Employees who undergo farm equipment dealers in Maine education and training must be familiar with equipment such as Maine farm tractors, harvesters and tillers. Farmers also use machinery to feed livestock, handle grain, irrigate crops and milk cattle.

The required training for implement dealers in Maine will depend primarily on the specific aspect of the agricultural industry you will be most involved with. Farm equipment education and training may be classified into one of the following three areas:

1. Agricultural studies. Colleges and universities that offer degrees in agricultural subjects are an excellent way of learning about farm equipment for sale in Maine. Many institutions specifically provide farming technology as a program of study.
2. Farm equipment manuals. Farm equipment typically has a distinctive method of operation and requires knowledge of that particular piece of equipment, which can often be learned by reading product manuals. These types of machinery can be dangerous and safety is a primary consideration.
3. Laws on farm equipment. The sale of farming equipment has specific regulations that are essential information for farm equipment dealers. Farm equipment operators will also need to be aware of the laws regarding their use.
   

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Obtain a formal education for Maine farm supply dealers

Many colleges and universities in Maine offer programs in agriculture. This may include majors such as agribusiness management, animal and food sciences and agriculture technology.

I recommend: The University of Maine has academic programs in natural sciences, forestry and agriculture, including sustainable agriculture. The U.S. College Search provides a list of colleges in Maine that offer agriculture degree programs.

Find educational opportunities for Maine farm equipment dealers

Farm equipment dealers frequently provide equipment manuals and newsletters on farming. Farm equipment dealers or manufacturers may also offer classes or workshops on farm equipment.

I recommend: The Maine Association of Conservation Districts News offers current news and events on farming in Maine, including farm equipment displays. Union Farm Equipment provides a variety of tips on using farm equipment.

Learn more information on the laws regarding tractor dealers in Maine

The farming industry is highly regulated in Maine. Learn about the many rules and regulations regarding the sale and use of farming equipment.

I recommend: Title 29 of the Maine Statute issued by the Maine State Legislature specifically addresses the registration of farm equipment in Maine. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources lists the regulations on farming and forestry in Maine.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Maine farm equipment dealers will want to subscribe to publications to remain informed of the latest advancements in agricultural technology. Dealers should visit the website for the Maine Department of Agriculture frequently for any changes in the laws for farming equipment. Government agencies and equipment manufacturers may also provide continuing education on the sale and operation of farm equipment.

Maine farm supply dealers know farm equipment is a crucial commodity in Maine farm communities. Maine farm equipment dealers work hard to keep inventory high and prices low.

Finding farm equipment for sale in Maine means working with the right dealers or individuals with farm equipment for sale. Potatoes are the biggest cash crop in Maine. Other cash crops include apples, wild blueberries, cranberries and strawberries. Specially trained farm equipment dealers in Maine know just what their customers need for any type of agricultural land use.

Maine implement dealers keep farmers working through their growing seasons with high quality service and repair options on both lease and purchase equipment. Using the right agricultural dealers in Maine means fewer field days lost due to equipment failure. Farm equipment dealerships in Maine will:

1. Keep the best equipment available at the best price.

2. Operate a high quality service department for farm equipment for sale in Maine.

3. Keep farmers updated on the newest products and services.

4. Offer both new and used farm equipment for sale in Maine.

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Find implement dealers in Maine that specialize in a variety of farming equipment

Maine farmers need equipment designed to make farming efficient and cost effective. Farmers need farm equipment dealerships in Maine that meet all their equipment needs.

I recommend: Hammond Tractor Company of Farfield specializes in agricultural tractors. Dorr's Equipment Co. of Bangor has a good selection of both large and small tractors.

Work with farm equipment dealerships in Maine with onsite, garage and pickup service

Maine farm equipment is big! Farmers need equipment dealers that really deliver in the area of service. One tractor out of commission means field days lost, so it's important to work with a company where great service is the top priority.

I recommend: Ingram Equipment Co. of Knox and Waterman Farm Machinery Co. of Sabattus offer the best in parts and onsite or pickup service to Maine farmers.

Develop a relationship with tractor dealers in Maine that offer both new and used equipment

Farm equipment is not just big, it's expensive! Getting quality, used equipment with good service guarantees saves farmers time and money.

I recommend: Wescott & Sons, Inc. of Gorham and Union Farm Equipment of Union provide a great selection of quality new and used farm equipment for Maine farmers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Buy used tractors and farm equipment from implement dealers in Maine instead of from individuals whenever possible. Trade ins at tractor dealerships get a thorough inspection and necessary repairs prior to resale.
• •  Have your tractor dealership keep you informed of any good used equipment that comes in on a regular basis. Working closely with a dealership that knows your farm and your needs is the best way to get quality used equipment.

Farm equipment dealers in Maine provide the industrial tools that allow a farm to operate efficiently and bring products to the marketplace. From chippers to haulers to excavators and spreaders, there are many pieces of equipment found on the lot of a Maine farm equipment dealer.

Take the time to learn about these pieces of farm equipment and their proper function so that you'll know what you need for your farm-based business. Here are some terms along with some helpful resources to get you started.

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Rotary broom

The rotary broom is a multifunctional broom that attaches to a tractor. It is a popular piece of equipment sold by Maine farm equipment dealers because its versatility allows it to perform man functions, from raking leaves to clearing small amounts of snow.

I recommend: The John Deere website discusses features of the quick-hitch rotary broom.

Manure spreader

A manure spreader is a device which can be loaded with fertilizer and pulled by a tractor over the crops of a farm. Along the way, the manure spreader releases small amounts to fertilize the crop. Manure spreaders range in size from manual pushing spreaders to large industrial machines built into flat bed truck frames.

I recommend: Visit Dorr's Farm Equipment, a Maine farm equipment dealer, for further information on a manure spreader and how it operates.

Forage harvester, silage harvester, chopper

A forage harvester is a piece of equipment which gathers plant leaves and stems known as forage, including grasses and hay. Once plants are cut, the forage harvester gathers the materials.

I recommend: Read about forage and silage harvesting from The University of Maine Coopertive Extension service. The National Ag Safety Database has more information on forage harvesting.

Skidsteers

A skidsteer is a driving apparatus attached to various pieces of farm equipment. One side of the farm equipment is in a fixed position, while the other side of the farm equipment moves. This allows the skidsteer to pivot without moving or gaining ground. There are many attachments, such as excavators or bucket shovels, which are attached to a skidsteer.

I recommend: Visit the website for Union Farm Equipment for more information on skidsteers. Read more about skidsteers at New Holland.

Earth auger

An earth auger is a planting or burrowing device which descends a spiral blade into the ground, creating a small hole several feet deep. This can be used for anything from planting crops to planting fence posts.

I recommend: Wescott and Sons has more information on the operation and use of an earth auger on a Maine farm.

Utility vehicle

A utility vehicle is a tractor based vehicle used on many Maine farms. It allows a farmer to traverse the landscape easily. However, utility vehicles can perform other functions, such as light hauling, plowing or excavating, with the proper attachments.

I recommend: Visit the website for Bruce's Tractor Sales for more information on a utility vehicle and the function it provides around a Maine farm.

Maine farm equipment dealers literally provide the tools that allow the agriculture industry to flourish within the state of Maine. Whether it's tractor dealers in Maine, Maine farm supply dealers or other farm related equipment you're after, staying up to date on the latest news and trends will allow you to secure the best deal for your farm based business.

Take the time to learn where to locate farm equipment dealers in Maine news and trends so that you'll stay on top of everything from the latest market reports to the newest machinery to hit the market. Here are some helpful resources to get you started.

1. Go to the website for Maine farm equipment dealers and read the latest news they post on their respective websites.

2. Locate associations that have farm equipment dealers in Maine as members to find the latest news and trends.

3. Read newspapers that cover farm equipment dealers in Maine.

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Visit the websites for companies that sell Maine farm equipment for news info

Many Maine farm supply dealers have 'news' sections on their websites. These sections detail everything from the latest products that are offered, to farmer's almanac predictions and other industry news affecting the farm industry. Take the time to browse these websites to catch up on the latest info.

I recommend: Visit the website for Hammond Tractor and locate their "news" section. They provide updates on the latest products and services they are carrying every quarter. The Maine farm supply company Union Farm Equipment also provides a newsletter.

Find farm equipment dealers in Maine news and trends through state farming associations

There are several farming associations within the state of Maine that have both farmers and farm equipment dealers as members. These websites usually detail everything from soil reports, to what the expected growing season will be like, to the newest equipment available in the marketplace for use on the farm. Search these associations' websites and read their publications to stay up to date.

I recommend: Go to the website for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association and read their "publications" section for the latest news affecting Maine farmers and farm equipment dealers. Also visit the Maine Farm Bureau for more information on news affecting the farming industry within the state.

Look at newspapers that cover farm equipment dealers in Maine

When it comes to locating info on tractors for sale in Maine or other farm equipment for sale in Maine, then one should look no further than the local newspapers. Because farming equipment is rather large, it is usually something that is sold locally. Check both hard copy and online publications around the state to find the latest advertisements and news articles related to farm equipment and the dealers that sell equipment to the farming industry.

I recommend: Check out the website for Maine Superads to locate the latest used equipment for sale within the state of Maine. The Bangor Daily News also has classified ads as well as articles on the latest farm equipment dealer news.