Farm Equipment Dealers in Maine Key Terms

Learn about some of the key terms associated with farm equipment dealers in Maine

By Jason Wood

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.

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