OVERVIEW
CFAC’s new Farmer Tool Library operates as an equipment-sharing resource for beginning and underserved farmers and ranchers. Tool Library members have shared access to a variety of tools and equipment at an affordable cost throughout the agricultural season.
2024 EQUIPMENT LIST
The Farmer Tool Library offers a selection of tools to support your agricultural equipment needs. We have two tractor options each with compatible implements for a variety of uses. The following items are available for rental:
42 HP Kubota L4060 4WD Tractor, compatible with:
- 25 Bushel Ground-Drive Manure Spreader
- 66” Reverse Tiller, 6” depth w/slip clutch
- 68” Heavy Duty Flail Mower with Hammer Blades
- Traux FlexII-88 No-Till Seed Drill (available through Missoula Conservation District)
13 HP Grillo G110 Walk-Behind Tractor, compatible with:
- 6.5 cubic ft Compost/Manure Drop Spreader
- 30” Flail Mower
- 30” Power Harrow
- Plastic Mulch and Drip-Tape Layer (for 4ft plastic mulch)
ELIGIBILITY AND MEMBER REQUIREMENTS
Membership is open to Historically Underserved* Farmers and Ranchers within a 60 mile radius of the LaLonde site who are actively engaged in farming or ranching for profit. 20-30 acre grain/hay operations and small-to-medium scale market vegetable operations are the best fit for the equipment we currently have available. will have this season.
*Four groups are defined by USDA as “Historically Underserved,” including farmers or ranchers who are: Beginning; Socially Disadvantaged; Veterans; and Limited Resource. Learn more about these definitions here.
This Program is designed to support beginning and low-resource farmers and ranchers—as such, we do not expect members to be experts in using tractors, implements, and trailers. However, we strongly recommend that those interested in renting the 42 HP tractor know the basics of tractor operation and driving with a trailer and have some level of experience driving both a PTO tractor and a loaded trailer.
Not there yet? Don’t fret! The Tool Library offers periodic workshops and trainings to help prospective and current members build skills, confidence and competency behind the wheel. If you don’t yet feel comfortable renting equipment, we highly recommend you participate in these learning opportunities to develop your skills before becoming a member. Learn more about upcoming workshops and trainings here.
TOOL LIBRARY OPERATION
The Tool Library is open April-October. Open hours are Mondays and Thursdays from 3 to 7pm throughout the season, except for holidays. Rental periods are Monday-Thursday or Thursday-Monday and are not flexible. If you would like to tour the library, tours and visits are by appointment only. Please contact Gillian at ToolLibrary@cfacmontana.org if you’d like to arrange a visit!
How Do I Apply?
Fill out our membership application here.
We’ll review your application and let you know if you’ve been selected to join us for this discounted, pilot year. If you have any questions, please email Gillian at ToolLibrary@cfacmontana.org. Thank you!
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Historically Underserved* Farmers and Ranchers within a 60 mile radius of the LaLonde site who are actively engaged in farming or ranching for profit.
*Four groups are defined by USDA as “Historically Underserved,” including farmers or ranchers who are: Beginning; Socially Disadvantaged; Veterans; and Limited Resource. Learn more about these definitions here.
2024 Equipment List
| 13 HP Grillo G110D Walk-Behind Tractor and implements: | 42 HP Kubota L4060 4WD Tractor and implements: |
| -6.5 cu ft Compost/Manure Drop Spreader-30″
-75cm Flail Mower-30″ -75cm Power Harrow -Plastic Mulch Layer for 4-FOOT plastic |
-25 Bushel Ground-Drive Manure Spreader-3pt
-66” Reverse Tiller 6” depth w/ slip clutch -68″ Heavy Duty Flail Mower with Hammer Blades -Truax FlexII-88 No-Till Drill (available through Missoula Conservation District) |
Membership and Rental Fees: *$20 discount for CFS grads
2024 Discounted Membership Rate!
Between now and Labor Day (9/2), farmers can receive a reduced membership rate of $75 for access to both the Walk-Behind Tractor and 42 HP Kubota Tractor Membership. This membership fee gets you access to the tool library, and small, additional fees apply for each tool and rental period.
General Membership Fee: $75
Additional Fees: Each Tool and its implements have additional fees per rental period. See below for the list of our tools and their rental fees.
MEMBER REQUIREMENTS
This Program is designed to support beginning and low-resource Farmers and Ranchers – as such, we do not expect members to be experts in using tractors, implements, and trailers. However, we strongly recommend that those interested in renting the 42 HP Tractor know the basics of tractor operation and driving with a trailer and have some level of experience driving both a PTO tractor and a loaded trailer.
Not there yet? Don’t fret! We will be hosting a series of workshops this summer that will help prospective members build skills, confidence, and competency behind the wheel. If this sounds like you, consider applying for a Tool Library Membership next season so that you can spend this year developing these crucial skills. Tool Library staff will not have capacity to provide individual trailer and tractor training for those seeking instruction. We do recommend renting a truck and trailer, finding an empty parking lot, and working on these skills with a friend!
Fine Print
If you’re wanting to bring home the 42 HP tractor, you will need to rent, borrow or own a ¾ -1 ton truck (i.e. F250 or F350, Ram 2500, etc.) so that you can haul our 20’ trailer home. Rentals of the walk-behind tractor will require that you bring a vehicle to haul as well as a small trailer (5 x 10 ft) Rentals of the 42HP tractor manure spreader implement must be transported in a second trip or loaded onto a rented/personal trailer, as the manure spreader and tractor won’t both fit on the trailer provided.
How do I Apply?
Fill out our membership application here.
We’ll review your application and let you know if you’ve been selected to join us! If you have any questions, please email Gillian at ToolLibrary@cfacmontana.org. Thank you!
Thank You to our Sponsors!
