Equipment, tools and shop know-how. Every guide lists its sources and who to ask locally.
- Essential Farm Equipment for Small FarmsA practical guide to deciding which equipment a small farm truly needs first, what to borrow or rent, and how to avoid…
- Buying Your First TractorWhat first-time buyers should think through before purchasing a tractor: the work, the ground, new versus used…
- Tractor Size and Horsepower GuideLearn how to think about tractor size, power, weight and lift capacity so you match a machine to your acreage and…
- Used Tractor Inspection ChecklistA walk-around checklist for inspecting a used tractor yourself, what to look and listen for, and when to bring in a…
- Tractor Maintenance ScheduleHow to build a tractor maintenance routine around daily checks, seasonal service and your operator manual, so small…
- Tractor Safety BasicsPlain-language tractor safety: rollover protection, seat belts, riders, slopes, hitching and shutdown habits that…
- Implement Selection and MatchingHow to choose farm implements that fit your tractor and your work, including hitch type, power needs, working width…
- Loader Operation BasicsLearn the basics of running a front end loader safely: carrying loads low, working slopes, using attachments and…
- Front End Loader MaintenanceA simple routine for keeping a tractor loader sound: greasing, hydraulic checks, pins and bushings, cutting edges and…
- Three-Point Hitch BasicsHow the three-point hitch works, what hitch categories mean, how to attach implements safely, and which adjustments…
- PTO Safety and OperationHow the power takeoff works and how to avoid its entanglement hazards: shields, clothing, shutdown habits, hitching…
- Trailer Use and MaintenanceHow to choose, load, tow and maintain farm trailers safely, from hitch and tire checks to weight limits, lights…
- Truck Selection for Farm UseWhat to consider when choosing a truck for farm work: towing needs, payload, drivetrain, bed style, costs and how to…
- ATV and UTV Use on FarmsUseful and risky: how to use ATVs and UTVs on a farm safely, covering training, protective gear, loads, terrain…
- Skid Steer BasicsAn introduction to skid steer loaders for small farms: what they do well, how to run them safely, which attachments…
- Mower Selection for Farm UseHow to choose among rotary cutters, finish mowers, flail mowers, zero-turn and tractor-driven options for pasture…
- Rotary Cutter OperationHow to run a rotary cutter, or brush hog, safely and well: preparing the field, PTO and hitch checks, cutting height…
- Hay Equipment OverviewA plain overview of the machines used to make hay, from mowers and rakes to balers and wagons, and how small farms…
- Baler Maintenance BasicsKeep a baler working through the hay window: pre-season inspection, lubrication, knotters and twine, belts, chains…
- Tillage Equipment OverviewAn overview of tillage tools, from plows and disks to tillers and harrows, with the trade-offs for soil health…
- Planter and Drill BasicsHow planters and seed drills differ, what to weigh when choosing, and how to set up, calibrate and maintain one for…
- Sprayer Calibration BasicsWhy sprayers need calibration, the ideas behind speed, nozzle output and swath width, and where to find label…
- Grain Handling EquipmentA general overview of augers, conveyors, bins and dryers for small grain operations, with emphasis on entrapment…
- Livestock Equipment EssentialsThe basic equipment a small livestock operation needs for handling, feeding, watering, health care and transport…
- Fencing Tools and EquipmentThe tools and equipment that make building and repairing fence easier and safer, from hand tools and post drivers to…
- Post Driver Use and SafetyA plain guide to using a fence post driver safely: setup, stance, hazards, hearing and hand protection, and who to ask…
- Chainsaw Safety and MaintenanceHow to handle a chainsaw safely and keep it running: protective gear, kickback, fuel handling, chain care, and when to…
- Log Splitter BasicsWhat to know before buying or using a log splitter: types, setup, safe operation, upkeep, and how to match a splitter…
- Farm Shop LayoutHow to plan a farm shop layout that works: zones, workflow, power, lighting, ventilation, fire safety, storage and…
- Farm Shop Tool ListA practical tool list for a farm shop: what to buy first, what to add later, how to buy used, and how to store and…
- Basic Welding for Farm RepairsA beginner-friendly look at welding for farm repairs: common processes, gear, fire and fume safety, joint prep and…
- Air Compressor SetupHow to set up a shop air compressor: sizing, location, power, hoses, moisture control, safety checks and routine care…
- Hand Tool MaintenanceSimple routines to keep hand tools working for decades: cleaning, rust control, sharpening, handle repair, storage and…
- Power Tool SafetyPlain guidance on using power tools safely on the farm: protective gear, cords, guards, workspace setup, battery care…
- Small Engine MaintenanceA practical routine for small engines on mowers, generators, tillers and pumps: oil, air, fuel, spark plugs, storage…
- Diesel Engine BasicsHow diesel engines work on farm equipment, plus fuel quality, filters, cold starts, routine checks and signs that it…
- Hydraulic System BasicsHow hydraulic systems on farm equipment work, how to check fluid, hoses and cylinders, why leaks are dangerous and…
- Electrical Troubleshooting on EquipmentA cautious guide to finding electrical problems on tractors and trailers: batteries, grounds, fuses, lights…
- Equipment Storage and WinterizationA seasonal checklist for storing and winterizing farm equipment: cleaning, fluids, fuel, batteries, tires, shelter and…
- Rust Prevention for EquipmentHow to prevent and slow rust on farm equipment: cleaning, coatings, lubrication, storage, humidity and repairing early…
- Equipment Lubrication GuideA plain guide to lubricating farm equipment: grease versus oil, grease points, intervals, contamination, storage and…
- Tire Care and RepairHow to look after farm and trailer tires: pressure, inspection, sidewall and tread damage, ballast, safe repair limits…
- Battery MaintenanceHow to care for the batteries in farm vehicles and equipment: inspection, cleaning, charging, cold weather, safe…
- Fuel Storage SafetyHow to store gasoline and diesel safely on a farm: approved containers, tanks, location, spills, fire risk and…
- Equipment Records and ManualsHow to keep equipment records and manuals organized: what to track, where to find lost manuals, service logs, and how…
- Buying Used Equipment at AuctionHow to buy used farm equipment at auction: preview, inspection, budget, terms, bidding discipline, title and getting…
- Selling Used Farm EquipmentHow to sell used farm equipment: preparing it, finding a fair value, choosing a sales method, being honest about…
- Equipment Sharing and RentalHow neighbors and small farms can share or rent equipment: agreements, insurance questions, safety checks, scheduling…
- Custom Hire vs. OwnershipHow to think through hiring a custom operator versus owning machinery: cost of ownership, timing, risk, scale and…
- Annual Equipment Maintenance CalendarA season-by-season equipment maintenance calendar for small farms: what to check in spring, summer, fall and winter…