OCR Text |
Show tete Cut. GIlsictiiinQty Farmers can reduce their machinery costs, says Lloyd A. Clement, extension economist, Utah State University, who Rives these ideas. When you consider that, other than land, machinery is the heaviest cost burden a farmer must bear, anything to reduce that burden should be welcome. The machinery costs include both ownership costs and operating costs. Interest on the investment, depreciation and taxes are all included in the fixed ownership costs. Fuel. oil. repairs and labor used in operating the equipment are part of the variable operating costs. Once money has been a to purchase committed particular piece of equipment, the fixed ownership costs become a reality They are not affected by how much or how little the equipment is used. In many cases this cost could be reduced in the purchase decision by deciding to buy a smaller size, less expensive machine that is still adequate to do the work, or by eliminating some of the frills that are nice but not really necessary. As an example of machinery ownership costs that have gotten bigger than seems necessary, most farmers now own more and bigger tractors than they did a few years ago. Yet, a sizeable number of those are on farms that have not increased in size. Also, there is always the question of owning a machine or hiring a custom operator. Too often the comparative advantages and disadvantages of both, are not adequately explored. Likewise, the possibility of multiple ownership of a machine to reduce individual ownership costs is often not thoroughly considered. Then there is the perennial decision of whether to buy a new machine this year or keep the old machine another year or more. It's a question of proper timing for replacement. The most economical time is when the cost of keeping the machine equals the cost of replacing it. Ownership costs and operating costs must both be considered. Depreciation and repair costs are the major ownership and operating costs 'o employ in the determination. USU economists are lelping farmers with formulas tnd instructions for making hose calculations. Much can be done to reduce .perating costs of farm aachinery, especially trac-ors. says Von H. xtension Jarrett. USU agricultural 'ngineering specialist. Most important is to follow the instructions in the operator's of $200 per horsepower. In addition, the tractors are able to do more work and require less fuel per unit of work acall of which complished, g amounts to savings for the farmers. cost-cuttin- - Stockmen Don't throwaway your cow, calf, or horse hides. They are worth money to you. CUSTOM TANNING SOFT LEATHERS for clothing, chaps, gloves etc. LEATHERS for saddles, farm straps, repairs. Waterproof and cheaper than you can buy leather from supply stores. WORK 30 -- 60 DAY SERVICE is a naturals we Ship direct to tannery with instructions return C.O.D., Wycoff or U.P.S. if you wish. AREAS ONLY CUSTOM TANNER'S for people onthe go! has a way with foods. Try a refreshing cold glass with your meal and see. Milk is a natural. Milk FOX VALLEY LEATHER, INC. 633 West Center Street North Salt Lake City, Utah 84054 4 Telephone (801) UTAH DAIRY COMMISSION 363-686- IT TOUGH TOOL WITH 'GUTS' TO SPARE FOR TOUGH MEN WITH BIG JOBS TO DO II The Farm Sentinel all-in-o- ne Insurance Package saves you money, GROUND HOG MODEL C 71 4 H P. or 5 H P. 1 "fV 1J 1I J 2 MAN L POST HOLE AUGER ITFR ATI!RFJi - J " ON REQUEST $435 00 (4 Farmers Insurance Group Ken Cardcn -- V s 75W543 174EstGdr Here H.P.I with 8" auger bit is the ideal two-ma- n gas auger for farmers and ranchers. Proven in tough rental service for 20 years, GROUNDHOG has built in post-hol- e quality. Briggs or Clinton engine has own warranty. Gearbox has 12 months. Auger bits are wearable, cutters under $3.00. AU repair parts stocked in Salt Lake City. Give us a call . . . collect 1 - 801 972-515- 1 Factory Representative R I C Equipment Sales Inc. S55 West 2100 Sooth Salt Lake City, Utah 84119 SENO COUPON TO ARIY2CO of AtK A Structure, 8CCT32777 4219 W. 3500 South Box 20281 Salt Laka City, Utah 84120 NAME .TELEPHONE. ADDRESS. CITY . SIZE OF DATE BUILDING-WIDT- PLANNING TO BUILD. STATE. .2IP . X 1977 There is no denying that the spiralling inflationary costs of machinery fuel and other operating expenses are putting a crush on farmers who are receiving prices for their produce no higher than a decade ago. Taking advantage of opportunities to cut some of those costs can help reduce the crush. justments the output of tractors has been increased by several horsepower at an estimated value to the farmer manual that comes with the equipment. Essentially it is the owner's bible in giving instructions on proper operation, load and servicing for which that piece of equipment is designed. Not following instructions in the manuals and carelessness in handling fuels so that water and dirt get into them are costing individual farmers thousands of dollars in unnecessary machinery expense. check of A dynamometer tractors over the state has disclosed that many tractors are not performing as they should. Often with minor ad- - Farmers Ranchers THURSDAY, APRIL 14, FARM SUPPLEMENT LENGTH. |