Ensuring that your farm equipment is operating at optimum performance is important. It will prevent losses suffered as a result of delays. In addition, it will improve your efficiency and prevent breakdowns that can be quite costly to repair. Here are 10 tips to keep your farm machinery running.
1. It is important that anyone who is handling the apparatus have the right training on how to use it and maintain it. All the operators and the manager should be up to speed on how different pieces of equipment run. When everyone is on board on how to handle the equipment, then there are lower chances of the equipment being mishandled. In addition, provide the workers with user manuals that they can easily refer to when they want to know something.
2. Lubricate all the moving parts of the appliances. This minimizes friction and prolongs the life of the machines. Before lubricating, make sure to wipe the surfaces clean to avoid dirt buildup.
3. Clean the apparatus on a regular basis. This will make it much easier for you to spot any issues. This includes cleaning the filters, dust removal from inside the machine and removing any dirt buildups.
4. Use the right tool for each job that you are doing. For instance, use the right machine to till. Even when you are conducting repairs, make sure that you use the right tools to avoid damaging the equipment.
5. Have a regular maintenance schedule. Things can get busy and you forget to service the equipment as required. But having routine maintenance scheduled will prevent you from forgetting. It is also important that you keep the records of previous maintenance that have been carried out on the machines. You can give one person the job of maintaining the equipment, so that if they slack on the job you will know who is responsible.
6. It is important that you change the engine oil frequently. This is one of the most basic things that you can do to ensure that your equipment runs smoothly. This minimizes wear and tear and greatly reduces the risk of accidents happening.
7. When you are not using the machines for long periods of time, make sure that they have been properly protected. For instance, do not leave them out in cold and wet weather. Keep them indoors or keep them covered.
8. Always ensure that there is adequate fuel in the machines. You have to regularly monitor how much fuel you have left, so that you can refuel as required. It can be so bad to be out in the field, while you are constantly worrying whether you have adequate fuel to get the job done.
9. Make the required adjustments to the apparatus before you start operating them. For instance, ensure that all access doors are closed and shields are in place.
10. Carry out due diligence and inspect the field beforehand. This will help you know if there are any dangerous objects in the field that can damage the equipment, such as rocks or potholes. You can get rid of them to help protect your equipment.
