Customising a standard machinery shed kit is a proven way to create a cost-effective design that suits your farming operation.
Amongst the many Action shed projects signed off so far in 2025 (view the updated project gallery here), this project in North-West VIC stands out by using a popular machinery shed kit – with a difference.
While the 32m x 18m farm shed kit is most commonly used for either an open-front machinery shed or an open-front hay shed (it’s a great 1000 bale option!), it’s used here as a drive-through machinery shed.
Sliding doors on each gable end allow it to be fully enclosed too, offering the best of both worlds.
Are you planning a similar project?
Curious to know how you can customise your standard machinery shed kit?
Read on for a project overview and discussion on the key details that make this machinery shed work – and find a handy price guide for your project budgeting.
Project Overview
Size: 32m (L) x 18m (W) x 6.75m (H)
Configuration: Drive-through with sliding doors on the gable ends
Location: Woorak, VIC
Build Date: 2025
6 Reasons Why This Standard Machinery Shed Works
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1. Starts With A Machinery Shed Kit
A standard machinery shed kit (view 7 of the best here) is always a smart place to start when designing your shed.
Why?
- They are functional designs that have been used effectively across many different farming operations.
- The designs are cost-effective because they use standard-size spans and bay spacings.
- Shed kits are very versatile and can be easily customised.
This project capitalises on all three of these advantages by using the popular 32m x 18m size with a drive-through configuration.
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2. Creates A Cost-Effective Wide Opening
One of the main benefits of the drive-through configuration is that it is the most cost-effective way to achieve a wide opening.
This project is an excellent example of that.
Accessing the shed from the gable end provides a wide opening that is much more cost-efficient than the alternative of removing a column and installing a girder truss between two bays.
TOP TIP
You could take this a step further on your project by installing sliding door outriggers.
With an outrigger, doors can be stacked well out of the way to provide an even wider opening and help prevent machinery damage to the doors.
An open gable is also versatile and provides good value for money by allowing you to use the full length of the shed.
This leads to our next point.
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3. Takes Advantage Of The Length
A drive-through configuration is often a win-win option for machinery storage.
As well as providing a cost-effective wide opening, it is also the most cost-effective way to store long machinery.
By accessing the shed from the gable end, you can take full advantage of the length of the shed.
For example, the 32 metre length of this project provides ample coverage for a B-double.
This is much more cost-effective than the alternative of a 32 metre span shed.
This is simply because there is more labour, materials and transport costs involved in upsizing the span compared to simply increasing the length of the shed.
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4. Makes Machinery Storage Easy
A drive-through machinery shed configuration isn’t just a cost-effective option for long and wide machinery; it’s functional and efficient, too.
Accessing the shed from the gable ends makes it easy to store and access machinery. No reversing with trailers required – simply drive through!
You can also load or unload from either gable end, which means you won’t have to unload a whole bay to access equipment at the back of the shed (which can sometimes be the case in an open front shed).
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5. Has Smart Door Placement
Sliding doors in both gable ends allow the shed to be fully enclosed – while still offering all the benefits of a drive-through shed.
This is a smart inclusion as it prevents the shed from becoming a wind tunnel and provides the best possible weather protection for the machinery.
A lockable personal access door on one side of the shed allows the shed to be quickly and easily accessed without needing to open up the main doors. This also helps keep the shed secure.
The sliding door placement also complements the well-planned site.
The clear site with room for turning circles means the drive-through configuration can be taken full advantage of – safely and efficiently.
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6. Uses Extra Height
One detail to consider when customising a standard machinery shed is the height.
This is because it is difficult to increase the height of your shed once it has been installed, and a lack of clearance height can be limiting and frustrating.
While a minimum clearance of 6 metres is common for machinery sheds, this project uses a 6.75 metre height to accommodate the sliding door beam (we recommend allowing at least 500mm).
This also provides some extra wriggle room to take the stress out of moving expensive machinery in and out of the shed.
Increasing the height of your shed is relatively cost-effective and can be a smart way to future-proof your storage – machinery continues to get bigger!
That’s a wrap on the main reasons why this shed is a winner!
Budgeting for a similar project? Read on for a handy price guide.
Project Price Guide
A similar project in 2025 would cost approx. $140,000 – $190,000 including GST, delivery and installation.
Please note this is a guide only and does not take the place of a formal quote.
The price for your project will depend on factors like location and how you choose to customise your shed.
For accurate pricing for your project, call us on 1800 687 888 or submit a REQUEST A QUOTE form – we would love to hear from you!
You might also find the resources below helpful for your project planning.
Useful Resources
- What Is The Standard Span Range For Farm Sheds
- Farm Shed Pad Guide (Ideas, Sizes & Prices)
- 2025 Machinery Shed Guide
And, check out – Stuart’s Drive-Through Shed For Easy Machinery Storage – for more inspiration
