We finally found a truck. As you may remember from our last report, we’re looking for two new-to-us semi-trucks with automatic transmissions. This one checked all the boxes, including being available close to the farm. It is only about 2½ hours away. The plan is to go get it today.
We’ve got a second truck located that I might take a look at next week but a less-than-helpful salesman and some red flags likely will make it end up being a pass. Updating one truck may just have to be enough for now.
We would also like to update hopper trailers. The current trailers we have are 10 or 11 years old. Though still in good condition, they’re about to need some additional TLC, such as blast and paint frames, new reflective tape, new tarps, etc.
- I’ve redone the trap opener system, but they remain a little difficult to operate.
- We put an electric opener on one. Nobody likes it.
Hopper trailers are hot
A couple weeks ago a salesman came to the farm and gave us a ridiculous low-ball offer to trade. A second salesman came to look this week, and he talked as though he will be more reasonable.
Trailers have been pretty hot on farm auctions lately. This week we saw a three-year-old trailer sell for just a few thousand dollars less than a new one.
Rain gets in the way
Before harvest we tore apart an incline auger coming out of one of our bean bins because it was shot. By the time we received all the parts to repair it, we were in harvest mode. Yesterday (the only warm day in quite a while), I wanted to get that job done. We got the old auger cut out and took it to the shop, then assembled the new one. But every time I started to go outside to install it into the bin, the skies opened and rain fell. Even with a little lean-to over the auger area, the wind blew the rain right in. After two sets of clothes, I yielded. With a forecast of windy and cold today, it may be a few more days before we get that job done. We would really like to start hauling beans out of that bin soon.
Hope everyone has a great week as we head into this holiday season. Merry Christmas!