55 Years And Counting From The Tractor Seat

By Bill Whitman 

When I was a kid, we used equipment that was new, like new, and well maintained. Whatever the equipment, it was ready for the field. Ironically, we had more trouble with new equipment than with equipment that had been on the farm for a season or two.

Today we see emphasis on precision planting, harvesting and everything in between. We were just as focused on doing the best job possible as anyone today. Given the times and the equipment available, I think we did a pretty darn good job. The way we did such a good job was because we took very good care of our equipment.

When I look at today’s young farmer and think of days gone by, and especially the hard times we went through, I worry that we aren’t helping our young farmers with counsel regarding the value of taking care of our equipment. Every piece of equipment we used was maintained as good as new. When the equipment was replaced with new it was because there was literally no more life left in it. Often it was 10 years or more old. So, let’s consider how much value there would be in stretching the equipment life just one or two years longer. 

I fully agree with the trend toward precision planting. My question is whether the cost of a new planter is justified when almost every planter manufacturer has upgrades available that can meet the capabilities of new. After all, it’s the crop produced by the tool we use that puts money in the bank, not how pretty or expensive the tool used. In order to get past the hard times, often, saving on equipment without sacrificing the quality of work done is the difference. When we talk about harvesting, what is the cost difference between a new machine and a 10-year-old machine that is meticulously maintained? Here again, the difference determines whether you’ll make a profit… or not.

So how do you weigh the factors involved in whether to keep and maintain equipment or replace it? We farmers have a tendency to get attached to our machines. Personally, when I get comfortable with understanding how to run a piece of equipment and maintain it, I tend to have a harder time upgrading. The term “upgrading” should be central to any decision to replace equipment on the farm. We always want to be improving the efficiency of our business. Agriculture is one industry which does not allow you to become complacent and profitable, primarily because to maintain your profitability you have to do more with less and the same amount of time.

It goes without saying that when a piece of equipment is worn out, it’s done. All you can do is replace it with something that does the same work, better and more efficiently. Cost is relative to the dollar benefit to your operation. You also need to look at options that can be affected by changes in costs, availability, weather and need. I know that around us, manure spreaders were hardly used for a number of years. Last year, with the huge jump in fertilizer availability and cost, manure became a hot commodity.

I have to bring up harvest equipment. When we’re trying to get every grain produced in the bin the new machines do a very good job of harvesting. But then you have to look at how the cost of the machines balance the retrieval of 3-4 extra bushels per acre. I don’t think there’s a farmer in the country that doesn’t shake their head at the price tag of a new combine. So, you can’t help but consider the new cost verses buying a three-five-year-old machine for a third the cost, knowing that you’ll need to spend some dollars on repairs.

Finally, let’s not forget that ignoring maintenance issues can sometimes result in a breakdown that can injure someone. How many of us have watched a u-joint come apart for lack of grease? Or an engine fail for need of oil? Like everything else on the farm, we have to consider the cost. Not only the cost out of today’s bank account but how the cost will affect our businesses over the years. Of course, you want to avoid being “penny wise and dollar foolish.”

IndianaAg@bluemarble.net