Maintenance Tips for Your Agricultural Machinery

Agricultural machinery does not come cheap. As such, after spending an exorbitant amount of money, you need to take measures to ensure that you get your return on investment. Here are some handy maintenance tips to ensure that your equipment remains in optimal working condition.

Take measures to prevent the development of rust

Agricultural equipment are susceptible to rust since they tend to work in moist conditions. If you are using this equipment to till the land, then soil is attached onto their movable parts and this could increase the chances of rust developing. The first thing that you need to do is ensure they are cleaned thoroughly after use. The best way to do this is via pressure washing, as this ensures that all the hard to reach areas are thoroughly and efficiently cleaned. Secondly, you need to ensure that your machinery is properly lubricated. With appropriate lubrication, their metal surfaces will not be susceptible to rusting. However, take note not to over lubricate your equipment as this could lead to a build-up of oil that will attract dirt and other grime. Left unchecked this could eventually lead to the movable parts sticking. Lastly, take measures to ensure that the environment they are stored in is not exposing them to the development of rust. Rather than keeping your agricultural machinery in woodsheds that can become humid, opt for stainless steel barns or a climate controlled environment. This is especially pertinent when they will be out of commission for a significant period of time.

Keep your agricultural equipment properly calibrated

One thing to note with agricultural machinery is that they tend to do labour intensive work. As such, it should not come as a surprise that their gauges can become misaligned over time. This misalignment will cause you to use your equipment improperly and thus decrease its lifespan. To avoid this, regularly check that all gauges are properly calibrated before using the machinery.

Carry out regular inspections for wear and tear

The best way to avoid any problems with your equipment from becoming aggravated is through regular maintenance inspections. Have a list of items to check on your equipment such as belts, fans, engines and more. When you spot a problem, opt to have it fixed post haste as using the equipment in that state will further exacerbate the problem. This eventually will lead you into having to replace your equipment when maintenance repairs would have sufficed if caught in time.