DIY Farm Repairs: When to Do It Yourself and When to Call a Pro – Kiwi cattle yards

DIY Farm Repairs: When to Do It Yourself and When to Call a Pro

by Euan Seymour

Running a farm or lifestyle block means things will break down from time to time. Gates, troughs, water pumps, fences, machinery, or stock handling gear. Knowing when to grab the tools yourself and when to call in a professional can save you both money and headaches.

The Case for DIY

Many farm repairs are simple enough for anyone with a bit of practical know-how. Tackling these yourself can save costs, keep things moving, and give you the satisfaction of fixing something with your own hands.

Good DIY jobs include:

  • Replacing broken gate hinges or latches – Quick fixes that don’t need specialised tools.

  • Patching fences – Stapling wires, replacing battens, or knocking in a few posts.

  • Fixing water leaks – Replacing washers, seals, or cracked trough fittings.

  • Basic welding and fabrication – If you’ve got the skills and gear, small weld repairs can extend the life of equipment.

  • Routine maintenance – Greasing bearings, changing oil, or swapping filters on machinery.

DIY works best when the job is:

  • Low risk if it goes wrong.

  • Not safety-critical for people or animals.

  • Something you’ve got the right tools and skills for.

When to Call in a Professional

Sometimes, tackling a repair yourself can end up costing more in the long run. If it’s a critical piece of gear, a complex job, or something that requires specialist knowledge, bringing in an expert is usually the smart move.

Call a pro when:

  • Safety is on the line – Stock handling equipment, heavy machinery, or electrical work should be left to trained experts.

  • Structural repairs are needed – Cattle yards, loading ramps, or truck decks need to handle big loads. A weak weld or poor fix can cause serious accidents.

  • You don’t have the right gear – Some jobs require CNC cutting, heavy-duty welding, or hydraulic presses.

  • Time is critical – If downtime means lost income (e.g. a broken truck deck in peak season), a pro will get you back up and running faster.

  • It needs to last – A professional repair often comes with better workmanship, materials, and sometimes a warranty.

Striking the Balance

A good rule of thumb: if it’s a straightforward fix, low-cost, and safe then give it a go. If it’s a job where failure could hurt someone, risk your stock, or cost more down the track, call a professional.

Doing what you can yourself will keep your costs down and your skills sharp. But knowing when to step aside and get the experts in is what keeps your farm running smoothly long-term.

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