Preserving your farming equipment can be done so through several preparing prior to seasonal changes and staying informed on the popular repairs we see as agricultural repair experts. Staying informed on common repairs equipment undergoes allows an agricultural expert to stay aware of what to look out for and what to be conscious of maintaining.
There are future expenditures you should consider when buying either new or used AG equipment. It is a continual investment in maintenance, repair, and prepping the equipment for the next farming season.
Engine Repair
The engine is the heart of your farming machinery, and you need to keep it well maintained to keep the machine working its best. You need to regularly maintain the engine including changing the oil, the filters, and the spark plugs. The idea is to prevent the need for excessive and expensive professional farming equipment repair. By bringing your equipment in for inspections and maintenance, you are staying ahead of repair escalations and saving money in the long run, as well as time lost from use.
Spark Plugs
Most farm machinery uses diesel engines, but like gas engines, these engines also have spark plugs, and they need to be cleaned and replaced to ensure that the engine operates smoothly. The spark plugs must be removed and cleaned thoroughly with a degreaser. It is also important to make sure the spark plug threads are protected with coatings so that the machine does not spring any leaks. This routine bimonthly task can help you diagnose any farm engine issues faster.
Take Care of the Battery
One of the easiest problems to fix and one of the biggest headaches when it is not cared for is the battery. Going out to your tractor and finding that it will not start because the battery is dead can be a real headache for multiple reasons. It is a repair need that can be avoided. Most farmers and agricultural equipment owners remove the battery during the winter. This battery maintenance process ensures that you do not cause further damage to the terminals or other parts of the equipment. More importantly, it means you can start the machinery in the summer with ease and without compromise.
If you have a dead battery, you want to try to use a smart charger to slow charge the battery for at least 24 hours. However, if the battery has been dead for too long, you may need to replace it with a new one.
The Magnetos
Sometimes, the magnetos stop working. The magnetos are a type of small generator. The drive cog rotates, and the magneto creates a spring that sits between the rotor and drive-link. If this is happening to you, your best bet is to call a professional farming equipment repair expert to diagnose and fix the problem.
Carburetor
Carbs are essential in this kind of equipment. The carburetor is the part of the machinery that creates the combustion for the engine. It atomizes the gasoline on older equipment. You will continually need to set the load valve on the carburetor, so it automates the valves.
Priming Farm Equipment
You use AG equipment for work and often in various changing weather conditions. It is inevitable that some damage will occur such as the paint getting scratched and rusting parts. Stay aware of your machinery’s condition and proactive on informing a professional agricultural repair expert to identify if there are issues developing that may compromise its operational functionalities.
Be Sure to Winterize
When you winterize AG equipment, you save time, energy, and money on expensive maintenance and repairs developing through seasonal changes. Completing preventative care in the fall is the smart move to make. Run the fuel periodically during winter, and check the fluids and clean off the equipment.
Bottom Line
Remember, maintenance and prevention are key to keeping AG equipment in optimal condition. Maintenance and education on the most common repairs AG equipment faces can expand the lifespan of your equipment and is key to avoiding unwanted delays and breakdowns.