Renting vs. Buying Produce Harvest Equipment: What’s Best for Your Operation?
When harvest season hits, the pace picks up fast.
You’ve got ripe produce waiting in the field. A narrow window to get it out. And a crew that’s racing daylight, heat, and the next rainstorm.
In that kind of pressure, the tools you use—how you move people, produce, and bins—can make or break your bottom line.
Do you rent the harvest equipment you need? Or is it time to buy?
Both options have pros. Both come with risks. The right decision depends on your crops, your timeline, and your farm’s long-term goals.
At Harvest Pro, we’ve helped growers across the country navigate this very choice. Whether you’re farming a few acres or managing a large-scale operation, our job is to help you find equipment that fits your workflow, your budget, and your harvest window.
In this post, we’ll walk through the key factors—cost, flexibility, maintenance, ROI, logistics—so you can make a smart, confident decision for your farm.
Upfront Cost Comparison: Rental Fees vs. Purchase Price
Let’s face it—good produce pickers are hard to come by. And even when you’ve got a reliable crew, harvest is hard on the body.
That’s where something like the ROHAND II comes in. It’s not a giant machine that replaces your team—it helps your team. A self-propelled machine for faster produce harvesting and weeding without breaking your back. The ROHAND II is ideal for ground-level produce plants, allowing workers to ride instead of walk, keeping tools and bins within reach, and drastically reducing the wear and tear of long days in the field.
But here’s the question: Do you rent it? Or buy it?
- Renting gives you access without the big commitment. You pay for the season (or even just a few weeks), use the platform when you need it most, and return it when the job’s done.
- Buying, on the other hand, means you’ve got the ROHAND II ready for every harvest, every year. It’s yours to use, store, and even modify as needed.
Here’s how the cost breaks down:
- Buying
- Higher upfront investment
- Best suited for farms that use it consistently
- Pays off over multiple seasons
- Potential tax write-offs and resale value down the road
- Renting
- Lower initial cost
- Ideal for smaller operations or one-time needs
- No maintenance or storage worries
- Great for trying it out before you commit
If you’re unsure how often you’ll need it—or you’re just testing the waters on mechanizing your harvest process—renting the ROHAND II is a smart way to dip your toes in. But if you know you’ll be using it every season? Owning pays off in the long run.
Whether you're interested in buying or renting, you want to make sure you’re not overcommitting—or under-prepared.
Because the right harvest tool should lighten your load, not stretch your budget.
Operational Flexibility: Matching Equipment to Your Farm’s Needs
Every farm is different. Some harvest once a year. Others run multiple crops across staggered seasons. Some have tight labor availability. Others have terrain that’s tough on people and produce.
That’s why flexibility matters.
Renting gives you the ability to adapt.
Maybe you’re trying out new acreage or experimenting with a second planting. Maybe you only need something like the ROHAND II or Proveyor Wagon for a short window—and then you're done.
In cases like that, renting is a smart way to stay lean. You get the right equipment when you need it, without worrying about what to do with it in the off-season.
But if you're harvesting the same way, year after year—or running multiple passes throughout the season—owning makes more sense. You’ll have your equipment on hand the moment your crop is ready. No scheduling. No reservations. Just roll it out and go.
Let’s break it down:
- Renting makes sense when...
- You’re scaling up or down based on seasonal demand
- Your crop rotation or planting schedule shifts year to year
- You want to try out the equipment before committing
- Storage space or transport logistics are a concern
- Buying makes sense when...
- You use the same equipment every season
- You have consistent labor needs that benefit from worker-assist tools
- You want control over scheduling and setup
- You’re ready to build long-term efficiency into your operation
For example, the Proveyor Wagon can be a game-changer for larger plots or hilly fields. The 18-30ft trailer allows workers to walk along in the field and place the crop in the conveyor to be easily transported to the packer. It keeps your product protected and your crew efficient—but you might only need it during peak harvest. Renting helps fill that gap.
But if you’re already running multiple crews and moving bins day after day, it might be time to own the solution.
Whatever your setup, you can flex—without overcommitting. Find the rhythm that fits your farm.
Maintenance and Repair of Produce Harvesting Equipment: Who’s Responsible?
Breakdowns happen. That’s just part of farming life.
But who deals with the repairs—you or the rental company?
That’s a key difference between renting and buying.
If you own produce harvesting equipment…
You’re in charge.
That means:
- Regular upkeep is on you (oil changes, hydraulics, belts, tires)
- If something breaks mid-season, you handle the fix—or wait for a mechanic
- You might need to keep extra parts or tools on hand
- You’ll also want a clean, dry place to store it in the off-season
The upside? You can do preventive maintenance on your schedule. No waiting for the rental yard to call you back. No guessing what kind of shape the machine’s in.
The ROHAND II, for example, is a solid piece of equipment—but like any machinery, it performs best with consistent care. And if you’re running it hard during harvest, that care becomes critical.
If you rent produce harvesting equipment…
Maintenance is usually included in the rental agreement.
You pick up a machine that’s been:
- Inspected
- Tuned up
- Ready to run
If something goes wrong during your rental period, you call the provider (that’s us) and we get it sorted—fast.
That peace of mind is a big reason many growers start with rentals. No surprise repair bills. No downtime waiting on parts you didn’t know you’d need.
Bottom line?
- Own it if you’ve got the crew, time, and systems to keep equipment in top shape.
- Rent it if you’d rather someone else carry that weight—and you want to focus on the crop, not the machine.
Long-Term ROI: What’s the Payback Over Time?
Now let’s talk about the big picture—return on investment.
Renting might feel like the safer short-term play. But if you're using the ROHAND II or Proveyor Wagon season after season, it’s worth asking: Am I spending more in rental fees than I would owning it outright?
Let’s break it down.
When you buy...
You’re not just buying equipment—you’re buying ownership. That comes with some long-term advantages:
- Depreciation: The cost of the equipment can be written off over several years on your taxes.
- Section 179 deductions: In many cases, you can deduct the full purchase price in the year you buy.
- Resale value: If you outgrow the machine or switch crops, you can sell it and recoup some of your investment.
- Efficiency gains: When your crew uses platforms like the ROHAND II year after year, they get faster. More consistent. More productive. That translates to real savings.
For operations with consistent harvest needs, these paybacks can add up fast. You’re not just avoiding rental fees—you’re building equity in your equipment and shaving hours off your labor costs.
When you rent...
There’s no long-term gain—but there’s also no long-term risk.
- You don’t deal with depreciation.
- You don’t tie up capital that could be used elsewhere (like land, seed, or irrigation).
- You always get newer models with minimal wear.
- You avoid hidden costs—storage, maintenance, insurance.
Renting produce harvesting equipment is great for ROI when...
- You only need the equipment occasionally
- You’re testing it out before buying
- You’re watching your cash flow closely this season
Buying produce harvesting equipment is great for ROI when...
- You plan to use them for years to come
- You want tax benefits and resale options
- You’re optimizing for speed, efficiency, and control
Again, be sure to run the math ahead of time. Compare rental totals to purchase price, weigh tax benefits, and figure out what kind of investment makes the most sense for your farm’s future.
Because ROI isn’t just about the dollars you spend. It’s about the time you save, the wear you avoid, and the harvest you actually bring in.
Logistics and Availability: Timing Is Everything
You can have the best crew. The healthiest crop. The perfect weather window.
But if your produce harvesting equipment isn’t ready when you are? That’s a problem.
Renting comes with some logistics you can’t control.
- You need to reserve early—especially during peak harvest season
- There’s always a risk of limited availability if demand spikes
- Delivery times can be unpredictable depending on distance and dealer schedule
- You’ll need to coordinate drop-off and pick-up, which takes time
If you’ve got a tight harvest window (and let’s be honest—most of us do), waiting on rented harvesting equipment to show up could mean losing precious days. Especially if you’re on a staggered harvest or juggling multiple fields.
Owning gives you instant access.
- The machine is on your farm, ready when you are
- No scheduling headaches or pickup delays
- You can move from one block to the next without waiting
- You control how it’s stored, cleaned, and maintained between uses
But—owning also means you need a plan for:
- Off-season storage (covered, protected, easy to access)
- Transport between fields or farms (especially for Proveyor Wagons)
- Insurance, if that’s required by your lender or risk management strategy
So how do you decide?
- If your harvest timing is unpredictable or overlaps with other growers, renting might get tricky.
- If you need full control and flexibility, owning removes the guesswork.
At Harvest Pro, we like to help farmers through the logistics. We can help with delivery options, scheduling assistance, even long-term storage recommendations if you go the ownership route.
Because harvesting shouldn’t be held up by a missing machine. And you’ve got enough variables to juggle already.
Risk Management and Business Strategy: What’s the Smarter Bet?
Every equipment decision is a strategic one.
You’re not just choosing between renting or buying—you’re deciding how much risk you’re willing to carry.
Renting reduces risk.
- You’re not locked into one machine long-term
- You avoid surprise repairs or value loss
- You can adjust quickly if your crop plan changes
- You keep more capital on hand for other priorities (like labor or inputs)
This makes renting especially smart if
- You’re expanding cautiously
- You’re trialing a new system or crop
- You’re still figuring out what setup works best for your crew
Buying increases stability.
- You’re not dependent on rental availability
- You build long-term efficiency into your operation
- You position your farm as more self-sufficient and scalable
- You can train your crew around specific equipment, boosting productivity
If your farm is in growth mode—or you’re moving toward a more mechanized harvest—then owning equipment like the ROHAND II or Proveyor Wagon sends a strong signal:
We’re serious. We’re scaling. We’re building for the future.
It’s also worth thinking about resilience. The more you control in-house—timing, maintenance, availability—the more nimble you become when weather, labor, or markets shift.
At Harvest Pro, we’ve worked with growers at every stage:
- New farms renting to test the waters
- Mid-size operations investing in their first ROHAND II
- Large crews buying multiple wagons to streamline movement across fields
No matter your size, we’ll help you make the right call based on your goals, your risk tolerance, and your vision for the future.
Because good equipment isn’t just a tool—it’s a strategy.
Questions to Ask Before You Decide
Still not sure whether to rent or buy?
Totally normal.
Before making the call, it helps to slow down and ask a few key questions. Not just about the equipment, but about your farm, your crew, and your goals.
Here are some things to consider:
1. How often will I use this equipment?
If you’ll only need equipment for 2–3 weeks a year, renting may make more sense.
If you’re using it every harvest, every year? Buying could pay off quickly.
2. What’s my labor situation?
Do you have a consistent crew that would benefit from more efficient harvest tools?
Or do your workers change from season to season, making simpler rental options more appealing?
3. Can I afford the upfront cost—or would I rather protect my cash flow?
Renting lets you preserve capital for other priorities.
Buying gives you a long-term asset, but it does tie up cash (or credit).
4. Do I have space and time to store and maintain equipment?
If your farm is tight on space or short on shop time, renting spares you the storage and upkeep.
5. Am I planning to grow—or just trying to stabilize what I’ve got?
If you’re scaling up, buying might help streamline your workflow.
If you’re testing or adjusting your operation, renting gives you room to pivot.
6. What’s my tolerance for risk?
Some growers want full control. Others want to reduce exposure.
Your comfort level matters—because harvest is stressful enough without second-guessing your decisions.
Pro tip: Make a simple spreadsheet. Add up how much you’d spend on rentals over the next 3–5 years. Compare it to the total cost of buying, maintaining, and storing the equipment. You’ll likely see which path makes more sense for you.
Still stuck? Don’t guess.
Harvest Pro is here to help. We’ve worked with growers in all kinds of situations. We can walk you through the decision—no pressure, just real talk.
How Harvest Pro Can Help
Whether you rent or buy, the goal is the same: a smooth, efficient harvest that keeps your operation thriving.
Renting gives you flexibility and short-term ease.
Buying gives you control and long-term value.
But you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
We'd be honored to help.
At Harvest Pro, we offer both the ROHAND II and Proveyor Wagon for purchase. We're happy to give you expert equipment advice as well as ongoing support to keep your harvest on track.
👉 Ready to talk through your options?
Contact our team today and let’s find the right solution for your harvest.