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Necessary Agricultural Machinery for a Beginner Farmer



The agricultural machinery market is a dynamically developing sector. The EU Green Deal regulations and eco-schemes redirect plant cultivation from relying on pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers to agrotechnical methods. No-plough cultivation, cultivators, subsoilers, and weed harrows are essential equipment for farms focused on plant cultivation. However, is it necessary to purchase everything? Which machines are worth renting and when? What equipment should you invest in, and what can you skip?



Essential agricultural machinery for beginner farmers – basic purchase checklist.




Purchase or lease agricultural machinery?



Managing a farm is a complex endeavor. Despite favorable solutions and the subsidy system, farming remains an activity demanding both extensive knowledge and strong motivation.


Renting or purchasing agricultural machinery – what is the best choice for new farmers?




A young farmer frequently encounters a dilemma: "Which agricultural machinery is essential for operating the type of farm I have chosen?" Furthermore, limited funds often prevent the purchase of all necessary equipment directly from the manufacturer.


Common challenges for young farmers when selecting agricultural machinery.




However, agricultural production and the agricultural machinery market are rapidly evolving sectors, with equipment manufacturers increasingly providing multifunctional solutions, such as aggregates or ComboTill, system solutions like BigField, and adaptations for simultaneous operation in a single work pass, i.e., on the tractor's front three-point linkage.


Multi-purpose agricultural machines like ComboTill and BigField for efficient farming.




The definition of a farm is broad. For this text, it refers to the cultivation of cereals, oilseeds, and vegetables on hectares of land.


A tractor serves as the foundation



A well-selected tractor, featuring high power and appropriate parameters, is fundamental for the operation of any farm focused on crop cultivation. Purchasing a strong, modern tractor is most profitable, providing reliability and the possibility of rental income from other farmers. However, this represents a significant investment with a return spread over several years. Therefore, ensure that a new high-class tractor has all necessary connections and fastenings, and is convenient and comfortable to use.


Tractor – the foundation of a modern farm.




Statistics and research indicate that larger farm acreage correlates with more powerful and universal equipment. Additionally, when selecting a tractor, the farm's development potential must be considered. This is an investment for years, not just a single season.


How to choose the right tractor based on farm size?




Alternative options include purchasing a used tractor or one with less power and substandard equipment. In the short term, if investment capital is unavailable, seasonal machine rental can also be considered. However, this solution is challenging and inconvenient for large areas.


Tractor rental or purchase – which is more cost-effective?




What else is needed on a farm apart from a tractor?



Plans to support farmers, such as the Rural Development Program, specify the circumstances that necessitate the purchase of a tractor. They also enumerate other essential agricultural machines (along with the justification for their purchase through co-financing), such as:
- mounted and trailed plows
- disc harrows
- high-efficiency field cultivators
- active tillage machines, such as rotary harrows
- pre-sowing cultivators
- fertilizer spreaders
- manure spreaders
- field sprayers
- trailers
- tillage and seeding aggregates
- subsoilers.


What machinery is needed on a farm? A list of essential equipment.




Not all of the above-mentioned agricultural machines need to be purchased at once. Some can be acquired used, and others can be rented. Consider the multifunctional solutions offered by agricultural equipment manufacturers. Note that lower expenditure is not always profitable. Purchasing tillage machines is an investment that yields savings in fuel consumption and reliability. Whether new or used, attention to the quality of the equipment is crucial.


Is it worth buying new agricultural machines or using second-hand equipment?




Tractor Front Three-Point Linkage – Saving Fuel and Time



An increasingly popular solution involves utilizing machines on the front three-point linkage of tractors. Not every tractor model comes factory-equipped with this mounting. However, extensions are available on the market that are compatible with almost every tractor model. Therefore, if your basic tractor lacks a front linkage, it does not preclude the use of these tillage machines. This solution offers numerous advantages, including:
- Performing two agrotechnical treatments simultaneously
- Fuel savings
- Time savings
- Balancing the tractor's weight to prevent it from getting stuck in muddy soil
- Preventing soil drying and the formation of lumps.


Front three-point hitch – saving time and fuel on the farm.




When making purchases, familiarize yourself with the Rolmako offer. The manufacturer provides a wide range of machines mounted on the front three-point linkage of the tractor.
Examples include the Cambridge and Crosskill rollers, disc harrows, cultivators, TurboCut knife roller. These high-quality, well-designed, and durable machines are a great investment that will quickly pay off. Additionally, this equipment can be rented to other farmers, allowing for income diversification.


Agricultural tools for the front hitch – Rolmako rollers, harrows, and cultivators.




This equipment is listed among the essential tillage machines by ARiMR. Additionally, new rollers or harrows from Rolmako are designed for ultra-shallow cultivation supported by the EU.


ComboTill and multifunctional units as an economical solution



When constructing a fleet of tillage machinery, attention should be given to multifunctional equipment. These are advantageous for several reasons. It is generally more economical to purchase one multifunctional machine rather than multiple specialized ones. Additionally, a single machine incurs lower maintenance, repair, and storage costs compared to several individual units. Notably, cultivation and sowing units are listed on the ARiMR's Rural Development Program.


ComboTill and multi-functional implements – economic tools for farmers.




Rolmako's offering includes a unique machine: ComboTill. This innovation revolutionizes fieldwork through its multifunctionality, ecological benefits, and cost-efficiency. By utilizing it throughout the growing season, farmers can achieve greater work efficiency and reduce costs. In spring, the cultivator can prepare the soil after winter and for pre-sowing cultivation; in summer, it can remove stubble and destroy weeds; and in autumn, it can season the soil.


ComboTill – innovation in farming and improved field efficiency.




ComboTill's incorporation into ultra-shallow stubble cultivation addresses the increasing demand for ecological and effective methods, while reducing chemical dependence, aligning with the Green Deal and modern agricultural trends.


Ultra-shallow stubble cultivation as an environmentally friendly farming method.




Multifunctional machines are frequently used during cultivation, making their purchase worthwhile. Renting is only cost-effective for small-scale farming but provides the opportunity to test various machines before committing to a purchase.


No-plough Cultivation



A cultivator designed for no-plough soil cultivation is an essential tool for a novice farmer aiming to incorporate modern agricultural methods. Its use ensures effective aeration of the soil, vital for healthy plant growth, without disturbing its structure as traditional plowing does. This machine significantly reduces soil erosion and preserves the natural humus layer, thus improving crop conditions. Additionally, the no-plough cultivator saves time and fuel by allowing faster fieldwork and requiring fewer trips compared to traditional methods. It also supports cultivation practices that retain soil moisture, crucial in drought-prone areas. Utilizing a no-plough cultivator is a step toward sustainable agriculture, minimizing environmental impact. For a beginner farmer, investing in this machine offers long-term economic and ecological benefits, paving the way for modern and conscientious farm management.



No-plough cultivator – essential tool for sustainable soil cultivation.




What to purchase first?



When planning an investment in cultivation equipment, it is crucial to consider several factors. A tractor is nearly indispensable. The further choice of machinery depends on cultivation needs and the number of hectares. Harrows and cultivating units are necessary. Familiarize yourself with systems for co-financing agricultural equipment purchases from the EU and ARiMR activities. Before purchasing, test the equipment by renting it, including directly from the manufacturer Rolmako.


Which machines to buy first? Planning equipment investments in agriculture.







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Polish agricultural machinery manufacturer Rolmako