Farm implements come in all sizes and can perform a variety of tasks. Manufacturers of agricultural implements work with their customer base to create implements for farms that increase productivity, no matter what the crop is.

Modern farm implement manufacturers also continue to produce machinery that uses the farmland in an environmentally friendly way. You can still find used farm implements for sale from a time when the farmers plowed the ground each year before they planted their crops. But more and more, the trend is toward farm implements that prepare and plant the soil with little or no tillage involved. That means there is less chance for soil erosion.

When it’s time for you to choose new farm implements for your farming operation, keep these things in mind:

1. Purchase equipment from established implements manufacturers who offer a solid warranty on their farm implements for sale, whether they're new or used.

2. Look for agricultural implements that are easy to operate and are compatible with your tractor.

3. Make sure the implements manufacturer installs safety devices on the farm equipment.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Pick the right farm implements to till your soil and prepare it for planting

Whether you choose to farm your land with a traditional moldboard or chisel plow and disk, or use minimum till equipment, you have a wide variety of farm implements from which to choose. Visit with your local representative of a particular farm implement manufacturer to find out what piece of equipment is right for your farm. You can also visit with neighboring farmers to see what kinds of farm implements they use on their ground.

I recommend: Brillion Farm Equipment offers a large line of chisel plows, field cultivators and other tillage equipment. TractorHouse.com lists a variety of farm implements for sale, including used disks, mulchers and cultivators.

Choose farm implement manufacturers that offer the best planter for your farm

Planting equipment tools are precise. You must be able to get the right amount of seed in the ground and it must be evenly spaced. Whether you use conventional planting techniques or no-till, there is a wide selection of planters available.

I recommend: Great Plains Mfg., Inc. offers a large selection of no-till drills to plant grasses and soybeans. KINZE Manufacturing, Inc. has a large line of corn planters available.

Find farm implements for harvesting your crops

A combine is the most common type of harvesting equipment. It can pick a wide variety of small grains such as corn, wheat and soybeans. While a combine is a major investment, you can find used combines that can save you money.

I recommend: John Deere combines are a familiar sight in many fields. Check out the Deere & Company listings. If you are looking for a used combine, look at the selection offered by the Equipment Locater Service (ELS).

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you look for farm implements, be sure to read reviews posted by owners. This is a good way to get insight into any inherent problems of a particular brand of farm equipment.