Upgrade tractor or get contractor in

[j6891]

Looking at changing tractor as youngest one is 20 years old now and needing a bit more hp. Tractor to change is 100hp. Biggest job would be round baling and ploughing.

 

[7610 super q]

Changing every 20 years isn't too bad. Might as well do it now, as in 10 years time a mid range tractor will cost £500,000.........

 

[Steevo]

How much work will it have to do?

How is your labour situation?

Sometimes these things can be a good reason to adjust other parts of the system to make them fit. It’s not always about which is financially the best option.

 

[DeeGee]

Depends a bit on your labour situation as well.
If you are pushed at certain peak times then remember that you also get extra labour with using a contractor. They should also bring up to date high output machinery with all the latest technology and features etc.

I tend to keep the basic implements and handler etc with a few older tractors, but use contractors for most of the heavy work or that which requires more expensive machinery such as combining, mower conditioning, baling, power harrowing and drilling etc. I could never justify paying out for the more expensive machines on a relatively small acreage, nor on buying newer high horsepower modern tractors to power these machines.

Others will probably have different ideas, but it all depends what you think is best for your own farm.

 

[Chae1]

Looking at changing tractor as youngest one is 20 years old now and needing a bit more hp. Tractor to change is 100hp. Biggest job would be round baling and ploughing.

Do you have any keen farmers sons nearby that would come with daddy's tractor?

Do you have time to drive tractor?

 

[Warp Land Farmer]

How good is the equipment you are using? Will new tractor lead to new plough..... new baler ... etc etc

 

[daveydiesel1]

Only thing is when u have ur own kit u can do the job the moment it needs done whereas a contractor isnt gonna always be at ur beckonin call. Change up a good few years and prob wont cost that much really.

 

[j6891]

How good is the equipment you are using? Will new tractor lead to new plough..... new baler ... etc etc

It's a slippery slope isn't it. Usually make/sell some hay so like having my own baler (mchale f550). Maybe should punt the baler and get contractor in for ploughing then don't need a new tractor? Small units getting harder to justify having any kit. Goes back to the debate what kit does a farm actually need?

 

[Renaultman]

Have you looked at hiring a tractor. It all depends on the quality and availability of local contractors, versus available labour.

 

[Drillman]

Well if you have a half decent baler already (sounds like you do) a 4 or 5 furrow plough isn’t expensive used to buy so assuming the above I would upgrade the tractor.

 

[DeeGee]

How good and prompt are your local contractors? If they are good and reliable that will have a bearing on your decision as well. Obviously some jobs are more urgent than others and if contractors are rare or slow in your area then you already know that you have to bear this in mind.

The jobs that I tend to use contractors for here are those that need the higher priced more complex machines and the higher horsepower tractors. But for basic things like ploughs, cultivators, rollers, fertiliser spinners and hay tedders etc then I try and keep my own stuff reasonably up to date, as their cost is relatively modest and can be run on older and lower powered tractors.

 

[kiwi pom]

It depends on your own individual situation, farm size, type workload etc.
Question 1. Do You need a tractor at all?

 

[DeeGee]

It depends on your own individual situation, farm size, type workload etc.
Question 1. Do You need a tractor at all?

That’s a daft question. How else is the wife supposed to go shopping?

 

[kiwi pom]

That’s a daft question. How else is the wife supposed to go shopping?

These threads interest me because often times we're already at the point of, which, tractor, baler, mower etc.
I wonder how much of that is based on the numbers compared to. I'm a farmer, I need to be doing work all day and I like running equipment?

 

[Muddyroads]

So many variables to consider, many of which have already been mentioned. As well as the financial aspect, what do you enjoy doing?

 

[fiatf130]

Why do you need more hp? Surely 100hp is plenty to drive a round baler and pull a plough?!

 

[Drillman]

Why do you need more hp? Surely 100hp is plenty to drive a round baler and pull a plough?!

All depends how much you gotta do, how much time you e got to to do it, and how quick you want/need to get on.

 

[fiatf130]

It's a basic round baler and you can only plough so fast. 100hp is plenty. Why does everybody think they need 200 hp for every job they go to do nowadays?

 

[DrDunc]

JFDI

Get that new tractor bought

You're only here once, and he who dies with the best toys, wins ??

 

[fiatf130]

Well a new tractor isn't the best toy so he won't win. [emoji23]