Quad Bike for small farm 13 miles away

bauney

Hi all,
Here is a question that i am looking for some advice on.
I am married with 2 young kids and i am in full time employment currently. However i hope to start sheep farming in coming year(s) on a small holding (20 acres). This is very much part time as a family tradition and as a hobby.
The thing is the farm may be 13 miles away. Land is of mixed quality. Needs improvement in grass management (rushes, drainage), boundary fencing and walls, overgrown trees and hedges ... standard maintenance
Currently, we have a tractor and machinary (topper, sprayer) that is not fit for the road anymore. Not fit for road transport.
My current thoughts on my farming model would be just to continue to rare sheep outdoors all year (no housing, feed hay bales outside during bad months) and to sell off store lambs. And to improve the grass, stock numbers, stock quality and facilities over 5-10 years.  Very simple model. 

So i am pondering the following - would a quad bike be sufficient for me? This avoids me having to get a tractor and necessary machinery at a large cost.
If i needed a tractor to perform a job (top the land etc,) then i could obviously hire one, loan of one or get contractor to do it. 
By using a quad, i could use a car trailer to bring with me to farm then use the quad to spread fertilizer, spray land, attach trailer for moving stock etc..
If i was a millionaire then i wouldn't hestiate in getting a tractor but he thoughts of needing to buy a tractor at large cost, then sit idle at home 90% of the time and then when i need it to travel 13 miles to and from with it.
I know quads and machinary costs all up aswell but time, cost and usability are main the issues with me.
So based on my farming aspirations, would a quad would be sufficient for me?
Any thoughts good or bad would be welcomed?

Thunderbird

Would ya consider a gator? Very handy 4wd machine and they're good on road and land

monseiur

Seeing that you have a tractor, topper, sprayer etc. already you should consider building a shed on farm with a heavy duty roller shutter door and steel pedestrian side door with dead bolts etc. for obvious security reasons.
Also a shed in invaluable for sheep shearing, dosing, sick animal, fodder stogage etc. in bad weather.
Forget the quad, a reliable tractor with transport box and a good dog is what you need.
M.

ganmo

My concern would be keeping it secure. Quads are light enough that they are regularly literally lifted.
If the road isn't rough I'd say look at an old jeep rather than a quad

bauney

The 13 miles i have to travel is along public roads. All decent roads from house to the farm. 
The quad would be keep in garage at home whenever not in use. 
I like the idea of just having a jeep but if i only had a jeep how would i even do the spraying or spreading fertilizer jobs?

Thunderbird

bauney wrote: »

The 13 miles i have to travel is along public roads. All decent roads from house to the farm. 
The quad would be keep in garage at home whenever not in use. 
I like the idea of just having a jeep but if i only had a jeep how would i even do the spraying or spreading fertilizer jobs?

As I said gators are roadworthy as well as being used for miscellaneous jobs

Thunderbird

Tt

mayota

monseiur wrote: »

Seeing that you have a tractor, topper, sprayer etc. already you should consider building a shed on farm with a heavy duty roller shutter door and steel pedestrian side door with dead bolts etc. for obvious security reasons.
Also a shed in invaluable for sheep shearing, dosing, sick animal, fodder stogage etc. in bad weather.
Forget the quad, a reliable tractor with transport box and a good dog is what you need.
M.

This is by far the best option. You’d have a shed up for the price of a decent quad.

Muckit

I'm lost. What has the 13miles to do with your choice of farm vehicle? Can you not drive to the farm with your car?

bauney

My opening post stated my situation. I hope to do bit of sheep farming on a small holding 13 miles away. Currently my father's tractor and machinery are out dated and will not be fit for purpose.
So my question was is it feasible to use a quad for the little bit of farming I intend in doing. I gave examples in opening post of my aspirations noting I would be a part time farmer on a small scale sheep production production. I don't make silage or hay.
If need a tractor then I have to consider the time costs involved in the actual transits to and form. Also the tractor would cost alot more and would be parked up idle for most of the year.
Perhaps it's wishful or naive thinking but I thought it may be possible to do alot (not all) of my jobs via quad bike(spraying, gathering and moving low numbers of stock, fertilizing). This way I can transport this to and from the farm on back of car and trailer.

discodaveirl

To answer your question, a quad will do you for spraying, spreading bag manure and gathering stock on the land... Also the likes of an ifor williams p6e would be ideal for moving the quad, can also be got with high mesh sides for moving small amounts of sheep.. Personally speaking id rather a Suzuki quad to a Honda but either way id stick with either Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki or Suzuki.. Dont forget to buy a decent helmet, and a pair of gloves...

pingg10

i think quad is feasible idea. i use one for similar area do spraying, fertilizing and also have topper . like you would like tractor and machinery but hard to justify for such a small area

49801

I still don't get it OP?

Yes a quad can do it if that is what you want to do if that is the answer your looking for.

But I'd be thinking same as others in that you'd be better storing equipment at the location.

Moving equip 13miles each time you wish to do a job will take you a lot of time. Even if that is just a quad on a trailer. As you are part time with young children. time is precious. Much handier for you to travel to holding in car.

Keep your existing equipment. Ok understand it's not road worthy but still work capable for your operation.

Equally id not think it a good idea to be buying new tractor road worthy to be able to drive to holding in it.

Turbohymac

Jesus were in a similar situation currently as I live mid way between original home farm and. An outside farm . I keep calves &dry stock on the outside farm and I wouldn't even dream of traveling 3 or 4 miles on a public road with a quad bike.. The main issue /stumbling block. Apart from being open to the elements.. Insurance for road use.. these quads are considered quite dangerous by fbd and other insurers. I work full time outside of this small 50 acre holding and drive a 07 van with a low value. I keep an old bulletproof 4wd crystal on the farm and commute/to trailer/visit co op etc etc with the van. The quad would be absolutely useless to me and also if even insurance etc is not a problem. Please realise that quads are thirsty on fuel and tyres and unless you budget 6 to 8 k you will only be purchasing crap. I'd definitely recommend using car /van to use on public roads and pick up tractor with loader to keep on farm &will not need insurance/tax etc but will be invaluable in helping to bring your land up to standard. 10 to 12 k and you will realize just how useful and invaluable an investment a tractor is .. Jesus quad would b fair bottom of my list. Brother has one but only for herding large dairy herd.. no other use.
Look at all options first before spending and look into insurance cost if you re hooked on a quad

nhg

https://www.donedeal.ie/view/17430266
Suzuki King Quad 300

Muckit

Where do u hide your car when you drive to work?

discodaveirl

nhg wrote: »

https://www.donedeal.ie/view/17430266
Suzuki King Quad 300

Same as our own quad, not fully road legal without indicators

Muckit wrote: »

Where do u hide your car when you drive to work?

???

bauney

Thanks for all the comments. I see the most advice i see is to get tractor and machinery on the farm and lock it away safely then i can travel to farm with car at ease. This is much easier than transporting a trailer and quad whenever i need a job done. This allows me to do the jobs i need when i need. I did think of this but i was reluctant to consider this alternative due to potential theft of the machinery with it being so far away. Perhaps I am overthinking it.

49801

bauney wrote: »

Thanks for all the comments. I see the most advice i see is to get tractor and machinery on the farm and lock it away safely then i can travel to farm with car at ease. This is much easier than transporting a trailer and quad whenever i need a job done. This allows me to do the jobs i need when i need. I did think of this but i was reluctant to consider this alternative due to potential theft of the machinery with it being so far away. Perhaps I am overthinking it.

Impression from your initial post is that your existing tractor and equipment is up to the job but not suitable for going on road?

Turbohymac

Top marks you're thinking Along the. Correct lines.. even as other posters have already said the current tractor might not b fit for road. But for very small money you could make her a very reliable workhorse.. then only cost would be an odd drum of diesel. And use your money on stock & improving the land.. cutting back trees. Fencing.water to each field etc.. ie up to a good standard to sustain keeping your stock.. oh and getting time with the family.. best of luck

bauney

Thanks all for your genuine replies and advice. One of the many reasons i visit and post on boards. Keep up the good work everyone. Happy Christmas and stay safe

Green farmer

49801 wrote: »

Impression from your initial post is that your existing tractor and equipment is up to the job but not suitable for going on road?

I'm a sheep farmer on a smallish farm. Don't have to travel any distance though. Have a tractor. Jobs I do, top fields in summer, put out fert, use to feed bales in winter. Contractor does everything else. Put around 100 hours a year on tractor. Also have quad. Use it much more then a tractor. Checking stock, rounding up for dosing and moving sheep every 3 days in summer for rotational grazing. On a sheep farm fencing is everything. Good fencing makes things easier. Bad fencing means calls from neighbours saying sheep are out again. Also be careful on a quad. Dangerous things if not careful. Most accidents can happen when Lads loose the head and go chasing after sheep that have broke out. Best of luck with whatever you choose.

farisfat

bauney wrote: »

Hi all,
Here is a question that i am looking for some advice on.
I am married with 2 young kids and i am in full time employment currently. However i hope to start sheep farming in coming year(s) on a small holding (20 acres). This is very much part time as a family tradition and as a hobby.
The thing is the farm may be 13 miles away. Land is of mixed quality. Needs improvement in grass management (rushes, drainage), boundary fencing and walls, overgrown trees and hedges ... standard maintenance
Currently, we have a tractor and machinary (topper, sprayer) that is not fit for the road anymore. Not fit for road transport.
My current thoughts on my farming model would be just to continue to rare sheep outdoors all year (no housing, feed hay bales outside during bad months) and to sell off store lambs. And to improve the grass, stock numbers, stock quality and facilities over 5-10 years.  Very simple model. 

So i am pondering the following - would a quad bike be sufficient for me? This avoids me having to get a tractor and necessary machinery at a large cost.
If i needed a tractor to perform a job (top the land etc,) then i could obviously hire one, loan of one or get contractor to do it. 
By using a quad, i could use a car trailer to bring with me to farm then use the quad to spread fertilizer, spray land, attach trailer for moving stock etc..
If i was a millionaire then i wouldn't hestiate in getting a tractor but he thoughts of needing to buy a tractor at large cost, then sit idle at home 90% of the time and then when i need it to travel 13 miles to and from with it.
I know quads and machinary costs all up aswell but time, cost and usability are main the issues with me.
So based on my farming aspirations, would a quad would be sufficient for me?
Any thoughts good or bad would be welcomed?

Would it be more economical to get a contractor or a local farmer with machinery to do your work.
A quad and attachments could set you back 6 to 8 grand for second hand gear.
Roughly 20 hrs work every year at 40 euro.

enricoh

Get a shipping container dropped to the farm 1500-2000 should get u one .
U could get a 40' and if yer handy with grinder and welder use 20' of it to store tractor etc. And the other 20' use as shelter for the sheep

9935452

discodaveirl wrote: »

Same as our own quad, not fully road legal without indicators




???

Thats actually wrong .
The legallity of it is if it was fitted day one with indicators they have to be fitted and working to be legal. If they were never fitted from day one they dont need to be there.
You can give handsignals .
I have a road legal quad myself , before i boughti did a fair amount of research myself.
Things like taxing it . If it has a hitch fitted it should be taxed as a general haulage vehicle for circa 350 a year .
No hitch and it can be taxed privately for circa 205 a year.

Turbohymac wrote: »

Jesus were in a similar situation currently as I live mid way between original home farm and. An outside farm . I keep calves &dry stock on the outside farm and I wouldn't even dream of traveling 3 or 4 miles on a public road with a quad bike.. The main issue /stumbling block. Apart from being open to the elements.. Insurance for road use.. these quads are considered quite dangerous by fbd and other insurers. I work full time outside of this small 50 acre holding and drive a 07 van with a low value. I keep an old bulletproof 4wd crystal on the farm and commute/to trailer/visit co op etc etc with the van. The quad would be absolutely useless to me and also if even insurance etc is not a problem. Please realise that quads are thirsty on fuel and tyres and unless you budget 6 to 8 k you will only be purchasing crap. I'd definitely recommend using car /van to use on public roads and pick up tractor with loader to keep on farm &will not need insurance/tax etc but will be invaluable in helping to bring your land up to standard. 10 to 12 k and you will realize just how useful and invaluable an investment a tractor is .. Jesus quad would b fair bottom of my list. Brother has one but only for herding large dairy herd.. no other use.
Look at all options first before spending and look into insurance cost if you re hooked on a quad

Personally i think the secret to getting use out of a quad is getting a road registered one.
You are doing one job with it and want to check the cattle down the road. zip off and do it .
Id do a share of spraying , weed wiping , spreading fertiliser with mine , if it wasnt registered , insured and taxed it would sit in the shed most of the time.
Id have no issue with going 7 or 8 miles in mine .

I have to agree that they are dangerous , heavy on petrol and also on tyres if you do a lot of road work and the tyres are around 80 to 100 a piece the last time i checked.
FBD have no problems insuring them for road use .
Their standard policy is 230 third party fire and theft and 270 fully comp.
And i dont have a farm policy with them eithre

When you get one and start using it you wouldnt be without it.
A lot of lads have said to me that they wouldnt use one , they have the small tractor /jeep for their running around .
A few have changed their mind when they release how handy they are in time saving .
A busy dairy farmer i know stated blind and blue he didnt need one . I was doing a bit of work for him for a few weeks and he used mine a few times .
His feedback was the following
- i cant believe how light its on the ground , i spread fertiliser for him and in the wet year his 135 MF on duel wheels was getting burried and the quad was barely leaving a mark
-he strip grazes in front of the cows and it makes moving the wire very quick.
-when letting cows into a new paddock quick to shoot down to the water trough to check water is on, same with a run around the field checking the wire is ok
- on wet miserable mornings when the cows are coming in there is always a couple that refuse to come in until you go for them .
- he has a habit of using half ton bags for fertiliser and spreading a few fields /paddocks together after the cows finish . too much being done together, and you end up with a half full spinner balanced on pallets or tyres ready to fall over

He went off and bought a quad and fertiliser spinner and small sprayer .
In the mornings/evenings he heads off to get the cows.
As the cows are walking back to the yard he is spreading fertiliser on the ground the cows just left , or moving the temporary wire for the next milking or spot spraying the few clumps of rushes that there always seems to be in fields.
Reckons it saves him at least 30 minutes a day in the summer

Kevhog1988

Get a 135 or similar small tractor

Angusa1

Hi
Just wondering if anyone would know of any place that hires out toppers for quad bikes
Field wet and even if it dries out don't have tractor
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks