Why Store Farm Machinery Indoors?
When left outside, farm machinery is exposed to extreme weather conditions throughout the year, where heavy snow and rain, freezing temperatures, and sunlight have damaging effects. Leaving tractors, combines, and other implements out in the open accelerates corrosion, wear, and contributes to lost productivity. Benefits of storing farm equipment indoors include:
1. Reduced Repair & Maintenance Costs
Rain, snow, ice, UV rays, and fluctuating temperatures are tough on exposed agricultural equipment. When left outdoors, the elements cause wear and deterioration of critical components, like hydraulics, tires, belts, and electronics. Paint quickly fades, rubber seals dry out, and rust sets in quicker, leading to costly repairs and premature aging. Indoor storage prevents moisture buildup, freezing, corrosion, and exposure-related faults – directly translating to fewer breakdowns and lower repair bills.
2. Less Downtime & Prolonged Lifespan
Indoor storage for farm equipment allows farmers to get more use out of their equipment by reducing downtime for repairs and prolonging the useable life of tractors, combines, and implements. By sheltering equipment from harsh elements, critical systems last longer, cosmetic deterioration slows down, and major repairs are less frequent. This all adds up to equipment spending more time working in the field.
3. Improved Security
A secure machine shed effectively deters theft and vandalism. Keeping equipment out of sight, behind closed doors in an enclosed structure, can significantly reduce risks.
4. Higher Resale & Trade-In Value
Well-kept, sheltered farm equipment holds it’s value better than machinery stored outdoors. Dealers and buyers value equipment that looks clean, runs reliably, and has been well taken care of – and are willing to pay more for second-hand machinery that has been stored inside a machine shed or cold storage building.
5. Operational Efficiency & Uptime
Machines stored inside start up faster and are easier to prepare for work. Machine sheds and cold storage buildings also provide a comfortable space to maintain, service, and inspect equipment in all types of weather, so nice days can be spent more productively.
Which Farm Equipment Benefits Most from Being Stored Inside a Machine Shed?
Not all pieces of agricultural equipment benefit equally from being stored indoors. Depending on the complexity and components of the machine, some pieces of equipment will benefit more than others. In general, the most sensitive and important machines to store in a farm building are:
- Combines & Harvesters
- Balers & Forage Equipment
- Tractors & Trucks
- Seeders & Planters
- Sprayers & Applicators
- Grain Carts & Wagons
Other, simpler pieces of equipment, like tillage implements, stand to benefit much less by being stored inside. Canadian farmers should prioritize machines with sensitive electronics, hydraulics, and complex moving parts that have a high replacement cost.
Cost of Building A Farm Storage Building vs. Long-Term Benefits
Investing in a post frame farm building to store equipment involves a significant upfront construction cost, which may be difficult for some farmers to justify.
However, despite the large upfront costs, the savings created by a machine shed add up over the life of the building. Decreased costs for weather-caused repairs and maintenance, increased resale value, and less equipment downtime can financially justify the significant upfront investment.
The long-term benefits of a cold storage building is determined by the type and quantity of equipment stored inside. A farm building that protects high-value machines like combines, sprayers, and balers can make the investment worthwhile within a handful of seasons.
Browse Our Past Farm Storage Projects
See how we’ve helped other farmers discover the benefits of storing farm equipment indoors. View our past machine shed and cold storage buildings for inspiration and ideas for your farm.
