What types of machines are used in agriculture?

Technology has made leaps and bounds over the last several decades, increasing our understanding of plants and how to increase yield. But even as our production grows, so does the population that needs to be fed. Efficient farming is essential and the backbone of any society.

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Industrial equipment in the agriculture and grain industries is what makes so much food production possible. Heavy farm equipment takes the place of dozens of men on the farm, allowing farmers to produce enough crops sustainably. 

Industrial Agriculture Equipment Categories

Before we discuss types of equipment, there are several categories of industrial Ag (agriculture) equipment to know:

• Tillage Equipment: Tillage machines till the soil by cutting it into smaller pieces to break apart clumps and refine the soil. Tilling digs deeper into the ground than cultivators to prepare a new field or when adding large amounts of fertilizer. 
• Cultivation Equipment: This includes plows, harrows, and cultivators. This equipment helps prepare the ground for planting by turning and loosening the soil. Only the first couple of inches are loosened to prepare the soil for crops. 
• Planting Equipment: Planting equipment prepares the soil for planting and distributing seeds, and they also firm the ground after seeding. 
• Irrigation Equipment: Equipment that waters vast swathes of crops. 
• Harvesting Equipment: Harvests crops and prepares the fields for winter. 
• Material Handling & Storage Equipment: Moves and stores all the crops, hay, and other materials.

5 Types of Grain/Agriculture Industrial Equipment

Without the right industrial equipment, tools, and parts, your operation can come to a quick halt. The following types of grain and agriculture equipment are essential in creating efficient and profitable operating processes.

1. Tractors

Tractors are an extensive category of vehicles that can be set up to handle many tasks on the farm. Pulling attachments behind allows tractors to switch equipment attachments to match the required task. 

Some attachments tractors pull are:

• Plows
• Fertilizer Spreaders
• Harrows
• Seeders
• Balers
• Cultivators
• Transplanters
• Wagons & Trailers

With so many attachment options, tractors are the workhorse of the farm, transitioning from one task to another.

2. Combines & Harvesters

Combine harvesters are primarily used for harvesting grain crops such as cereals. They are purpose-built for harvesting and threshing simultaneously. Combine harvesters can be pulled behind a tractor, but the self-propelled models are more commonly used. 

The conventional combine harvester uses shakers to separate the grain from the chaff. The number of shakers they have can vary from four to eight. 

The less conventional combine harvester uses rotors to separate the chaff. This design is more compact, less cumbersome, and requires less maintenance. The finished product is superior, with less broken grain. However, the equipment is sensitive to the mass and humidity of the straw, which can create inopportune harvesting windows. It also has a higher fuel consumption. 

There are a few hybrid models, though they are less available on the market than the other two types. 

Factors in choosing the right combine harvester are the type (shakers versus rotors), field size, storage capacity, wheels versus tracks, and price. 

3. Field Irrigation Equipment

There are many systems of irrigation to get water to crops. Two of the most popular irrigation systems are sprinklers and micro irrigation systems. 

Sprinkler Systems

One of the most common irrigation systems for agriculture is sprinkler systems. This system of hoses, pipes, and pressurized sprinkler heads apply water to the soil from above with a circular, rectangular, and lateral pattern. 

Sprinkler systems can be used for flat, undulating, or even sloping ground, making them a very versatile irrigation system. They use far less water than surface irrigation. Farmers can adjust and program the sprinkler heads to maximize water usage. Sprinklers are most viable for large swathes of land and can be adjusted and moved for different fields and crops. 

Micro Irrigation Systems

Micro irrigation, or drip irrigation, is the most water-efficient agricultural irrigation system. Micro irrigation uses a complex system of soaker hoses, pipes, timers, sensors, and even programmable applications to directly water plants. 

Water is applied directly to soil where the roots of the plants would benefit most and isn&#;t subject to the evaporation that sprinkler systems are. Sensors give information about the soil&#;s moisture levels to a central hub, which can activate or turn off the water pumps. 

This highly water-efficient precision system prevents diseases from being passed from plant to plant because water doesn&#;t flow over land and contact multiple plants. Liquid fertilizer can be directly administered to the water supply to fertilize crops. Micro irrigation systems are best used for high-value row crops like orchards, cotton, maize, sugar cane, vegetables, and more.

The main disadvantage of micro irrigation is the high capital and labor investment required to set it up. It also has a relatively high learning technological curve if you use sensors and software. To assess if a micro irrigation system is best for you, weigh the set-up cost against the long-term savings in time and water. If water is scarce, the system will soon pay for itself. 

4. Modern Grain Conveyor Handling Equipment

As anyone who has worked with grain and cereals before knows, massive quantities of grain are heavy and require a lot of work to move. Engineers have long invented many systems, equipment, and tools to help improve grain handling. 

Here are some of the various types of grain-handling equipment:

• Auger Systems: Augers use a turning helix (a giant screw) inside a long tube to move grain from one location&#;from a truck to a silo, for example. Augers can be portable or stationary, moving grain horizontally or on an incline. There is some inherent grain lost as it gets crushed between the screw and the side of the tube.
• Bucket Conveyors & Elevators: Bucket conveyors and elevators are conveyor systems made of spaced buckets secured to a moving conveyor belt, transporting grain up an incline or vertically. 
• Chain Conveyors: Chain conveyors can move grain horizontally or on an incline. They typically use two chains with plastic pedals mounted between them, moving grain along its length. 
• Belt Conveyors: Belt conveyor systems are, just as they sound, a moving belt conveyor that transports grain. They have lower grain motor energy requirements than augers and carry the material more gently and with less material loss. Belt conveyors have higher costs and require extra floor space and shallower incline angles. They also don&#;t protect grain from external contaminants. They work best in sheltered environments. 

These are the most common grain handling systems. There are more, such as pneumatic conveyors, which use suction through a grain handling hose like a giant vacuum. 

Factors like where you need to move the grain, volume, space, speed, energy, and grain safety requirements will all affect your decision in selecting the best grain handling equipment for your situation. When choosing a grain conveyor system, learn about the maintenance requirements of different bulk material handling equipment types, as some require more maintenance than others.

IBT&#;s Grain Division will help you choose the best grain-handling solutions that meet your needs.

5. Heavy Construction Equipment

While heavy construction equipment may not seem like &#;farming equipment,&#; farmers still regularly use skid steers, backhoes, dozers, excavators, and other construction equipment.

Heavy construction equipment is used for earthmoving, maintenance, material transport, and more. Farmers use construction equipment to dig out boulders, remove trees, drain fields, dig irrigation ditches, and more. Many farmers find that having construction equipment on hand can save them the time, effort, and expense of renting equipment, which requires transportation. 

IBT&#;s Agricultural Industry Services

Above all else, it&#;s important to remember that the maintenance of industrial equipment in the agriculture and grain industries is what will keep operations running smoothly. IBT&#;s industry professionals can service your equipment, offering high-quality products and fast turnaround times. We offer:

• Motors
• Bearings and Bearing Lubrication
• Hydraulic Hoses
• Power Transmission
• Material Handling
• General Industrial Supplies and Safety/PPE

Quick Navigation:

• Farming Vehicles
  • Tractors
  • Combines and Forage Harvesters
  • ATV, RTV, and UTV
• Tractor Attachments and Implements
  • Plows
  • Harrows
  • Fertilizer Spreaders
  • Seeders
  • Balers
  • Wagons or Trailers
  • Orchard Cab
  • Other Tractor Attachments

Modern farmers have different equipment options for various annual activities. From high-tech combine harvesters to simple tractors, the different farm equipment can meet the needs of small-scale homesteaders and industrial-size farming operations. However, it can be challenging to keep track of all the options. New farmers especially may wonder what the different types of farming machinery are for. For small- and mid-size farms, determining the types of farming machinery you may need to make your operations more efficient can be frustrating.

While all the equipment available may seem confusing, knowing about the basic farm equipment options can be an enormous help. If you're looking into purchasing new or used farm equipment, take a look at this guide. We'll review the different types of agricultural machines, their uses and some options for small, mid-size and large-scale farming operations.

Farming Vehicles

Of the different types of farm equipment and their uses, vehicles are the most important and represent the largest investment. While a truck is often a staple of farming life, several other farm-specific vehicles exist.

1. Tractors

The tractor is ubiquitous in the farming world and comes in various sizes to fit any farming operation. The primary purpose of a tractor is to pull farm equipment, but modern tractors can be outfitted with multiple attachments to suit just about any farming need. For this reason, tractors are common-sense purchases for small and large-scale farmers alike.

There are several types of tractors, including the following:

• Compact tractors: Compact tractors are small, high-powered tractors that can assist with all the basic functions needed on a farm or home. They are ideal for material handling and working in tight spaces where traditional tractors can't fit.
• Wheeled tractors: Wheeled tractors are general-purpose tractors that help you get the most out of your machinery. These utility tractors can meet various demands and be outfitted for tilling, material handling and equipment pulling. Wheeled tractors come with a range of horsepower, lifting capacity, control and cab-style options, allowing you to choose the best option for your applications. 
• Track tractors: Track tractors are farming vehicles mounted with tracks instead of tires, allowing them to plow fields with more power while providing a smoother ride for the operator.
• Specialty Crop tractors: Specialty crop tractors are designed, or can be specially adapted, with features to work optimally in orchards and vineyards. These slender tractors can more easily fit between lines of trees and vines while still providing the power needed for landscaping and maintenance.

Attachments allow tractors to become universal machines capable of getting anything done . For more details on the types of attachments available and what they do, see the section covering tractor attachments.

2. Combines and Forage Harvesters

In nothern California and Oregon, combines are commonly used for rice and grass seed, but you can also use combines and forage harvesters for other purposes on a farm. Even small-scale farmers can significantly benefit from using a combine or forage harvester. These massive pieces of machinery use a complex system of gears, blades, belts and wheels to turn cereal crops into grain. Combines accomplish this through three primary processes:

1. Reaping: Reaping is cutting the plant, accomplished by the header, reel and cutter bar on the combine. The header gathers the crops while the reel pushes them toward the cutter bar, which cuts the crops at their base.
2. Threshing: Threshing is the process of separating the edible parts of the crop from the nonedible parts. This is accomplished by the threshing drum, which beats the cut crops to separate the grains from their stalks. Threshers can also be individual attachments that you can use on a tractor. Some threshers can come with a bagger, while others discharge grains using conveyors.
3. Winnowing: Winnowing separates light chaff from the grain, usually accomplished while the grain is in the threshing drum. Chaff is generally separated from the grain through the use of sieves.

There is a vast array of combines and combine attachments to meet the needs of any farm. Many newer combines can even track yield data, showing which areas of the field did well and which did poorly so that these issues can be addressed the following year.

For more Types of agricultural machineryinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

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3. ATV, RTV, and UTV

All-terrain vehicles, also known as ATVs or four-wheelers, are becoming increasingly common on farms of all sizes, as are utility vehicles or UTVs. These smaller vehicles can move across rough terrain more effectively than most road vehicles and more quickly than a typical tractor. Additionally, several types of attachments will work for these vehicles, including small trailers, spreaders and mowers.

Tractor Attachments

Tractor attachments are attached to tractors or pulled behind them to add a new level of functionality. Their uses range widely from soil management to seeding. The different types of farm machinery attachments are detailed below.

1. Plows

A plow is a large tractor attachment that drags behind the tractor, using long blades to cut furrows in the soil. This process not only loosens and turns the soil, but it also helps kill off any surface vegetation that is not intended to be there. While the soil has to go through several subsequent steps to be ready for planting, plowing is an essential first step.

The concept of a plow may seem simple enough, but there are a variety of different plow types. Each plow type is suited to a specific soil type, soil condition and crop type. Here is a look at the three most common types of plows:

• Moldboard plows:Moldboard plows consist of wing-shaped blades, which are specifically designed to cut into and turn the soil. This is an ideal type of plow for shallow but thorough soil turning, which is often necessary for land that hasn't been used for crop production for several years.
• Disc plows: Disc plows consist of rows of discs that work to turn the soil and cut up weeds. These are less common than moldboard plows as they are less effective at turning the soil, but disc plows may be more useful for soil that is particularly sticky or rocky.
• Chisel plows: Chisel plows consist of exceptionally long shanks. These shanks turn the soil at a depth of a foot or more. This is often necessary for land that has been used for consistent crop production.

Plows can range widely in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the type, size, brand and condition of the plow.

2. Harrows

Where plowing primes the soil, harrowing further agitates it in preparation for agricultural work. These attachments break down clumps of soil, make the soil surface level and redistribute crop and weed residue to make it easier for new plants to take root and grow. Harrows can also be used after distributing manure and fertilizer, as they can help break up clumps and distribute the fertilizer more evenly.

Some common types of harrows include:

• Spring harrows: Spring harrows are an older style that isn't commonly found today. These attachments use flexible iron teeth mounted in rows to loosen and agitate the soil.
• Roller harrows: Roller harrows look like large spiked tubes and, as the name suggests, are rolled across the soil to help crush the soil and prepare it for seed planting.
• Chain harrows: Chain harrows look like chain nets with spiked attachments. These are run over the surface of the ground to help aerate and spread soil and fertilizer.
• Disc harrows: Disc harrows are the more modern version of spring harrows, and consist of rows of large discs that break up soil and weeds more thoroughly after plowing.

Often, multiple types of harrows are used for different purposes and may be used multiple times during the soil preparation process. Harrows can be pulled behind tractors or ATVs, depending on their size and complexity. More advanced harrows require a tractor, but they often combine the benefits of multiple types of harrows all into one.

3. Fertilizer Spreaders

All-terrain vehicles, also known as ATVs or four-wheelers, are becoming increasingly common on farms of all sizes, as are rugged terrain vehicles (RTVs), and utility vehicles (UTVs). These smaller vehicles can move across rough terrain more effectively than most road vehicles and more quickly than a typical tractor. Additionally, several attachments will work for these vehicles, including small trailers, spreaders and mowers.

ATVs, RTVs, and UTVs make it easier to navigate large properties and provide an easier alternative to walking. You can also use these vehicles to haul equipment or your harvest, depending on the scope of your applications. 

Tractor Attachments and Implements

Tractor attachments are attached to tractors or pulled behind them to add a new level of functionality. Their uses range widely from soil management to seeding. The different types of farm machinery attachments are detailed below.

1. Plows

A plow is a large tractor attachment that drags behind the tractor, using long blades to cut furrows in the soil. This process loosens and turns the soil and helps kill off any surface vegetation not intended to be there. While the soil has to go through several subsequent steps to be ready for planting, plowing is an essential first step.

The concept of a plow may seem simple enough, but various plow types exist. Each plow type is suited to a specific soil type, soil condition and crop type. Here is a look at the three most common types of plows:

• Moldboard plows: Moldboard plows consist of wing-shaped blades designed to cut into and turn the soil. This is an ideal type of plow for shallow but thorough soil turning, which is often necessary for land that hasn't been used for crop production for several years.
• Disc plows: Disc plows consist of rows of discs that work to turn the soil and cut up weeds. These are less common than moldboard plows as they are less effective at turning the soil, but disc plows may be more useful for particularly sticky or rocky soil.
• Chisel plows: Chisel plows consist of exceptionally long shanks. These shanks turn the soil at a depth of a foot or more. This is often necessary for land used for consistent crop production.

Plows can range widely in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the plow's type, size, brand and condition. You'll want to choose a plow based on your soil type, land conditions and type of crop production.

2. Harrows

Where plowing primes the soil, harrowing further agitates it in preparation for agricultural work. These attachments break down clumps of soil, make the soil surface level and redistribute crop and weed residue to make it easier for new plants to grow. Harrows can also be used after distributing manure and fertilizer, as they can help break up clumps and distribute the fertilizer more evenly.

Some common types of harrows include:

• Spring harrows: Spring harrows are an older style that isn't commonly found today. These attachments use flexible iron teeth mounted in rows to loosen and agitate the soil.
• Roller harrows: Roller harrows look like large spiked tubes and, as the name suggests, are rolled across the soil to help crush the soil and prepare it for seed planting.
• Chain harrows: Chain harrows look like chain nets with spiked attachments. These are run over the ground's surface to help aerate and spread soil and fertilizer.
• Disc harrows: Disc harrows are the more modern version of spring harrows and consist of rows of large discs that break up soil and weeds more thoroughly after plowing.

Multiple types of harrows are often used for different purposes and may be used numerous times during the soil preparation process. Depending on size and complexity, harrows can be pulled behind tractors or ATVs. More advanced harrows require a tractor, but they often combine the benefits of multiple types of harrows all into one. Some harrows can be attached to another implement to save time and expenses since you won't have to make as many passes through the field. You can also use them to break up manure and smooth riding surfaces.

3. Fertilizer Spreaders

Fertilizer Spreaders function as the name suggests &#; they spread fertilizer across a field. While there are fertilizer spreaders that can be run separately, most farming operations require a tractor-run fertilizer spreader for quick, evenly distributed fertilization.

There are multiple types of fertilizer spreaders, varying primarily based on the fertilizer used. These are some of the more common types of tractor-mounted fertilizer spreaders:

• Broadcast spreader: The most common fertilizer spreader is the broadcast spreader, which takes fertilizer and disperses it using gravity.
• Manure spreader: Manure spreaders take solid manure from livestock and spread it across a field. This is an easy way of effectively utilizing manure, though the solid manure will often need to be run over with a harrow to break it up and mix it in with the soil.
• Slurry spreader: Liquid manure spreaders are also known as slurry spreaders, which spray a slurry of liquid manure across a field.

Fertilizer spreaders vary widely in size and price, so consider your application closely before deciding which type to buy. It's also worthwhile to note that fertilizer spreader attachments are available for ATVs, UTVs and tractors.

4. Seeders

Seeders are designed to spread seeds across large plots of land quickly and efficiently. While small farms may use small mechanical seeders or even hand-seeding methods, tractor-pulled seeders are most commonly used in large-scale farms today. There are different machines used in agriculture seeding such as the following:

• Broadcast seeders: Broadcast seeders are also known as seeders or rotary spreaders, and they come in all sizes. These seeders work by placing seeds inside a hopper. Inside the hopper, a plate turns, taking seeds in for dispersing across the field. While this method is very effective for planting cover crops and grasses, it is not ideal for garden crops that need more organization, such as being laid out in rows.
• Air seeders: Air seeders are very large, using compressed air to shoot seeds into the ground. Though highly effective, air seeders can only be used on small, round seeds because of the way they operate, which limits their utility.
• Box drill seeders: Box drills are the preferred seeder for most farming operations because they are easy to use and work with a wide variety of seed types. These attachments drill into the soil and drop seeds at a specific depth.
• Planters: Planters are the most accurate seeders, though they tend to be the most expensive. Planters consist of several blades and wheels topped with seedboxes containing the planted seeds. The planter works by cutting into the ground, dropping individual seeds, then closing the ground behind them, all in quick succession.

Like other attachments, seeders vary in price based on the size, type and condition of the seeder. Some seeders can even seed, fertilize or spread salt all at once, depending on the needs of your applications.

5. Balers

Balers are essential for hay, straw and corn stalk collection. These tractor attachments collect these materials and wrap them into more easily manageable bales. There are three general kinds of hay balers:

• Round balers: Round balers roll hay into round shapes and then wrap it in twine or netting.
• Square balers: Square balers collect hay, straw or stalks into compactors, which help pack and compress the material into a square shape. Once the baler has enough material, it ties it with two lengths of twine or wire and then deposits it in a particular area. Square balers come in multiple sizes to work for a variety of applications. Square balers can tie bales in wire, twine or both, and you can add a bale mower attachment to make it easier to stack bales on your wagon.
• Large square balers: Large square balers function like regular square balers but handle significantly larger volumes for industrial farms. Smaller farms are better off using round or square balers unless you manage hundreds of acres.

Typically, square balers are less expensive than round balers, but the best type of baler for your farm and the wrapping method you use depends on your application. Balers can be used to collect food or bedding for livestock or collect crop yields to make them easier to transport.

6. Wagons or Trailers

Farm wagons and trailers are a necessity for any operation. Wagons and trailers are available in a wide range of sizes and materials, and they may be used for a range of purposes, including the following:

• Harvesting: Wagons and trailers may move hay bales and other harvested goods from one farm area to another.
• Material handling: Wagons are often used to move large quantities of materials, including fertilizers and feed, across large areas.
• Equipment transportation: Trailers are often equipped to move farming equipment, smaller vehicles and attachments.

Tractor wagons and trailers vary widely in size, and many operations may need multiple types to handle all the various duties involved in daily farm operations.

7. Orchard Cab

Orchard Cabs offer superior protection and comfort for your operators regardless of the environment. These cabs are designed to reduce distractions and fatigue to improve productivity and precision. Guardian and Sutter Butte both make exceptional orchard cabs that can be added to most existing tractors. They also make it easier to work on uneven terrain with their superior traction and stability. 

Some additional benefits include:

• Maximum visibility for efficient and safe work
• Heating and air conditioning for comfort
• Low profiles to protect trees and crops
• Superior finishes to withstand harsh environmental elements
• Durable steel construction

Orchard cabs are an excellent tractor addition that makes your work environment safer and more efficient.

8. Other Tractor Attachments

While the attachments listed above are the most common tractor attachments purchased, many other tractor attachments are commonly used in farming and related applications. Some of these different types of farming machinery attachments include:

• Sprayers: Sprayer attachments can spray pesticides, fertilizers and other substances across large areas. These are a must-have for any farming operation that handles large acreages.
• Mowers: Mowers are necessary for any large plot of land, but tractor owners can benefit from mower attachments. Various mower types meet a range of farm needs, from grass management to harvesting. The specific type of mower you require for your application will depend on your land, and you may need multiple attachments to attend to different areas of your property.
• Transplanters: Tractor-pulled transplanters make transplanting easy by taking large quantities of growing plants, digging holes and depositing them, all using machinery. Even small farms can benefit from transplanters by reducing manual labor and speeding up planting processes.
• Cultivators: Cultivators are used for soil cultivation, specifically in weed control. These are used for shallow tilling and are often used in smaller farming operations.
• Plastic mulch layers: For large-scale farms that use methods involving plasticulture, a plastic mulch layer tractor attachment is a necessity. This equipment takes a ream of plastic and lays it flat along the bed using a series of wheels.
• Rakes: If your farm operation involves making hay, raking attachments are essential for your tractor. Several rakes are available as pull-behind attachments, including wheel, parallel-bar, rotary and belt rakes.

You can also find backhoe tractor attachments if your application requires digging holes regularly. These attachments can dig up to 10 feet. However, renting or purchasing a standalone backhoe may be more effective for larger-scale applications.

Front-end loader attachments can also be very versatile for small to mid-size farms. While they are not an option for all tractors, these attachments can dig, move, lift heavy or bulky items, and perform land-grading tasks.

It is important to note that not all farms need all of these attachments &#; small-scale farms will need fewer types of agricultural equipment than large-scale farms, and a farm's need for specialized equipment will vary based on the local environment and farming methods used.

Choose Holt Ag Solutions

Holt Ag Solutions has the expertise and guidance to help you find the farm equipment you need. We are a leading supplier of new and used farming equipment sourced from various manufacturers. We have a diverse product line to ensure you can find what you need, including product lines like CLAAS LEXION Combines and JAGUAR Forage Harvester and AGCO's Fendt and Massey Ferguson products. Our Yuba City, Woodland and Willows locations also have Kubota tractors for sale. For those in need of a powerful utility vehicle, our Woodland, Willows, and Yuba City stores carries Kubota RTVs and our Salida store carries the full Polaris lineup. 

Holt Ag Solutions is dedicated to providing the service you need to properly maintain your farming equipment. We are a one-stop shop for all your farming equipment needs, serving Merced County to the Oregon-Washington border. Our team of experts can guide you through our product offers and what could work best for your application. We also have a top-notch service and parts department to help you properly maintain and repair your equipment. From sale to salvage, your needs are our top priority.

Are you interested in learning more about Corn Harvester? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!