With steep rises in fuel prices and the need for specialised maintenance, farm machinery costs are set to rise across Australia. The need for transporting farm machinery to rural or remote locations puts additional pressure on farmers to either utilise vehicle freight companies or pay a hefty price for new equipment. Purchasing used farming equipment might sound like the economical choice, but with that decision comes footing the cost of transportation, which has its own complications and can exceed the cost of the machinery itself.  

The Perfect Storm of Rising Costs 

Fuel costs are expected to rise further, putting farmers under even more pressure to make their dollars stretch. With tight operating margins, fuel typically accounts for around 9% of a farm’s operational costs, which doesn’t include indirect costs related to fuel, and makes energy-intensive tasks even more challenging. 

Farmers have been dealing with labour shortages in addition to rising machinery costs, often forcing investment in more automated machinery that can handle some of the workload to make up for the lack of labour. Add to that the cost of maintenance, repairs and insurance, and you have the perfect storm. Data shows that farmers are paying 300% more to insure large combines than they were in 2022, and the cost of parts is still higher than they were pre-pandemic. 

Rural and remote farmers are already paying premium prices for repair services, and that is largely due to a lack of specialised mechanics in the region. With the lack of local specialists, farmers often turn to interstate machinery transportation companies to bridge the gap as a way to reduce costs. Whether you’re transporting used machinery to a rural location, relocating farm machinery or sending it to a specialist mechanic for repair, equipment requires careful handling. Some transportation specialists are trained and experienced in handling and transporting oversized farm equipment. 

Finding a Solution

Whether you’re a cocky, a smallholder, or operate a rural acreage, station or run, rising costs are making it more difficult to spread the cost of machinery. You may rely on leasing equipment, paying high maintenance costs, or prefer buying used—but whatever the choice, you need a reliable freight company to transport your farm machinery to where it’s needed. Always secure several quotes, ask about their insurance and ensure the company you hire has the necessary experience to transport your farm machinery safely. You can’t afford not to.