It's time to focus on tractors. The Pacific Ag Show was in January and Orchard & Vine Magazine went to Abbotsford to see what's new in tractors and equipment. We follow up the PAS with a listing of tractor models and information you might need to make that important tractor purchase.
ORCHARD & VINE TRACTOR GUIDE PART 2 – SAFETY
ORCHARD & VINE TRACTOR GUIDE PART 3 – TRACTOR SPECS
Orchard & Vine also sent out a survey to get to know a little more about how our readers make a tractor purchase. We asked a few questions and collected a few comments from our online survey. We were also intrigued by the new site people are calling the 'Tinder for Tractors' (or for those not into online dating the 'air bnb'). On this site you can rent out local equipment from local people, or list your equipment for rent. These rentals come from within the community rather than an equipment dealer.
We are always interested in getting feed back from our readers and if you are interested in taking part in further surveys send in your email address to:
Tractor Survey 1
How many tractors do you own right now?
Tractor Survey 2
When was the last time you bought a tractor?
Do you buy new or used tractors?
56% New
18% Used
27% New & Used
"Depends on usage. Our loaders get replaced when they are tired but our workhorse tractors for spraying and other high rpm implements are replaced faster."
The sharing economy has expanded to include tractor and equipment rentals by individuals. There is a new online listing site for renting out your tractor or other equipment when not in use. Also for renting other peoples tractors or equipment in your area.
"Too valuable to have it damaged."
"Insurance could be a limiting factor."
"We are renting equipment all the time."
"My tractors are specialty vineyard tractors and I subscribe to the old adage 'if you want anything broken, lend it'. If there are people that don't want the expense of their own equipment, use a contractor for key certain jobs and hire a tractor."
"I have two tractors for that reason, to make sure I never get caught short. I can use both tractors with two operators when playing catchup for whatever reason."