Knowledge center
Useful answers from people who work on equipment.
Straightforward buying, maintenance and service-preparation guides for Montana equipment owners and operators.
The 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 field-tested Vermeer ZR5 review covering independent pickup and chamber speeds, automated bale cycles, high-speed road travel and a removable baler chamber.
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.
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