A Cost Benchmark, Not a Universal Quote
This article concentrates on interpreting Teagasc’s machinery-cost survey and calculating a comparable cost per hectare. For a general machine-buying decision, use the separate Farm Machinery Ireland Buying Guide.
Compare Owning, Hiring and Sharing
The right choice depends on annual hours, workload timing and the cost of being unable to work when conditions are suitable. Ownership gives control and availability, but the budget must include finance or depreciation, interest, insurance, storage, repairs, tyres, fuel and the value of the operator’s time. Hiring a contractor converts much of that fixed cost into a charge per hectare or job, while sharing spreads ownership cost but requires coordination and a clear agreement.
What Teagasc’s 165-Farm Analysis Found
Teagasc’s 2026 machinery-sharing article reports an analysis of 165 tillage farms with average machinery costs of €343 per hectare; the individual results varied widely, and 14% of farms had costs above hiring a contractor when labour was included. These are findings from the farms and method examined, not a universal Irish benchmark. The same article quotes a dealer describing a typical tractor from around €60,000 a decade earlier to as much as €150,000, illustrating why old ownership assumptions need reviewing. See the Teagasc analysis and its context.
Calculate the Cost for Your Own Workload
For a first-pass comparison, total the annual cost of ownership and divide by the realistic hectares or hours actually completed. Ask contractors for written rates and confirm what is included: operator, fuel, transport, waiting time and difficult-field surcharges can change the comparison. A share arrangement needs to account for peak-season clashes, breakdowns, repairs and who decides when a machine is replaced.
Do not buy large machinery solely because the cost per hectare looks attractive at full capacity. Test that capacity against your own acreage and likely utilisation. For a combine-specific inspection and downtime checklist, see buying a used combine harvester in Ireland.
