Country living has its benefits — open spaces, abundant wildlife, and fresh air — but no one ever said that it’s a bed of roses.
People who leave the hustle and bustle of city life behind tend to prefer the splendor of trees, grass, and large lots over the stuffiness of the crowded concrete jungle.
But one thing the approximately 46 million Americans living in rural areas will admit is that country living is hard work. That’s especially true for those with acreage. If you sell your home in the city or suburbs, load up a U-Haul truck, and move to the country, the dream might quickly devolve into a nightmare if you don’t know what awaits you.
Here are seven pieces of equipment you might need for your homestead so that you can work smarter rather than harder and actually enjoy what country living has to offer.
1. Tractor
A tractor is a workhorse you might need on your rural property. Depending on the machine and implements or attachments you get, you can use a tractor to cut grass, grade the driveway, plant crops, blow snow, till the earth, and much more.
Tractors make backbreaking labor easy. But you’ll want to ensure you get the right machine and attachments to meet your needs now and in the future. You’ll quickly realize how useful these machines can be to people living in the country.
2. Utility Vehicle (UTV) or All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
A rural estate may mean more distance between home, barns, pastures, or wood lots. A UTV or ATV will make navigating around your property easy and convenient.
If you don’t think a UTV or ATV is necessary, consider the following use cases:
- Inspection fences, hauling equipment, or light-load towing
- Exploring the property, going hunting, or taking junk to the landfill
If you’ll transport passengers or cargo regularly on the property, a UTV will be a smarter investment than an ATV since the former tends to be more car-like than the latter.
3. Chainsaw
Trees are a resource, but they can also be a nuisance. From pruning limbs after a storm to splitting wood, a chainsaw is a vital tool. Otherwise, you might find yourself overwhelmed every time a storm knocks down trees or scatters limbs across your lot.
Look for a chainsaw within your comfort zone. It should match your use case. When buying a chainsaw, you also require a helmet, gloves, and chaps for safety.
4. Lawn Mower or Brush Hog
If your property includes fields, meadows, or large lawns, you’ll need a way to keep the vegetation under control. A traditional riding lawn mower works for smaller spaces, while a brush hog — pulled behind a tractor — is better for rough, overgrown areas.
Going this route will help you maintain your property, reduce fire hazards, and prevent invasive plants from taking over.
While you can meet this need with a tractor, you might want a smaller machine for the lawn and leave the garden tractor, subcompact tractor, or larger tractor for bigger tasks.
5. Forklift
A not-so-obvious tool to consider for your homestead is a forklift. It can prove extremely helpful on a farm, especially if you’re moving heavy loads around.
It’s ideal for transporting pallets of grain, bales of hay, lumber, or other heavy loads. And it’ll spare your back and eliminate the risk associated with manual lifting.
Earning a forklift operator certification online is one option. It can help if you want to work as a forklift operator after leaving a city job or just to use a forklift on your property.
6. Skid Steer Loader
Skid steers are versatile rural-lifestyle vehicles. You can use them to dig, lift, grade, and even clear snow with the right attachments.
Look into getting a skid steer for landscaping, moving gravel, or clearing obstructions.
Skid steers are a costly investment, but the purchase can be worthwhile if it meets your needs.
7. Post Hole Digger or Auger
If your rural property includes livestock, gardens, or fencing, you’ll need a reliable way to dig holes. A post hole digger or auger will make the job much easier. You won’t have to rely on time-consuming and back-breaking manual digging.
Rural property ownership is a blessing, but you might second-guess that sentiment if you don’t have the equipment needed to get things done. The seven pieces of equipment mentioned above can help. You can add to your inventory as needed.
You’ll find that the right tools will ensure you have enough time to enjoy country living.