Farm machinery requires proper and regular maintenance. Fixing breakdowns can be just as expensive as buying a replacement. During harvesting, they will cause your productivity and income to deteriorate. Fortunately, simple actions can prevent major issues.
Regular checks and access to electronic tools like CNH software will help you prevent, detect, and resolve problems quickly. Safety of machinery is paramount. Follow our tips to reduce the likelihood of injuries and property damage.
Get the Right Training
Every operator must be up to date on maintenance, handling, and other requirements. All of your employees, managers, and supervisors must be on the same page. As many farms have several operators using the same equipment, this is crucial.
Make sure the staff has quick access to user manuals, so they can quickly polish their understanding of the machinery when necessary. Pay attention to their comprehension levels. If the instructions are challenging, they must be rewritten to ensure compliance.
Lubricate Your Machinery
Reduce friction and improve the lifespan of the machinery. All moving parts require lubricating — this is a no-brainer, but farmers can forget it when harvesting is in full swing. Do not cut costs — use a high-quality lubricant and clean up the mess before applying it. As dirt builds up, it prevents machine parts from running smoothly.
Detect Wear and Damage Early
Unusual noises, vibrations, overheating, and friction are all red flags. If you know your equipment well, you should be able to detect them immediately. Detect problems as they emerge — i.e., when fixing them is still relatively cheap. Keep an eye and ear out for the signs of wear and damage, so you can have your machinery serviced to prevent a major (and costly!) breakdown.
Keep It Clean
When the equipment is dirty, it is easy to miss the signs of wear and tear, such as grease buildup and oil leaks. Clean your filter, remove dirt, vacuum the machinery, and dust it inside to prolong its lifespan. This is a simple measure, but it can prevent severe consequences down the road, including injuries and fatalities.
Stick to a Schedule
Life on a farm gets hectic at times, so it is easy to miss service dates. Create a maintenance schedule for all of your equipment, and keep track of all completed repairs and maintenance. In addition, you should monitor operators to see if anyone is operating the machinery improperly or working it too hard.
The Bottom Line
Farm machinery is complex equipment that requires constant monitoring and proper maintenance. Follow our tips to make sure your workhorses stay in great shape for a long time. With these five simple measures, farm equipment is safer and more reliable. Do not put your profits at stake by neglecting these basic maintenance guidelines.