Running a dairy farm Running a dairy farm


About Me

Running a dairy farm

I run a dairy farm, and this year has been quite hard. The work is never easy, but this year we've had to stretch the dollars further and work even longer hours to break even. I know a lot of dairy farmers are in the same boat. But we're an innovative industry, so I thought it would be useful to start a blog where we could swap ideas on how to maximise yields and bring down production costs on farms. The more we can share these ideas with each other, the better the whole industry will manage to get through the current downturn.

Latest Posts

How Using a Mobile Sheep Dipping Service Can Benefit Your Farm
30 March 2023

Sheep dipping is a vital method to protect your fl

Irrigation System Selection Guide
27 April 2022

Are you in the market for an irrigation system for

4 Factors that a Farmer Should Bear in Mind When Buying a New Tractor
6 September 2019

A tractor can be an invaluable asset when managing

Two ways that farmers can prevent unexpected expenses
7 February 2018

If you run a small farm, an unexpected bill can wr

Cleaning and Maintenance of Pool Filter Pumps — A Newbie's Guide
25 January 2017

If your new swimming pool is to stay healthy and c

4 Factors that a Farmer Should Bear in Mind When Buying a New Tractor

A tractor can be an invaluable asset when managing a large farming property. However, when you come across a wide range of tractors of diverse makes and models, it can be tough to make an informed choice, especially for first-time buyers. There are several factors that tractor buyers must consider before buying, including value for money, farm needs, accessories and availability of after-sale services. Here are some considerations for farmers when buying new tractors like the Solis 90 tractor.

Engine Capacity -- At the heart of a tractor's performance lies the engine. The motor offers the power to perform heavy tasks. Diesel engine tractors provide more power compared to their petrol counterparts. The strength of a tractor engine is measured in horsepower, with a high rating denoting more power. Remember that a tractor with a high horsepower rating can withstand heavy loads and longer tasks. Therefore, you should assess the size of your farm and the intended use of the tractor before arriving at the right engine for you.

Availability of Servicing and Spare Parts -- A tractor is a workhorse in the farm, and thus it might experience wear and tear over time. The tractor may also need servicing from time to time, according to the owner's manual. Before buying a tractor, ensure that spare parts of your preferred make and model are available. It is best if your tractor dealer has a local service centre where you can repair your tractor quickly. Also, a local spare parts shop can be beneficial if you want to reduce the turnaround time. Notably, shipping parts from outside your locality can also add to the cost of tractor maintenance.

Hydraulics -- Hydraulic power is useful in a tractor for various purposes. Therefore, buyers must recognize the proper and safe operation of hydraulic systems. Knowing about the hydraulic system before purchasing can help first-time buyers to benefit from new features. With a flip of a switch or a push of a lever, a hydraulic system enables a tractor to perform high effort tasks, such as steering and braking. You can also initiate hydraulics to raise or lower parts of an implement that are connected to a tractor. Current hydraulic systems employ electronics to vary fluid flow and pressure. Therefore, the system's precision is increased, leading to ease of control. 

Tyre Traction -- As tractors gain weight and power to meet farmers' demands for enhanced performance, new tyre designs are necessary for stability. Therefore, consider the tread pattern of your tyres, which should produce sufficient traction in all farm conditions. Furthermore, the tyres should have a large proportion of contact area with the ground, which translates to lower rolling resistance and longer service life. Moreover, tractor tyres must adhere to set performance standards relating to load capacity and strength.