DIY Silage Machinery Cost Calculator

Our silage machinery cost calculator is designed to calculate the approximate costs associated with harvesting your own silage.

This tool is designed to help farmers and agricultural contractors calculate the costs associated with various types of machinery used in silage production. This calculator simplifies the process of estimating annual costs, depreciation, and cost per acre/hectare, making it easier to make informed decisions about machinery investments and whether in-house silage harvesting or calling in a contractor is the most cost-efficient for your business.

Nb. To calculate the costs of your tractors within your silage costs, we use the system of calculating the total costs per year (Annual Depreciation+ Estimated Service Costs + Estimated Breakdown Costs) over the expected annual tractor hours per annum, divided by the expected total number of hours for silage work. This is to achieve an approximate cost per acre.

Read our guide on how to use the silage machinery cost calculator >

Silage Machinery Cost Calculator >

Key Features of the Calculator >

1. Machinery Type Selection: The calculator allows users to select from a variety of machinery types, including Silage Harvesters, Forage Wagons, Mowers, Tedders, Windrowers, Trailers, Buckrakes, and more.
2. Customizable Inputs: Users can input specific details such as purchase price, estimated lifespan, trade value, service costs, and more, tailored to their machinery.
3. Cost Calculations: The calculator automatically computes annual depreciation, total annual costs, and cost per acre/hectare, providing a comprehensive view of machinery expenses.
4. Summary Table: A summary table displays the total costs per acre/hectare for all added machinery, helping users keep track of their overall expenses.

How to Use the DIY Silage Machinery Cost Calculator >

1. Enter Annual Acres/Hectares Worked: Start by entering the estimated annual acres or hectares worked. This is a crucial input for calculating the cost per acre/hectare.
2. Select Machinery Type: Choose the type of machinery you are working with from the dropdown menu. The calculator will dynamically show or hide input fields based on the selected machinery type.
3. Input Machinery Details: Depending on the machinery type, input the relevant details such as purchase price, estimated lifespan, trade value, service costs, and more. For example:
   • Wages & Machinery Hire: Enter total billable hours and hourly rate.
   • Diesel: Enter total diesel used and cost per litre.
   • Tractors: Enter purchase price, estimated lifespan, trade value, service costs, and total estimated annual and silage work hours.
4. Calculate Costs: The calculator will automatically compute the annual depreciation, total annual costs, and cost per acre/hectare based on the inputs provided.
5. Save and Add More: Click the “Save and Add More” button to add another machinery type and its details. The calculator will update the summary table with the total costs per acre/hectare for all added machinery.
6. Clear All: If you need to start over, click the “Clear All” button to reset the calculator.

Example Usage >

Let’s say you have a tractor that you use for silage production. Here’s how you can use the calculator:

1. Enter Annual Acres Worked: Suppose you work 100 acres annually.
2. Select Machinery Type: Choose “Tractors” from the dropdown menu.
3. Input Machinery Details:
   • Purchase Price: £50,000
   • Estimated Lifespan: 10 years
   • Estimated Trade Value: £5,000
   • Annual Pre-Season Service Costs: £1,000
   • Annual In-Season Breakdown & Maintenance Costs: £500
   • Total Estimated Annual Hours: 500 hours
   • Total Estimated Silage Work Hours: 200 hours
4. Calculate Costs: The calculator will compute the annual depreciation, total annual costs, and cost per acre/hectare.
5. Save and Add More: If you have another piece of machinery, click “Save and Add More” to add it and see the total costs.