Guidelines to Follow When Storing Agricultural Equipment

Agricultural equipment storing is a painstaking task because farm equipment is most susceptible to damage from natural elements. Steel components are prone to rust, and farm machinery can get unserviceable due to corrosion.

Here are some guidelines on Agricultural equipment storing units

General Maintenance
During off season, farm equipment is not under use, and it is important that the agricultural machinery and tools are stacked away with proper maintenance in the Agricultural equipment storing unit. All equipment must be thoroughly cleaned with high-pressure water to remove dirt and muck. Accumulated dirt residue creates risks of fire, rust of rotating parts, and electrical malfunctions.

Once the farm machinery is cleaned, they need to be serviced and lubricated thoroughly. Also check for loose belts, dislocated fasteners, and oil leaks. Off season is the best time to undertake any repairs or preventive maintenance work. This will drastically reduce down time during the busy season.

Apply touch-up paints to the exposed surfaces or you may even do a good waxup job. This will prevent oxidation, and the subsequent, deterioration.

Engine Care
During winter, anti-freeze protection is of much importance. Check the coolant level in the cooling system. Pay specific attention to the condition of crankcase oil. Accumulation of acids is harmful, and these can damage engine components during the long winter months. Replace oil filters, if necessary.

Condensation of moisture is a big threat to fuel tanks. The best bet is to keep the fuel tanks full to reduce empty space above.

Electrics
Electrical problems during the busy season are a big pain. It takes a great deal of time and effort to locate the fault and rectify electrical breakdowns. It would do well to undertake a thorough upkeep job during winter. Look for loose wires, broken switches, and damaged bulbs and lights.

Tillage Tools
Maintaining tillage tools is an important constituent of agricultural equipment storing. Preparation of soil for farming is gaining importance for higher yields so it is no wonder, farmers these days are using sophisticated tilling equipment. Today tilling tools have multi-winged folding blocks that require several hydraulic cylinders that effectively perform their tasks. Though hydraulic cylinder rods are made of chrome, they must be protected from elements with a protective lubricant.

Harvesting Tools
Combine headers need special care. Inspect header units for any worn or broken out parts. Get the belts and chains adjusted properly to prolong efficient operation.

Grain Headers
Grain headers have paraphernalia of components like, retractable fingers, wobble box drives, and stripper bars. Inspect all these for any wear and tear and replace, if necessary.

Now, you have an idea that agricultural equipment storing is no mean job. If you want a worry-free busy season, allocate high priority to preventive maintenance before you embark on agricultural equipment storing . 

In short, here is a summary of tips for short-term and long-term Agricultural equipment storing with specific emphasis on rotating equipment.

Short-Term Agricultural Equipment Storing

• Keep the equipment in locked storing space and take care to remove the ignition key.
• Avoid accidental short circuit of the battery. Remove the ground cable first to avoid sparks
• Do not operate in the engine in an enclosed building to prevent exhaust fumes poisoning.
• See to it that there is no dry grass around the machinery. This will reduce the fire hazard.

Long-Term Agricultural Equipment storing

• Inflate the tire pressure to a slightly higher value than normal.
• Change the engine oil and run it in idling mode for about 5–10 minutes to allow circulation of oil to all the internal parts.
• Detach the battery from the machine and store it as the standard battery storing procedures.

Agricultural equipment storing is hard toil no doubt, but it is worth the effort to ensure a hassle-free busy season.

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