Farm Vehicles & Transport

Vehicle Needs on Dairy Farms

Dairy farms rely on a variety of vehicles for daily operations—from pickup trucks for general farm use to heavy-duty trucks for hauling feed, animals, and equipment. The right vehicle fleet balances capability, cost, and reliability to keep operations running smoothly.

Types of Farm Vehicles

Pickup Trucks

• Light-duty (1/2 ton): General farm errands, pulling small trailers
• Heavy-duty (3/4-1 ton): Pulling larger trailers, gooseneck hitches
• Diesel vs. gasoline: Diesel for heavy pulling and fuel economy; gas for lighter use

Medium-Duty Trucks

• Feed delivery from suppliers
• Local equipment hauling
• Animal transport

Utility Vehicles (UTVs/ATVs)

• Pasture checks and monitoring
• Moving small loads
• Employee transportation on large operations

Purchasing Considerations

New vs. Used

• New: Warranty coverage, latest features, financing incentives
• Used: Lower initial cost, proven reliability (or known problems), higher maintenance
• Certified pre-owned: Middle ground with some warranty protection

Key Features for Farm Use

• 4-wheel drive for field and mud conditions
• Towing capacity matching trailer needs
• Durable bed for hauling
• Easy maintenance access

Fleet Management

• Maintenance schedules and records
• Fuel tracking and economy
• Replacement planning and budgeting
• Insurance and registration management
• Driver training and policies

Cost Considerations

New heavy-duty pickups cost $50,000-80,000+. Quality used trucks run $20,000-40,000. Budget for ongoing costs: fuel, insurance, maintenance, and eventual replacement. Consider total cost of ownership over the vehicle's life, not just purchase price.