Tips for Farm Equipment Maintenance

In order to ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of your farm, you rely on your equipment to get the job done safely. Today’s budgets are tight. So, make the most of what you’ve got by carefully fixing and maintaining your farm equipment. Here are some tips on how to do just that. You’ll find your fleet may be in better working order and is more likely to operate safely, too.

Farm Machinery Preventative Maintenance Tips

Regular upkeep of your farm’s machinery and equipment can make a big difference. Sometimes, a quick check in before you start work can save you money, not to mention the time and energy needed for a big repair. Here are a few ideas that can help you to spot small problems — or big ones.

Read the owner’s manual. Get in the know about how your equipment is built, what to do and when to do it. New details that you may not be aware of can shift the way you use these items, and that can really extend the life of your equipment.

Reduce wear and tear. Lubricating chains and cables according to the manufacturer’s directions is another way to extend your fleet’s lifespan. One payoff here is that if you decide to sell the equipment later, it will be in great working order.

Pressure wash after use. Mud caking up on the inside of wheel wells is more than just a mess, it can increase rust and erode enamel coatings on your rims. So take a few minutes to rinse off your tractor or equipment with a pressure washer at the end of each day to help it look great and last longer.

Order spare parts now. If you know that certain parts will need to be swapped out, order those parts now. Having these items on hand when you need them can mean you’ve cut out the time spent waiting for delivery. And that also means you won’t be held up if the part should fail when you’re in the middle of using that piece of equipment. Another great idea is to have a back-up plan in place to rent equipment if yours is inoperable due to repair.

Scheduled Maintenance and Repairs Can Save the Day

The success of your agribusiness depends on the reliability of your equipment. By checking in on key items under the hood and inside these implements, you can be sure that they’ll all be ready when you need them. It will also give you a little more peace of mind knowing that your implements are working safely when they’re called into action.

Schedule and perform routine maintenance. If a mechanic is going to be needed, schedule these appointments in advance. You’ll want to be sure to have the work done without running the risk of missing a maintenance window — which can invalidate product warranties or other key items in your purchase contract.

Look at your tractor like you would your car. Simply popping the hood and checking in on the engine is another easy way to keep costs down and fix issues when they’re small. Hoses will get loose and they’ll leak. To keep your equipment running smoothly well into the future, take a look at these tractor safety tips. Here are a few other things to keep in mind:

• Check the voltage and amperage of the battery, looking for corrosion on the poles and cables.
• Inspect the tires, check the pressure and be sure you’ve got enough tread to get out of mud, snow or other slippery conditions.
• Check the oil and other fluid levels.
• Look at the air filters and replace when they’re no longer cleanable.
• Tighten up clamps and fittings and seals as needed.

In just a few steps, you’ve improved the odds of your farm equipment performing when you need it to. As you’re building your upkeep schedule, remember to contact your American Family Insurance agent (Opens in a new tab) to fine-tune your policy. Even better, you’ll know that these big investments are covered well, leaving you to focus on the important work of running your farm.