Why does equipment need shelter?
Sun fades and cracks rubber and plastic, rain rusts metal and ruins electrical parts, and snow load and freeze-thaw cycles damage machines left outside. Sheltered equipment lasts longer and starts more reliably, and it holds resale value.
Not everything needs a closed building. A simple open-sided shed can protect most machinery at lower cost. Decide what must be indoors, such as sensitive electronics and implements with hydraulic parts, and what can stand under a roof.
If you are unsure what to shelter first, begin with the machine that costs the most to replace and is used the least, because it spends the most time outdoors.
How do you decide on size?
List every machine you own or plan to own: tractor, loader, mower, implements, trailers, and utility vehicles. Measure the length, width, and height of each, including raised arms and folded wings. Add working room for moving around them.
Plan for growth. Equipment tends to be added more often than it is sold. Leave space, or design the building so that bays can be added. Consider how you will park the machines so that the one used most often can come out first.
Take a tape measure to the dealer or neighbor when you consider a new machine, so you know it will fit before it is delivered.
- Measure each machine with arms raised and implements attached
- Add working room beside each bay
- Plan for future equipment
Where should it go?
Locate the shed near the farm's work yard, with a firm approach and a good turnaround. Keep it on well-drained ground and clear of overhead lines. Placement away from the house and hay reduces fire risk.
Check zoning, setbacks, and building permit rules with the county. Some jurisdictions treat agricultural buildings differently from other buildings, but rules vary, and you should get the answer for your location before building.
Think about snow and runoff from the roof so that it does not pile in front of the doors or run into the work yard.
What features matter most?
Door openings should be tall and wide enough for your largest machine with the loader raised, and with clear room on both sides. A gravel or concrete floor keeps things clean and prevents mud around tires. A roof and walls sized for local wind and snow loads should be based on advice from a qualified builder.
Good light, an electrical outlet, and a spot for hand tools make maintenance easier. Think about where you will park the fuel truck or tanks, and keep fuel storage away from the machinery area as local fire rules require.
What about fire and safety?
Equipment sheds hold fuel, oil, grease, and dust, and engines and wiring can spark. Keep the building clean, store fuel safely, and have fire extinguishers in reach. Park machinery so that an emergency exit is always clear.
Never leave a machine running in a closed shed. Consider fire separation from other buildings. Your local fire department can give practical advice on what to do, and may be willing to look at your layout.
Consider the location of the main electrical shutoff and make sure everyone on the farm knows where it is.
How do you protect the machines inside?
Keep machines clean and dry before parking, and lubricate moving parts as directed by the manual. Keep rodents out with tight construction and by not storing feed in the same space. Disconnect or protect batteries during long storage, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Keep records of purchase, service, and serial numbers, and photograph each machine for insurance. Lock the building and light the yard. Theft of equipment is a real problem in many rural areas, and your county sheriff can advise on prevention.
What mistakes are common with equipment sheds?
The most common mistake is building too small, then parking machines too close together to move safely. Another is making doors too narrow or low, so that the loader or cab hits the frame. A third is putting the shed in a spot that floods or has poor access in winter.
Another common error is skipping the foundation and drainage. A floor that holds water or a pad that settles will cause long-term problems. Do it once and do it right, with advice from a contractor who builds farm structures.
- Measure first, then build.
- Check door height with the loader raised.
- Choose well-drained ground with all-weather access.
Key takeaways
- Measure every machine, including raised arms and implements.
- Site the shed near the work yard on well-drained ground.
- Plan door size, floor, and fire safety carefully.
- Keep records and protect machines from rodents and theft.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.