Why Farm Machinery Maintenance Is Important
Well-maintained agricultural machinery is essential for seamless agricultural operations. Regularly serviced equipment ensures optimal performance, minimising potential losses in operation and income. However, busy machinery is subjected to a lot of wear and tear the more it is used, and regular maintenance is necessary if it is to be kept in good working condition.
Maintenance Schedule and Checklist
To keep equipment properly maintained, it is important to have a maintenance schedule and checklist. This will help ensure that all necessary maintenance tasks are completed on time and that the equipment is in good working condition.
A maintenance schedule should include regular maintenance tasks, such as checking fluid levels, lubricating moving parts, and inspecting belts and hoses. It should also include preventive maintenance tasks, such as replacing filters and inspecting electrical systems for worn wiring. A maintenance checklist should be used so that all necessary tasks are completed and that nothing is overlooked.
10 Farm Equipment Maintenance Checks
Maintenance Tips
Here are 10 important areas to inspect and maintain to keep your farm machinery in top condition.
1. Lubrication / Grease. Regularly check oil and grease levels to ensure your machinery operates efficiently. Low or worn oil will lead to machine damage. Grease all points, replace blocked grease nipples. Change the oil according the manufacturer’s recommendations and always use the right grade of oil and grease for your specific machinery.
2. Hydraulic Fluid and Lines Hydraulic systems are vital for the operation of most farm machinery implements. Check for leaks in lines and ensure that the hydraulic fluid is at the correct level. Contaminated or low hydraulic fluid can cause system failure or inefficient operation.
3. Tyre Pressure and Condition Proper tyre inflation ensures optimal performance and fuel efficiency. Regularly inspect tyre pressure and look for signs of wear or damage. Replace tyres that are excessively worn or damaged to prevent accidents and maintain traction.
4. Brake System Functionality Effective brakes are crucial for safety. Regularly inspect the brake system, including pads, discs, and fluid levels. Any signs of wear or malfunction should be addressed immediately to ensure the safety of the operator and the efficiency of the machinery.
5. Battery Charge and Alternator. A well-maintained battery and alternator ensures your machinery starts reliably. Check the battery’s charge level and clean the terminals to prevent corrosion. Replace batteries that no longer hold a charge.
6. Cooling System and Coolant Level Overheating can severely damage farm machinery. Check the coolant level and the condition of the cooling system, including the radiator and hoses. Regularly clean out any debris from the radiator to prevent overheating.
7. Belt/Chain Tension and Wear Drive belts, chains and conveyors are common on farm machinery. Check these for proper tension and signs of wear like cracks, fraying or stretching. Replace worn chains, belts and pulleys to prevent breakdowns during operation.
8. Air Filters and Airflow System Clean air filters are essential for engine efficiency and longevity. Check and clean air filters regularly. Replace them as needed to ensure optimal airflow and to prevent engine contamination. Airlines on trailer brakes should be inspected for damage before being used.
9. Lights and Electrical Wiring Good visibility and functioning electrical systems are important, especially when working at dawn, dusk, or night. Check all lights and replace any that are not working. Inspect wiring for signs of wear or damage and repair as necessary.
10. PTO (Power Take-Off) Shaft and Guards The PTO is a critical component in many farm machines. Regularly inspect the PTO shaft for wear and ensure that all guards are in place and in good condition. This prevents entanglement accidents and ensures efficient power transfer from the tractor to the implement.
Managing Repairs and Replacements
Timely repairs and replacements are essential when maintaining farm machines. Neglecting repairs and replacements can lead to unexpected breakdowns, which are costly and time-consuming. The following tips will be useful.
Handling Repairs Timely
When it comes to repairs, it is important to identify the issue and address it as soon as possible. Ignoring minor issues can lead to major problems down the line. As such, it is crucial to inspect machines regularly and address any issues promptly.
Machinery which needs wearing parts to be replaced such as a plough, should have these items in store at the workshop to have on hand when required. This will help minimize downtime and keep operations running smoothly. Additionally, it is important to keep a record of repairs and maintenance to identify any recurring issues and address them in advance.
Replacement of Worn Components
Replacing worn components is an important aspect of maintaining agricultural machines. Worn tires, batteries, and oil can lead to decreased efficiency and increased downtime. As such, it is important to replace worn components as soon as they are identified.
To ensure timely replacement of components, it is important to keep a record of when components were last replaced. Additionally, it is important to have spare components on hand to minimize downtime in case of unexpected breakdowns.
Optimising Farm Machinery Performance
In this section, I will discuss two crucial aspects of optimising farm machinery performance: performance monitoring and efficiency and productivity.
Performance Monitoring
Regular performance monitoring is essential to detect any issues with farm machinery before they become major problems. One way to monitor performance is to keep a log of the hours of operation for each machine. This log will help you keep track of when each machine needs maintenance, such as oil changes or filter replacements. It can also help you identify when a machine is not performing as well as it should be.
Another way to monitor performance is to use precision agriculture technologies. These technologies can provide real-time data on the performance of your machines, allowing you to make adjustments. For example, GPS systems can help you track the location of your machines and ensure that they are running optimally.
Efficiency and Productivity
Efficiency and productivity are two factors in maintaining optimal farm machinery performance.
One way to improve efficiency is to reduce downtime. Downtime can be caused by various factors, such as breakdowns, repairs, or waiting for parts. By keeping spare parts on hand and performing regular maintenance, you can reduce downtime and keep your machines running smoothly.
Another way to improve efficiency is to reduce fuel costs. Fuel costs can be a significant expense for farmers, so it’s essential to use machines that are fuel-efficient. You can also reduce fuel costs by using precision agriculture technologies to ensure that your machines are being used optimally.
Finally, quality checks are essential for maintaining optimal farm machinery performance. Regular servicing and performance monitoring can help you identify any issues with your machines that may be affecting their ability to perform properly.
Documentation and Compliance using CMMS
Keeping your farm machinery maintenance records organized and easy to access is essential so they are easy to read and make sense of. In this section, I will discuss the importance of record-keeping using a Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
CMMS
CMMS, or Computerized Maintenance Management System, is a software tool designed to simplify maintenance management of equipment and facilities. It’s particularly useful in sectors like manufacturing, farming, and facility management. CMMS assists in scheduling regular maintenance, tracking equipment performance, managing inventory, and storing detailed records of past maintenance activities.
Record-Keeping and Documents
Keeping records of farm equipment maintenance, manuals, warranties, service logs, and other important service documents easy to access and understand is important for the machine operator and the mechanic in the workshop. Records which are complex and time-consuming to fill out usually end up not being done.
I would recommend using a CMMS system that allows you to easily access and update documents on a desktop computer for the workshop, but that can be filled or viewed via an app on a mobile phone. This will help everyone keep track of all the maintenance and repairs performed on your farm machines.
Farm Equipment Safety
Remember to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the correct repair of the machine. Regular maintenance checks outlined by the manufacturer will help you identify any safety issues and address them before they become a problem.
