Many farmers are hesitant to spend money on new equipment, but it can be one of the best investments you make. When you purchase a new tractor or combine, your productivity automatically increases as well as your efficiency. In this article we will discuss 5 signs that indicate it is time for an upgrade!
Not Taking Advantage of Technology
One of the first signs that it’s time to upgrade your equipment is if you are not taking advantage of all available technology. Every day, there are new advancements in farming machinery and this can be a great way to increase efficiency or simply make better use of existing resources. For example, many farmers have started using GPS trackers on their equipment. This allows them to easily monitor the area their machinery is working in and also track its location if it’s stolen or sold.
Not Meeting Production Goals
Another sign that you should consider an upgrade is when your current equipment isn’t meeting production goals. If one of your machines can only produce X amount, yet newer models are capable of producing more, it may be time to upgrade.
Not Taking Advantage of Strengths
One of the most important signs is when you find yourself doing a job that your equipment isn’t designed for and aren’t taking advantage of its strengths. For example, if you don’t have any planters on your farm yet want to start planting seeds, you will need to purchase a planter. This is an example of when upgrading your equipment can help increase efficiency on the farm. Local retailers like Cappel Sales are a great place to start when looking for new or used equipment that has the latest technology.
Frequent Repairs and Maintenance
If you are frequently repairing or maintaining your machines, this may be another sign that it’s time for an upgrade. Machines that require more maintenance than usual likely have old parts and outdated technology. Replacing these machines with newer models can save you time and money in the long run.
Not Safe to Use
The last sign that it may be time for an upgrade is when your equipment is no longer safe to use. This could be due to old age, lack of safety features or even faulty parts. Upgrading to newer models can not only increase efficiency, but it can also increase the safety of your farm.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing any of the 5 signs listed above then it may be time to upgrade your farming equipment. As with most purchases, new equipment will require some initial investment but this can lead to long-term savings and increased efficiency on the farm.
