Types of Farm Machinery and their uses

Q: What instruments are commonly used by farmers?

Farmers commonly use hand tools like hoes, pangas, rakes, and spades, as well as mechanized instruments such as tractors, sprayers, ploughs, seeders, and trailers. The choice of instruments depends on the scale of farming, type of crops, and level of mechanization.

Q: How much does farm machinery cost in Kenya?

Farm machinery prices in Kenya vary widely depending on the machine type, brand, size, and level of technology. Small farm tools may cost a few thousand shillings, while tractors, harvesters, and large implements can range from several hundred thousand to several million Kenya shillings, especially when imported or fully equipped.

BeyondForest
Dec 9, 2025
6 min read

Updated: Dec 19, 2025

A green and orange tractor with a large grain trailer stands in a farmyard, adjacent to a shed. Bright, sunny day with blue sky.

Image of Stara Grain Cart by FEIL

By the end of this section you will have learnt

1.)Types of Farm Machinery and Their Uses

2.)Farm Machinery and Equipment List (With Pictures)

3.)Agricultural Machinery in Kenya – Prices & Availability

4.)What Machinery Is Used on a Farm

5.)Most Used & Most In-Demand Farm Machinery in Kenya

6.)Agricultural Machinery Companies in Kenya

7.)Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Farm Machinery & Equipment in Kenya

Types of Farm Machinery and Their Uses

Green and yellow single row forage harvester on gravel, set against a lush green lawn and trees. Buildings in the distant background.

Image of a jf c120 single row forage harvester by Feil Agricultural Machinery

Different types of farm machinery are designed to handle specific stages of farming, from land preparation and planting to crop management, harvesting, and post-harvest handling. Selecting the right machinery depends on factors such as farm size, soil type, crop type, and available tractor horsepower.

Tractors – farm power
Ploughs – soil preparation
Sprayers – crop protection
Harvesters – labor efficiency
Trailers – logistics

Yellow agricultural plow with black blades and two wheels, labeled "ALFA." Set against a plain white background, conveying functionality.

Image of a TATU MARCHESAN-AST 3/3 MOUNTED SUBSOILER PLOW by Feil Agricultural Machinery

Land preparation machines like ploughs, harrows, sub-soilers, and vertical tillage equipment are used to loosen soil, break compaction, and create a suitable seedbed. Planters and seed drills ensure precise seed placement, uniform spacing, and improved germination rates, which directly impact yields. During crop growth, sprayers, spreaders, and ground-care equipment are used for fertilization, pest control, weed management, and field maintenance.

Green and yellow farm machine on gravel with trees in the background. Curved chute and sharp blades are visible, set in a calm outdoor scene.

Image of a jf c240 double row forage harvester by Feil Agricultural Machinery

For forage and livestock farming, machines such as mowers, hay rakes, forage harvesters, and balers help produce and preserve animal feed efficiently. In grain and commercial farming, harvesting machinery, combine headers, grain carts, and scraper blades streamline harvesting, transport, and field leveling operations. Livestock operations also rely on mixer wagons, power spreaders, and bedding equipment to maintain animal health and productivity.

Image of a yomel-tigra 3747 baler by Feil Agricultural Machinery

Farm Machinery and Equipment List (With Pictures)

Red agricultural hay rake with multiple circular tines on a grassy field. Clear sky and farm equipment in the background. Calm setting.

Image of a yomel-hrp 5 hay rake by Feil Agricultural Machinery

Category	Farm Machinery	Primary Use	Typical Crops
Land Preparation	Disc Plough	Primary tillage, turning soil	Maize, wheat, beans, cotton
Land Preparation	Harrows (Disc & GNL)	Breaking clods, leveling soil	All field crops
Land Preparation	Subsoiler / Chisel Plow	Breaking hardpan, deep tillage	Sugarcane, maize, pasture
Land Preparation	Vertical Tillage Equipment	Residue management, soil aeration	Conservation farming
Planting	Row Crop Planter	Precise row planting	Maize, sunflower, soya
Planting	Seed Drill	Uniform seed placement	Wheat, barley, oats
Crop Management	Sprayer (Mounted / Self-Propelled)	Pest, weed & disease control	All crops
Crop Management	Fertilizer / Lime Spreader	Nutrient and soil amendment application	Cereals, pasture, horticulture
Forage Production	Mower	Cutting grass and forage	Napier, Rhodes grass
Forage Production	Hay Rake	Windrowing cut forage	Hay & silage
Forage Production	Forage Harvester	Chopping green fodder	Dairy & beef feed
Forage Production	Baler	Compacting hay into bales	Hay production
Harvesting	Combine Header	Harvesting grain crops	Wheat, barley, maize
Harvesting	Grain Cart	Transporting harvested grain	Commercial grain farms
Livestock	Mixer Wagon	Mixing animal feed	Dairy & beef farms
Livestock	Power Spreader	Spreading manure or feed	Livestock operations
Livestock	Cubicle Bedder	Bedding material distribution	Dairy housing
Field Maintenance	Rear Mounted Scraper Blade	Land leveling & road maintenance	Farm roads & fields
Ground Care	Flail Mower / Hedge Cutter	Field edges & pasture maintenance	Orchards, pasture land

Green and orange agricultural sprayer vehicle with large wheels on a white background. Text on vehicle reads "IMPÉRIO 4100".

Image of a stara-imperador 3100 sprayer by Feil Agricultural Machinery

Agricultural Machinery in Kenya – Prices & Availability

Basic implements like disc ploughs, harrows, and seed drills can start from affordable ranges suitable for smallholder farms, while larger equipment such as forage harvesters, sprayers, and planters cost more due to advanced functionality. Availability is concentrated in major towns like Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Mombasa through authorised dealers and equipment hubs.

What Machinery Is Used on a Farm

Red and white agricultural machine Mower labeled "YOMEL Mercado 2000," against a white background. The machine appears static and clean.

Image of a yomel-moscato 2000 mower by Feil Agricultural Machinery

A farm uses different types of machinery depending on the stage of production and the type of farming practiced. For land preparation, farmers use ploughs, harrows, subsoilers, and scraper blades to loosen and level the soil. During planting, seed drills and row crop planters ensure accurate seed placement and spacing. Crop management relies on sprayers, fertilizer spreaders, and ground-care equipment for pest control, fertilization, and field maintenance. For harvesting and post-harvest work, farms use harvesters, combine headers, grain carts, and balers. Livestock farms additionally use mowers, forage harvesters, mixer wagons, and power spreaders to produce and manage animal feed efficiently.

Most Used & Most In-Demand Farm Machinery in Kenya

Disc ploughs, harrows, and seed drills are widely adopted for land preparation and planting across small and medium farms due to their affordability and versatility. Sprayers and fertilizer spreaders are essential during crop growth for effective pest and nutrient management. On livestock and forage farms, mowers, hay rakes, forage harvesters, and balers are highly sought after for feed production. Additionally, combine headers and grain carts see strong demand during harvest seasons. Machinery that increases efficiency, reduces labour, and supports mechanisation—especially those compatible with tractors commonly used in Kenya—remains top priority for farmers and agri-service providers alike.

Agricultural Machinery Companies in Kenya

A large yellow and green combine harvester with "Stara" branding is parked on a field under a clear blue sky.

Image of a stara brava+

Kenya has a growing number of agricultural machinery companies supplying equipment for smallholder, commercial, and industrial-scale farming. These companies range from local manufacturers and assemblers to authorized distributors of global brands. Well-known players such as FEIL Group, along with tractor and implement dealers based in Nairobi, Eldoret, Nakuru, and Mombasa, offer machinery for land preparation, planting, crop protection, harvesting, and livestock operations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Farm Machinery & Equipment in Kenya

Yellow tractor with "Shelbourne 450" attachment trimming hedge on a field, overcast sky, vibrant colors stand out against grayscale background.

Image of a Shelbourne Reynolds 400 Series Hedge Cutter by Feil Agricultural Machinery

What is farm machinery

Farm machinery refers to tools and mechanical equipment used in farming to improve efficiency in land preparation, planting, crop care, harvesting, and post-harvest handling. Common examples include tractors, ploughs, harrows, sprayers, harvesters, and trailers.

Blue plow in action, cutting through red soil. Visible tire edge, bright sunny day, open field. Label "GNL" on the plow.

Image of a TATU MARCHESAN-3006 GNL HARROWS by Feil Agricultural Machinery

What machinery is used on a farm?

The machinery used on a farm depends on the size and type of farming, but commonly includes tractors, ploughs, harrows, planters, sprayers, harvesters, and transport trailers. These machines reduce labour and increase productivity.

What are the main types of farm machinery and their uses?

Farm machinery is commonly grouped into land preparation equipment (ploughs, harrows), planting equipment (seeders, planters), crop protection equipment (sprayers), harvesting equipment (harvesters), and transport machinery (trailers and carts).

What are the most used farm machines in Kenya?

In Kenya, the most widely used farm machines are tractors, knapsack and boom sprayers, disc ploughs, harrows, trailers, and basic harvesters. These machines are suitable for both small-scale and large-scale farming.

Yellow and black plow with three discs sits on grassy, debris-filled ground. Red and green machinery in the background.

Image of a Tatu Marchesan AF 3 Disc Plough by Feil Agricultural Machinery

What is farm power and machinery?

Farm power refers to the energy used to operate farm equipment, which may come from human labour, animals, engines, or tractors. Farm machinery refers to the tools and equipment powered by this energy to perform agricultural tasks efficiently.

What instruments are commonly used by farmers?

Farmers commonly use hand tools like hoes and pangas, as well as mechanized instruments such as tractors, sprayers, ploughs, seeders, and trailers. The choice depends on the scale and type of farming.

Green and orange agricultural trailer with large wheels and a conveyor, set against a plain white background. Text reads: "Stara".

Image of a stara-reboke 14000 plus GRAIN CART by Feil Agricultural Machinery

What is the most demanded farm machinery in Kenya?

Tractors, crop sprayers, trailers, and land preparation equipment such as disc ploughs and harrows are currently the most demanded farm machinery in Kenya due to rising labour costs and the need for higher productivity.

Yellow seed planters on a blue frame sit on grass. Two people walk by in the background. The scene is outdoors with a sunny mood.

Image of a TATU MARCHESAN-T2SI ROW CROP PLANTER by Feil Agricultural Machinery

What is the difference between farm machinery and farm equipment?

Farm machinery usually refers to powered or mechanized machines like tractors and harvesters, while farm equipment includes both machinery and simple tools such as hoes, wheelbarrows, and irrigation accessories.

Where can I find agricultural machinery in Kenya?

Agricultural machinery in Kenya is available through manufacturers, distributors, and machinery companies located in major agricultural regions such as Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, and other farming hubs.

How much does farm machinery cost in Kenya?

Prices vary depending on the machine type, brand, size, and functionality. Small farm equipment may cost a few thousand shillings, while tractors and large machines can range from hundreds of thousands to several million Kenya shillings.

Yellow agricultural disc harrow plowing soil in a field. The machine features metal discs and black wheels, set against a grassy backdrop.

Image of a TATU MARCHESAN-6009 ATCRL HARROWS by Feil Agricultural Machinery

Which farming activity is most profitable in Kenya?

The most profitable farming activities often include horticulture, dairy farming, poultry, and irrigated crop farming. The profitability increases significantly when modern farm machinery is used to reduce costs and increase output.

Are there local agricultural machinery companies in Kenya?

Yes, Kenya has local agricultural machinery companies involved in manufacturing, fabrication, and distribution of farm machines, offering equipment designed for local farming conditions and supported with spare parts and servicing.

Red agricultural equipment labeled AST/MATIC 450 on a concrete surface. Background includes grass and more machinery. Bright, sunny setting.

Image of a TATU MARCHESAN-AST/MATIC 450 Chjsel Sub Soiler Plow by Feil Agricultural Machinery

Why is mechanization important in agriculture?

Mechanization increases efficiency, reduces labour dependency, improves timeliness of farm operations, and supports higher yields. It is essential for commercial and modern farming systems.

Orange and green agricultural seed spreader labeled "Stara Twister 1500," on a white background, highlighting its robust design.

Image of a stara-twister1500 aps LIME SPREADER

Can farm machinery be used by small-scale farmers?

Yes. Many farm machines are designed for small and medium-scale farmers, including low-horsepower tractors, sprayers, and compact implements that are affordable and easy to maintain.

Is there a farm machinery PDF or guide for learning?

Yes. Many educational resources and farm machinery notes are available online in PDF format, covering types of farm machinery, their uses, maintenance, and safety in agriculture.