Top 10 Implements For Equine Operations
Top 10 Implements For Equine Operations
(Credit: John Deere)
September 25, 2023 | | Barn safety , Home, barn and garden
The implements that are right for you always depend on the tasks you need to get done. But having said that, here’s a list of the top 10 implements for equine operations we believe owners should have at their farms to take care of the most common jobs they’ll face.
#1 – Tractor Loader
There’s plenty of loader work to be done around any equine operation. Bale handling. manure clean-up and debris cleanup. Not to mention all the other maintenance jobs around any large property.
#2 – Pallet Fork
Along with a bucket, a pallet fork is one of those versatile tools that can make all kinds of jobs easier around your place. Stack a load on a pallet. Strap it down. Move it all anywhere you want. Handy.
#3 – Manure Spreader
As we often say, if you’ve got horses, then you’ve got manure. It quickly accumulates in stalls and pastures. So you clean it up, pile it up, and let it dry into composted “nutrient gold” you can spread wherever you need fertilizer.
#4 – Rotary Cutter or Grooming Mower
Which is right for you? Here’s a handy rule of thumb.
- If you’re maintaining turf grass, or any other grassy area you’d like your friends and neighbors to admire, you should probably be using a grooming mower.
- If you’re keeping rough areas like a road edge, back lot or pasture under control, you should probably be using a rotary cutter.
Be advised, these mowing implements are not interchangeable. It’s important to use the one that’s right for your application. You’ll need at least one of them, maybe both, because as we all know, the grass just keeps on growing.
#5 – Post Hole Digger
Fence off a paddock. Build a pole barn or machine shed. Plant trees. A shovel or post hole digging tool that’s powered with your back is no match for a post hole digger and auger powered by the PTO on your tractor.
#6 – Sprayer
Out of control weeds reduce pasture quality, which impacts nutrition for your horses. The most efficient method for weed control in the typical equine operation is with a Sprayer. Again, the size and type of operation will dictate your options. Always remember to follow the herbicide manufacturer’s directions for use.
#7 – Mower Conditioner or Disc Mower
Many farm owners support their horses year-round with their own hay operation. There are several pieces of equipment that can be used for cutting hay. But when it comes to cutting larger fields typically found in livestock and equine operations, the two most commonly used tools are a disc mower or a mower conditioner.
A disc mower and other hay cutting tools do an excellent job of cutting hay. A mower conditioner cuts the hay, then conditions the hay by running it through a conditioning system that cracks or crimps the stalks to promote moisture evaporation and faster drying. The conditioned hay is then pushed out the back of the MoCo forming windrows to a size of your choosing.
Again, choose the piece of equipment that’s right for your operation.
#8 – Baler
Square bales or round bales? Again, your size and type of operation drives the decision here. But for most average size equine operations, a round baler is typically the most cost-effective choice. With equipment properly sized to your operation, one person can usually bale, store, and feed all the hay harvested with a round baler.
#9 – Front Bale Spear
If you’re in the equine business, then you’re in the equine feeding business. That means handling and moving round hay bales. And the most fundamental way to do that is with a Front Bale Spear.
#10 – 3-Point Bale Spear
Right on the heels of the bale spear for the front of your tractor is the one for the rear of your tractor. A 3-Point Bale Spear. Chances are when you’re moving hay any significant distance you probably need to move more than one bale. Being able to load up both the front and the rear of your tractor saves time, which saves money.
There you have it. The top 10 implements for equine operations you should consider first. Because cutting, drying, raking, and baling hay, handling large round bales, dealing with manure, and controlling weeds are probably near the top of your work list almost every day.
Don’t forget, always read the Operator’s Manual before storing or operating any piece of equipment and follow all operating and safety instructions.
And remember, if you’re looking for equipment that’s built to get the job done season after season, year after year, you’ll find it – and all kinds of advice on how to use it – every day at your John Deere dealer.
AQHA members receive up to a 28-percent discount on select new John Deere equipment through AQHA Members Plus. To take advantage of this member discount, you must have been a member for at least 30 days.
Simply contact an Equine Discounts representative toll free at (866) 678-4288 before you make your purchase. Once your membership and program category is determined, you'll be eligible for discounts on a wide variety of John Deere equipment.