What To Consider When Buying a Commercial Vehicle for the Farm

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Farms are busy places. With so many different kinds of vehicles and equipment to help with daily tasks, it would be impossible to list them all here. However, there are some general guidelines to consider when purchasing new equipment or adding to your fleet of service vehicles—whether you’re looking for light-application vehicles such as ATVs for hauling, tractors for a range of agricultural applications, or specialty equipment for planting and harvesting.

Here’s a look at some of the most common commercial vehicles used for farming and what to keep in mind when buying a new or new-to-you piece of equipment.

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The Basics

The idea of “basic” equipment differs from farm to farm, depending on property size and type of farming–or experience level. Still, there are a few things almost any farm can benefit from, whether you’re looking to find the best trucks for beginner farmers or upgrading.

A heavy-duty pickup truck is one of the most versatile tools on a farm. Heavy-duty trucks and “duallies” (pickups with dual rear wheels for extra load strength) can haul seed, grain, hay, fertilizer, water, and tools, as well as pull heavy loads with attached trailers. Since they’re also street legal, they can handle off-farm errands when needed.

Trailers come in many types, from general-use to very specific applications. A flatbed attached to a pickup can be used for hauling heavy-duty equipment, such as loading a tractor. Smaller trailers include dump trailers for brush or firewood, while more specialized trailers are designed for livestock.

Tractors are especially useful on almost any farm. From riding mowers that keep grass and weeds under control to large tractors used for plowing, cultivating, fertilizing, and harvesting, they cover a wide range of needs. Tractors can also tow other equipment and support attachments such as buckets, bale forks, trenchers, and augers.

What To Consider

Starting a farm from scratch can be expensive and requires careful planning. Adding new equipment also calls for a strategy that balances budget and need. Here are a few factors to weigh:

Purpose. What task do you need to fulfill, and which vehicle or vehicles can best suit that purpose? Do you want an all-purpose tractor with attachments or something specific to one job?

Durability. Once you have a vehicle in mind, research which manufacturers and models have strong reputations for ruggedness and performance.

Fuel. Depending on options, you’ll need to decide which fuel works best. Gasoline-powered vehicles are usually less expensive to operate, while diesel engines are known for more power and longer service life. Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, though access to charging is an important consideration.

Age. For some, buying new equipment provides peace of mind that it will last longer before needing replacement. For others, a well-maintained used vehicle offers a cost-effective way to get started.

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Plowing Ahead

Finding your ideal truck is just the beginning, and the one you choose can significantly shape your farm operations. Once you’ve bought your workhorse, be sure to check out our tips for getting the most out of your farm truck and trailer.

Barrett Baker

Barrett Baker is a freelance writer with more than 40 years of writing experience. He has worked with the U.S. Department of Energy, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and a variety of advertising and marketing firms throughout his career. In his spare time, he enjoys photography, cooking, and working with animal rescues.

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