inverts and slices soil layers, leaving a rough surface.
- Switch plow: This unit’s rectangular plow is ideal for plowing medium to light soil.
- Ridge plow: This plow has double wings to create furrows. It’s ideal for creating ridges for planting various crops, including potatoes.
- Disc plow: This plow has a huge steel disc that helps it cut through soil and even break furrow slices.
There are many modern plow variations, and knowing their basic parts can help you pick the right tool for your farm. The plow you pick will mostly depend on the type of crop you produce and the demands on your field and soil.
3. Combine Harvester
While planting and soil management are crucial, harvesting is important for any farmer’s success. Combine harvesters are designed to cut and gather crops simultaneously. They’re ideal for harvesting various cereals, including sorghum, rice, corn, barley, and wheat. The following types combine harvesters separate chaff and grains differently:
- Conventional combines with shakers: This is the oldest and classic option for farmers. These units come with between four to eight shakers.
- Hybrid combine harvesters: They come with concaves, drummers, and a rotor, which helps damage fewer grains while threshing.
- Non-conventional combine with rotor: This combine is less cumbersome and more compact than the ones with shakers.
Combine harvesters can save time while ensuring that fewer grains are crushed when harvesting. Besides grains, they can also handle non-grain plants like sunflower seeds, soybeans, rapeseed, and flax.
4. Seed Drill
Seed drills are exceptional tools that help farmers save time as they plant in bulk. They position seeds at a specified depth in the soil while ensuring they’re distributed evenly. Seed drills sow at the right depth and seeding rate, guaranteeing they will be covered by soil. This ensures that they won’t be dried by the sun or consumed by animals and birds. On top of that, they determine where and how your crops will grow.
With the above machinery, farming can be less cumbersome and more productive. Initially, things were done by hand, but with equipment like seed drills, farmers no longer depended on broadcasting as a sowing method. Instead, everything is calculated and planted evenly. The type of equipment you purchase will be determined by the plants you’re growing and the condition of your farm. Whether you’re dealing with tougher soil or lack of rain, heavy machinery reduces the required labor, leaving you with more time to focus on essential things.
