Owning a homestead is a great accomplishment. Not only does it provide you and your family with food and sometimes even a source of income, but it grants important life lessons and skills. However, it can also be demanding to keep a well-maintained homestead. Having the right equipment can help you maintain your homestead and dramatically reduce the amount of time you have to spend working. Here are some of the types of essential homestead maintenance equipment that you need to have next year.
Rear-Tine Tiller
For a large field, you might use a tractor to hitch a plow to till the earth. However, if your homestead garden area is small or is broken up into small plots, a plow isn’t feasible. Instead, you might consider a rear-tine tiller.
A rear-tine tiller is controlled much like a walk mower for the lawn. However, instead of cutting anything, it simply tills the dirt of the garden. It can also break sod quickly and mix compost with the soil. When using the equipment, ensure it doesn’t get in contact with cornstalks or wrapped in vines because it will get clogged. Also, don’t let the engine bog down because it’ll overheat.
Trailer
The next essential piece of equipment you should have next year, if you don’t already, is a trailer. It will help you to haul tools, livestock, produce, and other heavy items from one area of your property to another or to another location entirely. You can also use it as a storage box, especially when you lack enough space to store your tools.
Consider adding an aluminum trailer storage box to your trailer to make things easier for you. The storage box doesn’t take up much space on the trailer since they are placed at the trailer’s edge. They can store tools that you want to keep easily on hand for basic repairs. An anchored storage box can also be useful for transporting small items that you don’t want lost. The box will keep them from being jostled and falling from the trailer as you drive.
Tractor
A tractor is essential equipment in your homestead, especially if you have a large plot of land. Even though there are multiple types of tractors, they all serve the same purpose.
A tractor is a big investment and will likely be one of the most expensive maintenance tools you look at. However, it is a multi-purpose tool that can serve as a wide variety of other tools ranging from backhoe to forklift to plow.
If you can’t afford to purchase a modern tractor, you can often find used tractors that might be within your budget. Because they’re made to last, it will likely serve you as well as a brand new one might.
Wire Fence
Even if you live within a safe environment, getting a wire mesh fence will help prevent rodents and other harmful creatures from intruding on your homestead.
It will also help you to keep your homestead creatures safe within your property. In this case, you need to identify a durable and high-quality fence that will not require frequent repairs or a replacement.
Mechanical Hand Tools
Mechanical hand tools are also the most crucial maintenance equipment you should have in your homestead next year. The tools include pliers, ratchet handles and extensions, and screwdrivers, among other tools. You may need to use these tools on a daily basis, especially for demanding tasks. Having good quality tools on hand will make repairs and maintenance much easier.
Keeping your homestead well-maintained isn’t an easy task, especially when you lack the right equipment. However, the above tools can make your work easier and keep your homestead in the right shape throughout the next year and beyond.
