Though agricultural machinery can be costly, proper maintenance and care can go a long way toward keeping your equipment in the best shape, avoiding expensive repairs, and extending its life.
Whether you are a grain or beet farmer, here are ten ways you can keep your farm machines in top operational condition:
1. Keep Track of Maintenance Schedules
All machines require regular maintenance and repairs. Keeping on top of recommended maintenance schedules will save money and time in the long run. Consider this preventive maintenance ritual a “checkup” for your equipment.
Not only preparing to deal with current problems but you can also prevent more issues from arising in the future.
2. Minimize Downtime
Time is valuable for a farmer, primarily when their livelihood relies on the harvests for their income. Downtime can be quite costly; the longer it takes to repair something, the more money it costs.
To reduce this, you can consult a trusted technician to learn the basic maintenance principles to keep your machines running.
3. Train Your Farm Workers
Rather than hiring a mechanic to do all the maintenance for your farm machinery, properly training your farm workers is cheaper and far more efficient. This way, you can save on labor costs and ensure workers can recognize preventable breakdowns and immediately make simple repairs.
4. Regularly Check and Change Fluids
All farm equipment has essential fluids such as oil and coolant that help keep the machine running. While running, the fluids can wear out and accumulate dirt, dust, and other impurities. Regularly check and change fluids to keep your farm machines in good shape and ensure no leakage or wear and tear happens.
5. Clean and Grease Moving Parts
Ensure all moving parts are well lubricated. This reduces friction and wear, avoiding damage to the machine's internal components and helping it run smoothly and reliably.
6. Inspect Attachments and Accessories Frequently
Inspect the attachments and accessories on your heavy-duty farm equipment regularly. This will help prevent issues with wear and tear and any breaks or tears that could cause future problems.
Also, keep an eye out for rust and corrosion, which can indicate the need for more frequent checking and maintenance.
7. Perform Regular Tune-Ups
Similar to a car, a tune-up is essential to ensure optimal performance from your farm equipment. This includes checking and replacing spark plugs and air filters, as well as checking for any visible leaks or other damage that would affect the performance and efficiency of the machine.
8. Monitor V-belts and Chains
The v-belts and chains of a farm machine are critical for their operation. A loose, damaged, or broken belt or chain can cause massive problems. Regularly check these components and replace them when necessary to avoid problems down the line.
9. Address Minor Issues Immediately
As with most things, minor issues are easier and cheaper to fix when spotted early. Keep an eye out for little signs of trouble and address them quickly to avoid more significant problems later on.
10. Use Quality Oil and Fluids
Using quality oil and fluids designed for the make and model of your machine will ensure it is running smoothly and efficiently. This can also serve to reduce wear and tear, as well as extend the machine’s life in the long run.
Conclusion
Maintaining your farm equipment is essential to staying productive and avoiding costly repairs in the future. By regularly checking, cleaning, and replacing fluids and components, you can ensure it runs at peak performance and serve you faithfully for years.
Do you need to replace your heavy-duty farm tools and equipment soon? Haukos Sales LLC offers the best quality deals in equipment and tools for clients in West Central Minnesota and Eastern North Dakota. Check out our shop now!
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