Equipment

Spec smarter, don’t work harder

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Here are the key features producers should look for when evaluating machines to support leaner teams.

Upgrade tractor performance without buying new equipment

jonesgreg@bfusa.com — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Every farmer has a moment when the tractor doesn’t seem to perform like it used to – a little more slip in soft ground, a little more fuel burned to finish the same job. A smarter, more affordable path to better performance often starts where few people look first: the tires.

New tractor aims to fill the need for day-to-day use plus high-horsepower fieldwork

walt.cooley@agproud.com — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

JCB's new 6000 Series tractor aims to satisfy the needs of farmers looking for machinery with 240 to 330 horsepower.

Powering the farm through winter: Why generator services are essential for modern agriculture

grant@criticalpowerservicesllc.com — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

When a winter storm knocks out the grid, even for a few hours, it can put livestock health, milk quality and business operations at serious risk.

Why one size doesn’t fit all: The case for specialized equipment in modern dairy operations

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

When equipment is used for jobs it wasn’t designed to do, efficiency suffers, wear accelerates and operators feel the strain.

Winter preparedness: Keeping people, animals and equipment moving when temperatures drop

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Winter weather creates some of the most difficult operating conditions for dairy producers. From frozen feed gates to snow-clogged barnyards and subzero starts, equipment and operator efficiency can take a serious hit if not properly prepared.

Managing capital purchases: When to repair or replace

matt.lange@intagralfinancial.com — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In some cases it is better to repair farm equipment and other times it is better to replace. Knowing when to take action on one versus the other is also part of a bigger strategy for managing your dairy operation.

Tune up equipment to prevent emergency repairs

jenn@agproud.com — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 23:00:00 -0400

There are many ways to optimize the efficiency of farms, but one of the most effective manners is by doing so with the equipment already installed on the dairy. And, with hot weather not too many months away, now may be the time to consider equipment tune-ups.

Milk production costs: Actionable strategies that don't negatively impact the cows

alvaro@dellait.com — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In recent years, dairy farming costs have risen across several categories, posing challenges to farm profitability. However, not all costs are beyond a farmer’s control. By focusing on specific actionable items, farmers can manage expenses effectively without negatively impacting cow health or milk production.

Maintenance tips to keep equipment running properly

cheryl@peoplemanagementgroup.com — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Keeping your farm equipment in good condition is a vital part of maintaining a safe operation. Performing regular inspections and routine maintenance ensures your equipment is in safe working condition and can prevent incidents. Employees should not operate any equipment that is not in safe condition.

Tips to keep your generators online and ready to work in the winter

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 13:30:20 -0500

In this article, two seasoned generator technicians – Dale Routh, owner of Power Solutions in Spirit Lake, Idaho, who has 36 years of experience in this field; and Robby Robinson, owner of Genesis Power in Apple River, Illinois, who has 40 years of experience – share some tips to help keep your generator running smoothly all winter long.

Equipment write-offs: There’s more to it than you might think

doug@tilleylincoln.com — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

It’s pretty common for clients to consider buying equipment at year's end in order to write it off for tax purposes. Bottom line: We need to think about depreciation timing for when the tax deduction will help the most.

7 best practices to stay safe around farm equipment

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Farm safety is often top of mind in our industry and especially in the fall. Not only is it the busy harvest season, but The National Education Center for Agriculture Safety recognizes National Farm Safety and Health Week, this year from Sept. 15-21.

Impact of heavy ag equipment on Idaho's highways and road planning

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 16:47:54 -0400

With 24,600 farms and ranches in Idaho, accessing remote fields and moving commodities to market place a big demand on the roadways. Never is that so obvious as when harvest is in full swing and motorists find themselves sharing the roads with trucks, combines and other large equipment.

Precision starter guide for hay and forage equipment

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The use of precision technology has been a pivotal evolution for agricultural practices, aiding farmers in crop management, resource optimization and operational efficiency.

How much do equipment breakdowns really cost farmers?

bwilder@uidaho.edu — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The true cost of equipment breakdowns is often far higher than the dollars spent on parts to get up and running again. And regardless of why equipment breaks down, downtime adds additional costs to your operation.

Preparing hay equipment for a productive season

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

As summer approaches, farmers and ranchers across the country are gearing up for the hay season ahead. Amid the anticipation of warmer weather and bustling fields, ensuring hay equipment is in optimal condition becomes a priority on the long to-do list for your farm.

Equipment greasing 101

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 14:09:32 -0500

At the end of the day, no piece of equipment is going to properly perform in the field without a good maintenance routine, and any good maintenance routine includes frequent greasing.

Spreader and sprayer tips: Make time for a spring tech refresh

nathan.druffel@heartlandag.com — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

To safeguard your controllers and on-board technology, follow the same end-of-season cleaning and storage prep practices you do for the machines.

Farm equipment Christmas: Wrap it or repaint it

aoverbay@vt.edu — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

If you're restoring a piece of farm equipment for show quality, you might consider wrapping it instead of repainting it.

Equipment Hub: Prioritizing wheel loader safety on dairy operations

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Understand top wheel loader features to be better protected on the farm.

Testing your diagnostic skills – Fuel filter sludge and flex-fuel engines

hotrodfarmer@farmmachinerydigest.com — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Four opinions on fuel sludge and flex fuel – and which one has better advice?

July 2023 new product rollout

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Datamars Livestock has smart solutions to help farmers, ranchers and producers ensure their livestock are secure 24-7 with the Tru-Test Fence Monitoring System.

Preventative maintenance on equipment, buildings improves farm safety

cheryl@peoplemanagementgroup.com — Tue, 30 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

One of the best things you can do to prevent injuries on your farm is to conduct preventative maintenance and ensure everything is it in good working order.

Future solutions to diesel emissions

aoverbay@vt.edu — Fri, 26 May 2023 11:33:40 -0400

Fuel additives carry various claims and purposes, and there seems to be no one-size-fits-all solution.

Don’t ignore the motor rattle

westernindustrial3@gmail.com — Fri, 12 May 2023 15:34:29 -0400

When vibration becomes excessive, it affects the bearings, bearing fits, wear rings, etc. All of these can lead to a catastrophic failure if left alone.

Testing your diagnostic skills – Stalling engines, tractor coolant leak, microswitches, battery charge

hotrodfarmer@farmmachinerydigest.com — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 14:19:09 -0400

The coffee group never agrees on stalling engines, tractor coolant leaks or anything else. Who's right?

New products for May 2023

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 09:04:14 -0400

Check out some of the latest agricultural products hitting the market.

Farm Machinery Digest: Testing your diagnostic skills – Emissions, fuel pickup and electric shocks

hotrodfarmer@farmmachinerydigest.com — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Four friends, four opinions on emissions, fuel pickup and electric shocks. Who is right?

Testing your diagnostic skills – Thermostats, sprayer pump and engine warmup

hotrodfarmer@farmmachinerydigest.com — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 13:07:39 -0500

Four coffee-drinking friends cannot agree on thermostats, sprayer pumps or engine warmups. Maybe one is smarter than the others – but which one?