A Practical Guide to Sizing Agricultural Equipment Storage Buildings

Farmers all know it. When it comes to growing their businesses, the right building is everything.

That’s because workflow, storage capacity, and your ability to upgrade equipment down the line are all critical aspects of your farm’s continued success.

In this article, you’ll learn:

How building size affects daily farm tasks
Three guidelines for choosing the right building dimensions
The biggest reason for buyer’s remorse in post-frame construction (and why you don’t have to worry about it with Tristate)
The specs of an incredible agricultural facility built in Danville, PA

Let’s begin by learning how to size your new building.

1. Plan Doors Around Your Widest Piece of Equipment

When designing a post-frame building for your farm, it’s wise to start with door dimensions.

To determine door size, begin by measuring the widest piece of equipment you own. This means taking the true transport width, including attachments like planters, sprayers, disc harrows, toolbars, etc.

With this measurement in hand, a good rule of thumb is to then add 2 ft of clearance on both sides of the equipment, with an additional 1 ft clearance for overhead space.

So, to determine door openings:

Measure full width of largest equipment
Add 2 ft clearance on all sides
Add 1 ft overhead clearance

2. Calculate Full Building Width

To determine your full building width, add all of your equipment widths together, plus an additional 2–3 ft of clearance against each side wall and between each piece of equipment.

This number—combined with potentially added space for hay or grain operations—will give you your optimal width for ease of access, safe storage, and maneuverability.

Measuring your building in this way has a few distinct advantages:

You don’t need to double park large equipment
Easier access allows for greater efficiency during chores
Wider (rectangular) buildings are more attractive than square designs

Depending on the size of your operations, this is where some farmers get stuck—particularly those wanting very wide clear spans.

This is because most builders aren’t prepared to tackle the engineering and construction demands of very wide clear spans. However, if you’re needing a very wide building, you’re in luck.

Tristate specializes in high and wide—meaning 100’ clear spans for protecting even the most gargantuan farming operations.

3. Plan for Equipment Upgrades

If you’re intentional about growing your farm, it’s wise to plan long-term.

Over the last few decades, tractors, combines, and implements have only gotten larger—a trend reflecting the need for efficiency in maintaining larger fields.

Therefore, before finalizing your building dimensions, consider the following:

Will you be upgrading large equipment in the next 5–10 years?
Are you planning to expand your farm’s acreage in that time?
How will your equipment lineup change due to aging, new technology, etc.?

A larger building now is most often cheaper than building a second structure in the years to come.

Thoughtful Agricultural Design at Pine Hurst Acres

A good example of thoughtful agricultural building design can be found at Pine Hurst Acres, a multi-generational family farm in Danville, PA.

Pine Hurst Acres dreamt of a comprehensive agricultural facility for handling everything from equipment storage to grain operations. To achieve this, we worked together to design and build a 100’ x 180’ x 22’ post-frame building that maximized vertical and horizontal space.

The Pine Hurst Acres agricultural facility features:

Seven overhead doors for various operational needs
Three 20 x 18’ overhead doors to handle day-to-day equipment flows
Three 18’ x 18’ overhead doors with sliding posts to create 54’ opening for accommodating large machinery
Three 48” cupolas with weather vanes that provide continuous ventilation
Two railed staircases for ensuring safe access to mezzanine
Generous 24” overhangs to protect operations in inclement weather
A 6’ x 20’ front porch to prove hardworking buildings can have curb appeal

Sliding posts to create 54’ opening for large machinery

Ready to Upgrade Your Farm Equipment Storage? Go High and Wide with Tristate

Tristate Buildings has been helping farmers improve their operations for over 35 years. And over the years, one of the biggest complaints we hear is this…

“I wish I had gone bigger!”

It’s no wonder why. With wider clear spans improving storage options, chore efficiency, and decreasing long-term costs of farm expansion, a wider building is an investment worth exploring today.

To take the first step, reach out to Tristate Buildings today. With a specialty in high and wide agricultural structures—up to 100’ clear spans and 30’ ceilings—we’re ready to partner with you and help make your farm an even greater success.

And with every aspect of your building coming with a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty, there’s no need to hesitate on expanding your farm. Instead, get the space you need with a free quote and initial consultation today.

Get Your Free Quote

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