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Farming and agriculture are vitally important to the economy and to the high standards we’ve come to expect for our food. The tough conditions and the hard work involved mean you need equally hardy equipment on your side when working with such an industry, however.
That’s why 4x4s are so popular within the farming sector, delivering additional strength and reliability to help get the day’s work done. But what are the essential pieces of gear you need for your 4x4 in farming? This month, we’ll look into the key bits of equipment that every 4x4 or pickup should have if they’re used for work.
Load Liner
Life on a farm is usually a messy one. There’s no time to get squeamish about a little dirt when moving from one job to the next. For that reason, a solid and reliable load liner is a great way to protect the bed of your truck from mud, water and anything else your equipment brings with it.
With a load liner in place, you can afford to be a little rougher when loading tools and equipment into the back of your 4x4. Invest in a decent load liner for your truck and forget about any more splits, scratches or spillages.
Shovel
It may seem like a simple piece of equipment, but you just never know when it’s going to come in handy. A shovel or spade can get you out of a number of sticky situations, especially in bad weather. You can dig yourself free if one of your wheels becomes stuck;, clear snow from small areas on your land; move earth to compact against a structure, and, in a real emergency, a sturdy shovel could even be used as a lever to help shift heavy items.
Because it’s such a versatile item, it’s worth making sure you choose a reputable brand, but whatever you choose, make sure it’s always in the boot or the bed of your 4x4 for when you need it.
Snorkel
The last thing you want during any heavy rainfall is to be cut off from other portions of your land when a river bursts its banks. Driving through relatively shallow water shouldn’t be a challenge for any 4x4, but for deeper bodies of water, a snorkel is an absolute must-have.
A snorkel will ensure that your vehicle can safely navigate flooded areas - within reason - while still allowing your engine to take in clean air rather than being filled with water. The depth of water you can drive through will be greatly increased, but this will still vary based on your truck size.
Tow Bar
Working on a farm with your 4x4 will no doubt have you needing to tow a trailer at some point. This is why a tow bar is an essential item for your vehicle. Whether it’s the equipment you’re taking with you or livestock that you’re moving, a tow bar is pretty integral to any towing - just be sure to get a tow bar that meets the correct weight capacity for the job.
Power Tool Charger
Odd jobs around your property that require power tools mean that you not only need a way to store them in your 4x4 securely, but it will also mean you need a way to charge them while out and about. It could be a real time-saver to have a power tool charger in the back of your 4x4 ready and waiting when you’re in the middle of your work, saving you from having to make additional trips.
It’s a small and simple bit of kit, so it shouldn't take up much room - you’ll thank yourself later if you’re the kind of person who forgets to charge their tools regularly.
Spare Tyre
Lastly, how could we forget the trusty spare tyre? Getting a flat tyre anywhere is a pain, but when you’re trying to get your work done there can be few things as frustrating. Ensuring you always have a spare tyre for your 4x4 - or several if you’re prone to punctures due to the type of surfaces you’re driving on - can mean you’re able to get back to work and travel the distances you need to safely.
You should also consider whether you’ve got the right tyres to meet the terrain. Whether that’s mud tyres, rugged tyres or all-terrain, there are plenty of options available to you in our range.
Other essentials to consider
- Hi-lift jack - ideal for pulling your 4x4 out via a rope
- Draper tools - including a cordless impact wrench to make quick work of bolts and rusted parts
- Rust proofing - to protect your vehicle from the acidity in the earth if you work with cattle
- Suspension air bag kits - for a smoother ride on uneven land
Kitting out your brand new 4x4 on your farm? Or are you just looking to get the essentials for your existing truck? Whatever you need, at Milner Off Road we’ve got your back. Our range of tyres, load liners, tow bars and more will ensure you can get your work done in any conditions. We’ve been in business since 1981 and provide quality parts and tools for 4x4 owners - we also provide same-day dispatch on orders to make sure you get what you need as quickly as possible.