By Jason Lee and Derek Ruesser

When you’re in the process of purchasing a new tractor, you’ve likely thought about how its operating cost per hour will stack up against your farm’s net income. 

But, here’s the wrench: cost per hour isn’t just a straightforward number. It’s an accumulation of various factors, each influencing your financial bottom line over the tractor’s entire lifespan or lease period in ways you might not initially consider. 

In this Acres of Insight blog, we’re shedding some light on understanding cost per hour in a way that goes beyond your bottom line, hoping to get you to think differently about how you approach the true cost of tractor ownership.

More Than Just a Number

It’s easy to calculate cost per hour from the overall purchase price or monthly lease payment of the tractor, but these figures are only the initial layer of the cost per hour equation. It’s about more than just a number on a balance sheet. 

When we start peeking beneath the surface, it’s about fuel efficiency, labor costs, maintenance, and even, dependability. 

The reliability of a tractor can mean the difference between hitting that critical planting window – which in the last five years, is just 12 optimal days to harness maximum yield potential – or watching helplessly as that window of opportunity is lost. 

Every hour lost to downtime is an hour where crops aren’t planted or hay isn’t baled; and depending on the task at hand, that can cost you up to $150 per hour.

Other crucial, and often overlooked, aspects of cost per hour include flexibility and usability. Have you considered how the tractor’s capabilities can support the evolving needs of your farm? Have you thought about its resale value? Or what it means for your tractor to be operational by a driver of any skill level? 

When it comes to flexibility, the right amount of technology to get the job done is important. The ability to upgrade or add technology over time is also crucial. As your farm grows and technology evolves, your tractor should be able to adapt through easily integrated upgrades. This flexibility ensures your investment remains operational for the long-term, maintaining its value. 

Considering the usability of a tractor is also important. A tractor equipped with safety features such as front visibility, not only safeguards the operator but also boosts overall farm efficiency. Additionally, a tractor that’s designed for ease of use simplifies the training process, allowing drivers of varying skill levels to operate it, minimizing operator costs and increasing usability across your operation. 

Beyond Economics

It’s not all about the economics, though. The non-financial considerations are just as significant. Do you want to reclaim more of your valuable time to spend with family? What about the ease and familiarity of jumping into a comfortable cab, and knowing the job will get done right? 

When time is money, every hour counts. At Massey Ferguson, we understand that cost per hour comes down to more than just the financials. It’s the dependability, efficiency, and technology that allow you to reduce costs and enhance your uptime in the field.

If you’re ready to see how Massey Ferguson can make a real difference in your cost per hour, reach out to us and visit your local dealer.