Knowledge center
Useful answers from people who work on equipment.
Straightforward buying, maintenance and service-preparation guides for Montana equipment owners and operators.
New Bobcat training reports
What changed. What matters on the job.
Bobcat Pro vs Classic Loaders and What Changed for 2026
Fresh from Bobcat Loader Evolution training, Toby Shepherd explains the Pro and Classic lineup and the questions that should guide your next loader purchase.
Read article →T86-2 lift & hydraulicsBobcat T86-2 Pro and the Numbers That Matter on the Job
The T86-2 combines 115 horsepower, a 12-foot hinge-pin height and available Super Flow hydraulics. Here is how to evaluate those figures against your work.
Read article →Drive modes & cabBobcat Pro Drive Modes and Features to Compare From the Seat
A practical guide to Balanced, Agile, Dynamic and Charged modes, plus cab changes and the distinction between rear-camera views and radar detection.
Read article →New field reports
Inside the 2026 Vermeer Forage Product Showcase.
What Vermeer Unveiled in Pella
The launch overview: the new 605S round baler family and ZR-5N G2 self-propelled baler.
Read story →605S field reportThe New Vermeer 605S Round Baler Series
Rancher, Signature, Premium and Cornstalk Special—plus the pickup, density, netwrap and technology changes.
Read story →ZR owner’s reportThe New Vermeer ZR-5N G2
A firsthand look at the complete machine: ZR2200 power unit, Z605N G2 baler and the changes that matter in the field.
Read story →Shepherd’s Garage Celebrates One Year Serving the Bitterroot Valley
Shepherd’s Garage celebrates its first anniversary in Victor, Montana, thanking the Bitterroot Valley for a year of community support and customer relationships.
Read announcement →Company news · Press releaseShepherd's Garage Breaks Ground on New Dillon Facility
Shepherd's Garage has broken ground at 325 Cleverly Lane in Dillon, Montana. The expanded facility is targeted for completion in May 2027.
Read announcement →Big Hole field storyThe Last Buck Rake His Father Built
A 2003 Backroads of Montana film preserves a Big Hole haying crew, equipment built at Shepherd’s Garage and Toby Shepherd driving the last buck rake his father David built.
Read guide →Company field storyFour Generations Serving Montana Ranchers Since 1945
Kevin Maki’s 2021 NBC Montana story follows four generations of the Shepherd family and the Jackson shop that grew alongside Big Hole ranchers.
Read guide →Shepherd’s field perspectiveThe Vermeer ZR5 Is the Most Underrated Machine in Haying
A Montana dealer and ZR5 owner’s field-tested review of productivity, hydraulic controls, automated bale cycles, ride quality and operating economics.
Read guide →Buyer’s guideHow to Choose a Compact Tractor
A practical guide to choosing compact-tractor size, loader capacity, transmission, tires and implements for Montana acreage and property work.
Read guide →Equipment comparisonCompact Track Loader vs. Skid Steer
Compare compact track loaders and skid-steer loaders by traction, surface, flotation, speed, cost and job fit.
Read guide →Haying guideRound Baler Buying Checklist
Use this round-baler checklist to compare tractor requirements, bale size, pickup, wrapping, density, condition and dealer support.
Read guide →Seasonal maintenancePrepare Hay Equipment Before the Season
A preseason checklist for mowers, windrowers, rakes and balers to reduce avoidable haying downtime.
Read guide →Service checklistWhat to Send With an Equipment Service Request
Give the service team the right machine information, symptoms, codes, photos and urgency to start diagnosis efficiently.
Read guide →Parts guideHow to Get the Right Equipment Part Faster
Learn which model, serial number, measurements and photos help a parts department identify farm and construction equipment parts.
Read guide →