Used Farm Tractors Aid Sustainability

February 5, 2010 by Drew Davidson
Filed under Business

Used farm tractors are one of the first tools in becoming a more sustainable farmer. New equipment is often very expensive and economically unsuitable for a small family farmer who has decided to practice a more environmentally friendly type of agriculture. Used machines are more affordable and may aid the farmer in his new endeavor toward sustainability.

Most farmers will have no problem fixing tractors. Farmers often have a more do-it-yourself philosophy. They will find most used equipment is well-maintained with a lot of life left. Also, finding used equipment should not be difficult. Most farmers first stop would be the local farm bureau for sale listings. Another source is word-of-mouth. Lastly, most farm communities maintain some sort of local paper or mailing (or online listing) of used tractors and other equipment for sale.

If farmers maintain their tractors, the equipment can have a very long life and stay out of the junkyard. Because older equipment is far more affordable than new, it can be a deciding factor in whether a farmer will make the change to a more sustainable type of farming. Often, such a change is a leap for a farmer who has worked side by side with family doing a certain type of farming. Many find it difficult to break the mold. Used tractors could be a good financial incentive to making the sustainability change.

Obtaining used farm tractors can also be a learning experience for the entire farm family. Working on and maintaining equipment can be a great way for a farm family to learn mechanics together. Retrofitting used farm equipment for a more environmentally friendly use is another step in this learning process.

As consumers become more conscious of the source and production of their food, more small family farmers are moving toward sustainable agriculture. Not only is this move a means of competing with the large factory farm, but also it is a way for the farm family to preserve the land on which they live. Older tractors, because they are easy to fix and because they are more affordable, are much less of a financial risk for the farmer than expensive, new equipment.

Used farm tractors are a positive step toward sustainable agriculture for the small family farmer. The farm family can move forward without the added worry of expensive, new equipment. Re-purposing older machines is an essential component to this greener future.

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