Types of Agriculture Equipment

Posted on December 28, 2021 | by Kody

A Quick Guide to Agriculture Equipment Types

Despite technological advancements globally, farming is still the backbone of society. Without farmers, there would be no meat, fruit, or vegetables in our supermarkets and no naturally fibered clothing in our stores. There are, however, some advancements that have made it easier for farmers to produce more products more efficiently.

Agricultural equipment has come a long way in just a few short decades, providing more efficient ways to complete tasks in days now that would have taken weeks just decades ago. However, when looking at all of the different types of equipment available today to assist the farmer in completing their work, it can be slightly overwhelming.

ag equipment types harvester and tractor

Ag (Agriculture) Equipment Types

The agricultural business continues to thrive, and the development of new agricultural equipment gives farmers the ability to maintain and farm their fields with more time and efficiency. Farmers use new and innovative technology such as attachments, to do various tasks such as till, move, dig, weed-eat, mow, harvest, and more. There are four main types of agricultural equipment.

Cultivation Equipment: These machines include plows, harrows, and cultivators. They help to prepare the ground for planting by loosening and turning up the soil.
Tillage Equipment: These machines till the soil by cutting it into smaller pieces to break apart clumps and bring them closer together for a more refined surface. This is typically done after cultivation has been completed.
Harvesting Equipment: These machines harvest crops from fields or from irrigated land that has been drained for this purpose. They can also be used with non-agricultural applications, such as harvesting grass in a golf course fairway before it’s mowed down with a riding mower.
Planting Equipment: These machines prepare the soil for planting, measure and distribute seeds, and firm the ground after seeding.

When it comes to purchasing Agriculture (Ag) Equipment, there are two main categories: agricultural vehicles and agricultural attachments.

Ag Vehicles

Tractors – this is a broad category of vehicles. Tractors come in a variety of sizes to fit many farming needs. Their primary use is to pull other farm equipment; however, modern tractor models can be equipped with various attachments that can perform many purposes.
Combines and Harvesters – used primarily by grain farmers to harvest crops efficiently. These machines use systems of belts, gears, wheels, and blades.
ATV or UTV – All-Terrain Vehicles or Utility Vehicles are smaller vehicles that can move through rougher terrain more quickly. These vehicles can also be outfitted with attachments to assist with other tasks.

Ag Equipment Attachment Types

Each of these types of equipment will eventually need to have a part replaced. Due to the strenuous nature of agriculture, different parts and aspects of a machine can wear down over time.

Plows – tractor attachments that use blades to loosen and turn the soil. This kills surface vegetation and begins preparing the ground for planting.
Fertilizer Spreaders – spreads fertilizer across fields for quick, even distribution.
Harrows – agitates soil, breaking clumps and distributing plants, manure, and fertilizer residue.
Seeders – distributes seeds across large areas quickly and evenly.
Balers – used for hay, corn stalk, and straw collection, these tractor attachments collect the material and bundle them into management bales.
Cultivators – shallow tillers
Transplanters – digging plants from one area, digging holes, and replanting them in another.

While the listed equipment is some of the most common, it is not by any means a comprehensive list of all the ag equipment attachments available today.

Heavy Construction Equipment For Farming

Farmers use skid steers, backhoes, dozers, excavators, and other construction equipment for earthmoving, maintenance, material transport, and more. To learn more about the construction equipment that farmers may use, check out our article on the types of heavy equipment.

Top Brands for Ag Equipment

When it comes to Ag equipment, two brands lead the pack. As the leaders in their field, they are not only the most recognized names in agricultural equipment but are also the most prolific manufactures and consistent top sellers.

John Deere Ag Equipment

John Deere is possibly the most recognized domestic and commercial producer of agricultural equipment in the United States. Its iconic green tractors and lawnmowers are sometimes synonymous with rural, middle American farming communities. DMC Wear Parts is proud to provide a vast selection of aftermarket John Deere ag replacement parts and John Deere Undercarriage parts for dozers and heavy equipment.

CASE IH Ag Equipment

CASE was founded in 1842, producing agricultural machinery. Though its name and corporate entity have changed many times between then and now, its central focus on agricultural technologies is still essentially the same. Going from a local manufacturer to an international corporation, CASE has diversified and merged with many other entities over the years, broadening its reach in the agricultural industry. DMC boasts a wide range of aftermarket options for CASE ag machinery as well as CASE construction and heavy equipment.

Other popular ag equipment brands include: New Holland,

Aftermarket Ag Equipment Replacement Parts

Agricultural equipment is a significant investment, and the financial responsibility does not stop once the equipment has been purchased. There will be added costs of maintenance and repairs if the equipment is not under warranty. Most equipment manufacturers produce their own replacement parts, but third-party manufacturers also have replacement parts; these are known as aftermarket agriculture equipment parts. Aftermarket replacement parts are tailored to be a perfect fit for your equipment and often can perform at a higher level than Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts!

Replacement Parts for Tractors

There are many options for replacement parts for your tractor. Not only can you rely directly on the distributor of OEM parts for your tractor, but there are likely to be many different brands that will produce the same part for the aftermarket that will work the same or better. Therefore, most, if not all, of the parts you would need to replace on your tractor could be found from aftermarket distributors. This includes belts, filters, drive trains, and fuel pumps.

Replacement Parts for Combine Harvesters

Like a tractor, many of the parts you would need to fix your combine can be purchased as aftermarket alternatives. Aftermarket parts are available for nearly every aspect of your Combine, from feeder house to sprockets. With so many moving parts, finding replacement parts that are cheaper and of better quality can be difficult, but an aftermarket dealer can be a great way to keep your combine working great and save a little money at the same time.

Tillers, Balers, and more

Like your farming vehicle, the attachments you use will need care and maintenance. As with your Ag vehicles, your attachment equipment will most likely also have parts produced in the aftermarket, giving you a broader selection to fit your needs and budget.

Why Buy Aftermarket Ag Parts vs. OEM?

While equipment manufacturers endorse their own line of replacement parts and third-party manufacturers reproduce similar replacement parts, there are usually very few differences between the components.

OEM (or Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are endorsed and labeled by the original manufacturer. While they carry the brand name or one approved by the manufacturer, they often come off the same lines as the aftermarket products. Typically, these replacement parts only come in options for what they are replacing, and you are limited as to where you can purchase these parts. In addition, though these parts may come with a warranty, or their quality is guaranteed, they also typically come with a substantially higher price tag.

Though aftermarket parts are manufactured to be compatible with existing manufacturer parts, many parts are potentially of better quality or have a range of selection to get the job done. Often there is an added bonus that with this added range of functionality and selection includes a lower price as well. That is why many farmers are trending towards companies offering aftermarket parts and advanced technology that can make their ag equipment types more efficient

Aftermarket Ag Parts Provide Added Value

Using aftermarket Ag parts has the potential to add value to your equipment. This value could come to you in performance or simply just the price tag of the part you bought! With the use of Aftermarket parts, you can boost the performance of your equipment while saving money on the purchase price of your replacement.

Broader Selection of Optimized Parts

The availability of aftermarket Ag parts from multiple manufacturers means a broader selection of parts. This means that there is the ability the obtain a wide range of optimized parts rather than the standard parts offered by the manufacturer. These optimized parts have the potential of allowing your equipment to operate more efficiently than ever before!

Contact a DMC Wear Parts Ag Equipment Types Specialist Today

When you’ve decided to invest significantly in a piece of Ag Equipment, the parts you choose to put into its maintenance are essential. You don’t want to pay more than you need to, but you want to ensure that you get the performance you need out of your equipment. Contact a DMC Wear Parts Specialist today to help you find the right replacement part that fits your budget and your equipment!

Equipment to Start a Snow Plow Business in 2022

Posted on December 21, 2021 | by Kody

Equipment Needed to Start a Snow Plow Business in 2022

Starting a plowing business in 2022 can be an expensive endeavor, especially if you aren’t prepared with how you’re acquiring your equipment or planning for future expenses. Luckily, DMC Wear Parts has an extensive inventory of snow removal equipment, plows, and more, all at affordable pricing. Contact a DMC Wear Parts expert for more information on how to get your snow plow fleet up and running for the winter ahead!

Upfront and Ongoing Expenses in Snow Removal

Some of the upfront costs of starting a snow removal business include purchasing a vehicle, acquiring one or multiple snow plows that fit onto your vehicle, buying cutting edges for different terrains, and purchasing ice melt and a salt dispenser.

Plowing involves a good deal of ongoing expenses too. Snow removal can be very tough on your vehicle as well as your other equipment, so expect to be paying for lots of replacement parts and maintenance over the years. Additionally, you’ll want to be sure to purchase insurance to keep you and your business safe in case of an accident. Some ongoing costs to expect include:

Vehicle maintenance
Replacement cutting edges
General liability insurance
Salt or ice melt
Gasoline

Consider Making an Equipment Checklist to Start

One way to help keep track of essential equipment for snowplow businesses is to keep an equipment checklist. Not only can it help you to visualize the size of the costs, but it can also help you keep a budget in mind.

How Do Snow Plow Businesses Make Money?

Considering the amount of cash that goes into starting and maintaining a snowplow business, it seems tempting to wonder how, if at all, these businesses can be profitable. Indeed, some seasons can be rough in terms of cash flow for some plows depending on weather, how much clients are willing to pay, and this even can be chalked up to dumb luck at times! However, a snowplow business can certainly earn a decent living as long as they keep their costs low and their customers happy.

Start small, and don’t purchase more than you need to right out the gate. It can be wise to make use of what you already have, like a truck, and keep in mind that your business will take time to build. It may not work out if you purchase a dedicated skid steer, tons of plow styles, and an extra-expensive blade right out the gate if customers don’t know your company.

Charge enough to make a profit, keeping in mind the costs incurred by all of the equipment. People outside of the plowing industry may balk at common plowing quotes, but it does require many man-hours and can take a toll on your truck and your equipment.

You may even want to consider subcontracting at first to get a feel for the job. Many plowing companies in areas that receive a lot of snow will search for drivers that can take up extra work – if you want to make money plowing snow before starting your business, you may want to consider this route before taking the plunge.

Equipment that a Snow Plow Business Needs

Snow Removal Vehicle

Purchasing a snow removal vehicle is the very first step to starting a snow removal company – it’s the piece of equipment for snowplow businesses that all of your work hinges on. For this reason, it’s essential to pick a durable, powerful vehicle that can operate well in low temperatures. Additionally, your vehicle needs to be able to handle a larger plow attached to it, or else you may not be able to make efficient work of clients’ properties.

Truck

If you’re starting a snowplow business from scratch, a truck may be an excellent option for you. In fact, you might already own a truck that is suitable for plowing. While a truck might not be as powerful or heavy-duty as a dedicated skid steer for plowing, you can potentially save on start-up costs – especially if you aren’t sure about the volume of work you’ll be taking on. Heavy-duty trucks are great options for snowplow and accessory attachments; a DMC Wear Parts expert can help you find the exact parts that fit your truck so you can be sure that your snowplow rig will be working in top condition all winter long!

Skid Steer

Skid steers are another excellent choice for a snow removal vehicle. They are powerful and relatively versatile in terms of attachments and functions. While a skid steer may be a bigger commitment if this is your first foray into jobs involving heavy machinery, they might be a more economical choice if you would like to do other jobs using your skid steer during the off-seasons. Most skid steers can be fitted with many different attachments, such as pallet forks, backhoes, mowers, and many more. Having work to do beyond the wintertime is critical to the profitability of a snowplow business – few plow businesses have snow removal as their only business venture. Additionally, skid steers can be fitted with snow plow attachments, which can make easy work of large snow plowing jobs.

Snow Plow Blades

When starting a plowing business, it’s essential to purchase more than one cutting edge to have in your repertoire. Different jobs will require different snow plow cutting edges depending on the terrain, temperatures, and job requirements.

Steel Blades

Steel is a common material for snowplow blades because they are often rust-resistant, strong against built-up snow and hard ice, and can do a thorough job scraping up ice that has frozen to the ground. However, steel is tough on roads, making it a bad fit for plowing jobs in residential areas or on special pavement like driveways or decorative paving.

Steel cutting edges often come with the plow as a default edge due to its relative versatility. While they aren’t as gentle as rubber blades nor as durable as carbide snow blades, they represent a middle ground that makes them an excellent general-purpose cutting edge that can handle several different terrain types.

Rubber Blades

Rubber cutting edges are another common choice, as they can handle extremely low temperatures without sustaining much damage. Additionally, they are very gentle on roads and pavement, making them a good choice for plowing in residential areas that require a gentle plow job.

Unfortunately, however, rubber blades are very flexible, which means that they may wear out faster than other blade types. Additionally, they often leave a thin layer of snow on the ground because their lack of rigidity makes them bad for scraping ice and snow directly off the ground, requiring an additional application of salt to melt any remaining snow.

Carbide Blades

Carbide snow plow blades are essentially beefed-up steel blades. They’re used for similar jobs, but they boast greater durability and a more robust cutting surface. They can be used to cut through solid, packed-in ice and snow, and they will likely require far fewer replacements over time due to their strengthened design. However, they can be very damaging on roads, making them a poor choice for residential or driveway plowing. They are best suited for heavy-duty commercial uses.

Other Equipment for Snow Plow Businesses

Snow Melt / Salt Dispenser

Two other vital expenses include a steady supply of ice melt and a salt dispenser that can be affixed to the back of your truck or skid steer. Salting the road that you’ll be plowing ahead of time can make your job that much easier, as it can help prevent a hard layer of ice from forming if applied correctly.

Additionally, if you have used a rubber cutting edge, snowmelt or salt can help you finish up the job without risking damage to the driveway or road once you’ve plowed the top layers of snow away.

Ballast for Your Truck (if needed)

If you’re starting a plowing business using a pickup truck, it may be wise to consider investing in some sort of ballast for your truck. After all, you’re affixing a very heavy piece of equipment to the front end of your vehicle, which may put your truck at risk of tipping over. For a ballast, you might want to consider using sandbags and purchase a ballast retainer to keep your vehicle’s weight safely secured in the very rear of your truck bed. weight safely secured in the very rear of your truck bed.

Contact a DMC Wear Parts Snowplow Expert Today

Are you looking to start a snowplow business? Want guidance on maintaining a plowing truck or skid steer? Need new parts? Contact a DMC Wear Parts expert today! We’ll help connect you with the right replacement parts for your vehicle, no matter what model, and help to keep your snow plow business running in tip-top shape.

Poly vs. Rubber Snow Plow Edges

Posted on December 18, 2021 | by Kody

Snow Plow Edges: Rubber vs. Polyurethane

Snowplowing can be a never-ending battle. The snow will always come, and it’s often up to snowplow operators to figure out the best way to handle it!

Two common materials that snowplow edges can be made from include polyurethane and rubber. While both of these materials offer different benefits and drawbacks, polyurethane and rubber plow edges can both aid in getting pesky snow removal jobs done efficiently!

Polyurethane Snow Plow Edges

Polyurethane snowplow edges are a type of plow blade that can be installed on most conducive vehicles. These blades are fitted onto the snowplow rig and have a polyurethane material on one side to serve as a protective coating.

Advantages to Poly Edges

The advantages of a poly plow edge can include a longer wear life and that polyurethane plow edges can, in fact, be mandated by some locales.

Poly Lasts Longer than Rubber

Due to polyurethane’s resistant exterior, some experts say that poly plow edges can last up to twice as long as a rubber plow edge. Since poly edges provide a longer wear life than rubber, they can reduce downtime due to maintenance and having to swap out your blade.

Some Locales Require Poly Edges

Some regions require poly edges because they are less harmful to road surfaces. Snowplow blades and edges of all types are subject to wearing down road surfaces due to repeated use and friction from plowing. Polyurethane-lined plow edges can reduce this friction and wear to public roads.

Disadvantages to Poly Snow Plow Edges

Disadvantages to polyurethane plow edges include a higher price tag than other common materials and the fact that they are not suited for use in rough terrain.

Higher Cost than Other Snow Plow Materials

Polyurethane plow edges can carry a more expensive price tag for beginners compared to more common steel, rubber, and carbide edges. Ensure that a poly plow edge is right for your application by contacting a DMC Wear Parts expert!

Not Ideal for Rough Surfaces

Poly edges are not ideal for rough surfaces as they cannot grip the road’s surface as well as a rubber edge. Poly edges work best on a smoother surface and aren’t ideal for off-road or uneven surface plowing operations.

Rubber Snow Plow Edges

Rubber snow plow edges are a type of snowplow blade designed to work on most types of vehicles. These blades are installed onto the vehicle, and the rubber side of the blade is put against the surface of the snow while it’s scraping it off.

Advantages to Rubber Edges

Rubber plow edges offer many advantages, including providing a quieter plow, being lightweight, and having a cheaper price point than other snow plow materials.

Quieter than Other Plow Types

Rubber snowplow blades are not as noisy as different blades because they’re softer and less forceful. As stated previously, nearly all plow blades make contact with the road or ground, causing lots of friction as the plow moves along. These plows’ rubber material offers a softer and gentler touch when plowing roads.

Cheaper than Polyurethane

Rubber snow plow edges often come with a lesser price tag than other styles of plows. This is mainly due to their lightweight and flexible nature – rubber plow edges are also more susceptible to wear and tear over time.

Disadvantages to Rubber Edges

Disadvantages for rubber plow edges can include their longevity and their inability to plow in certain conditions effectively.

Doesn’t Last as Long as Other Plow Types

Rubber snow plow edges don’t last as long as other snowplow blades because they are softer and more pliable than different plow types. Rubber can also wear out more quickly than polyurethane.

Ineffective Against Ice and Heavier Snow

Rubber snowplow blades are often soft and not as strong as poly, steel, or carbide blades. This makes rubber plows ineffective when dealing with ice or heavier snow.

Choosing the Right Snow Plow Edge for the Job

It’s essential to choose the right type of snowplow edge for your snow removal equipment. There are many options to select from, and it can be challenging to know what’s best for your application. Luckily, DMC Wear Parts is here to help you select the best snow plow blades!

Other Types of Snow Plow Edges

DMC Wear Parts offers a complete selection of snow plow blade and edge styles, going beyond just rubber or polyurethane. We offer heavy-duty carbide, steel, and hybrid rubber-steel JOMA-style blades. We also carry unique special-purpose blades from manufacturers like Built Blades, Kennametal, and Sno Shock.

Contact a DMC Wear Parts Expert Today

Do you have any questions about pinpointing the perfect snow plow blade for your needs? Contact a DMC Wear Parts Expert t

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