Maintaining Farm Equipment

Answer 1

Farm equipment that is in good working condition is the key to turning a profit when you operate a farm. Whether you have invested in large machinery or smaller hand tools, your equipment needs to be able to work when you need it to. Proper storage and maintenance can make farm equipment last longer and need to be replaced less frequently.

Creating Effective Storage

The type of storage you need depends on the type of farm equipment you use. Large tractors and machinery should be kept in covered sheds or barns to protect them from the elements. In some situations, you may be able to provide adequate protection simply by covering the equipment with sturdy tarps. Exposure to wind, rain, and sun can cause equipment to rust and wear far more quickly. If the equipment is particularly sensitive to dust and debris, it should be stored in a shed or barn and kept under a tarp.

Maintenance is Easier Than Repair

It is far less expensive to take the time to properly maintain farm equipment than it is to purchase new replacements more often. When you finish working with the equipment, take a few minutes to check over the mechanisms and clean them properly. Clean off any dirt, dust, grasses, or other debris that can become caked on farm equipment when it is used. Before you use the equipment the next time, make sure that all of the fluids are filled and clean so that the machinery will work smoothly.

Seldom Used Equipment Still Needs Regular Attention

There are several pieces of farm equipment that are only used once or twice a year. Even when they are in storage, it is a good idea to look them over every other month or so to make sure they are in good working order. If the equipment uses an engine, turn it on and let it run for a few minutes so that it doesn’t become stiff or dried out while it is in storage. It is better to discover a potential problem during an off month than to find it the day you need to pull out the equipment for use.