Want machines that excel at farming AND construction tasks?
Farm equipment dealers sell construction equipment because there’s a big overlap between the two industries. While buyers used to think in strict terms of farm machinery vs. construction equipment, now there’s more crossover than ever before.
Here’s why…
Farmers need to grade land, move dirt, and perform construction-like tasks all the time. Contractors are finding that ag equipment can handle many of their jobsites just as well.
This means more versatility when searching for your next piece of equipment.
Are you buying for a farm or construction business? Both!
Let’s dive in.
Why Farm and Construction Equipment Are Similar
Construction workers have used farming equipment and vice versa for decades. Both contractors and farmers need to move hay, dig trenches, grade driveways, and so much more.
The primary difference is location.
Farmers typically operate in rural areas where soil is soft. Construction sites don’t always have packed-down soil or level ground.
Notice how there’s overlap in the types of work mentioned above.
Thanks to technological advancements, agriculture equipment dealers can offer amazing versatility with their machines. Many heavyweight manufacturers like John Deere, Kubota, Case IH, New Holland, and more make compact machinery that can do it all. Dealers like Lawrenceburg Case IH and Kubota equipment specialists stock machines that serve both farming operations and construction projects.
Compact equipment sales are booming across the board for that reason.
Compact Equipment Is Driving The Trend
Small doesn’t mean weak.
Anyone who owns a compact utility tractor knows how powerful these machines are. You’d be surprised what you can do with the right piece of compact equipment.
Here are some examples of crossover farm/construction equipment:
- Compact utility tractor
- Skid steer
- Mini excavator
- Compact track loader
All of these machines are ideal for use in muddy fields, gravel lots, on job sites, and construction zones. They’re simply designed to conquer tough terrain.
Check out these stats from Industry Research:
- The global compact utility tractor market reached $6.2 billion in 2024. It’s expected to grow to $10.8 billion by 2033.
- Compact equipment sales will hit $41.4 billion by 2033.
- The utility task vehicle market will grow from $9.9 BILLION to $19.1 BILLION by the end of the forecast period.
Focus on the 20-40 HP segment.
This is where you’ll find the most versatility. Those compact machines fit anywhere a regular tractor or skid steer cannot.
Agricultural Equipment Dealerships Have Changed
Walk into your local farm equipment dealer and take a look around.
You’ll notice tractors, loaders, skid steers, excavators, and just about everything in between. That’s because agricultural equipment dealerships have evolved into one-stop shops for farmers AND contractors.
Rural contractors often find themselves buying the same equipment as farmers. It just makes sense.
The same is true for folks who own farms. Why pay extra for a construction company to grade your driveway when you can do it yourself?
Your friendly neighborhood equipment dealer has noted these trends and adjusted their inventory as a result.
Which Machines Work Well For Farming AND Construction?
There are plenty of farm equipment dealers in the space. CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT also crosses over well:
Compact Utility Tractors
Compact utility tractors can pretty much do anything a full-size tractor can, just on a smaller scale. These muscular machines dominate the agriculture industry thanks to their adaptability.
Farmers use them for everything – mowing, hauling, tillage, landscaping…you name it.
Add a front loader attachment and they can double as a skid steer as well.
Skid Steers
Skid steers have endless possibilities. Pick the right attachment and they can dig, grade, lift, sweep, you name it.
Don’t underestimate these bad boys.
Mini Excavators
Excavators and mini-excavators are some of the most underrated crossover machines.
Anything that needs digging is fair game for these bad boys. Dig foundations, install drainage, clear land, dig trenches.
Farmers use them for pond work and trenching just as much as construction crews.
Loader Backhoes
Loader backhoes rule. They’re the OG crossover machine.
Loader on the front, backhoe on the back. Compact tractor doesn’t fit every situation, but you can always count on a loader backhoe.
Don’t Forget Attachments
Remember when I said those machines can do anything?
Throw on a few attachments and you’ve got yourself a construction arsenal.
- Bucket (multiple sizes for different jobs)
- Pallet forks
- Grapple
- Auger (think post holes on farms, dig foundations on construction sites)
- Trencher (laying drainage, utility work)
- Box blade / grader (building driveways / roads)
Equipment Attachments Serve Many Purposes
Make Smart Equipment Purchases
Trying to decide what equipment your business really needs? Consider these questions:
Does the machine serve double duty for construction-related tasks?
Take compact utility tractors for example. They’re ideal for agricultural needs but can also grade roads, move dirt, and more.
You can’t build a driveway on your farm? Hire a contractor. But at least you HAVE the equipment necessary to pay them.
Think about how you can USE the equipment before you buy it.
Durability & Build Quality
Don’t sacrifice quality for the sake of versatility. Especially when it comes to machines that will see construction-type use.
Construction sites can be tough on machinery. Make sure you trust the dealer behind your equipment.
That includes service, parts availability, and mechanic expertise.
Resale Value
This comes back to dealer support. You want to buy from a dealer that specializes in both construction equipment AND farm machinery.
Why? Because those machines will have a larger pool of buyers when it’s time to sell. Someone buying construction equipment may not need a front loader attachment and visa versa.
Bonus resale value tip: Buy USED when possible.
Tying It All Together
Both industries need movers and graders. They just go about those tasks slightly differently.
Choosing equipment that excels at both farming and construction tasks allows you to do more with less machinery. Versatile attachments let you customize those machines based on your needs.
The right farm equipment dealer can help you choose the best machines for your specific business. Visit your local equipment dealer and see what they have in stock today!
