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North Central Iowa | Wagons are still somewhat popular in my local area, near Belmond, IA. Those that use them usually have 8-10 wagons pulled in pairs, 500-600 bushels each. It helps that there is a good route to the coop on gravel roads, so minimum highway driving. Not completely flat, but not too much issue with the wagons up or down the few “hills”. I’m often by myself or have only one other, so have 10 wagons in 5 sets. Can combine for awhile and then haul in for awhile. Even if I get a second tractor driver during corn, with 5 sets of wagons let’s me have sets empty on each end and a set ready to go for first tractor back.
In beans, I might start combining at 10 am and go till 7 or 8 pm. Usually get 3 sets of wagons full, very rarely 4. Can then haul those 3 sets in to the coop the next morning starting at 7 am, rinse and repeat. Works pretty good by myself, but makes for long days.
I went to a lot of auctions getting the wagons, paid $3000 to $7000 each by being patient and not getting too worried about the paint condition.
Also easier to find a tractor driver. Retired farmers or other retired folks, most wouldn’t have a CDL. This year got my niece to haul for a few days.
So wagons work for my operation, just my perspective. | |
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Wagons vs Trucks
