Exceptional Used Farm Machinery

Saturday, 21 August 2010

Purchasing equipment for your farm can be very expensive. But in order for you to run a successful operation, you must have equipment that is affordable and in good working condition. Used farm machinery is a wonderful alternative to buying new and can cut your initial investment and on-going costs by thousands of dollars. In order to get the best deals, you need to become aware of the ways that you can get the best equipment for the money that you have available to spend.

Whenever you buy used equipment, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Always go to a reputable dealer who is willing to work with you to find the right equipment at a price you can afford. Go online and browse through the many websites that list both new and used farm equipment. Compare quality and prices and look closely at the current market value of each item that you are considering. It's a good idea to never pay more for an item than what it is worth on the current market unless it has long-term investment possibilities.

Be sure to consider what it is going to cost you for replacement parts down the road. Sometimes older equipment requires parts that are hard to find and expensive to buy. Do your research and find out what the hours of use are for each item. If what you are looking at has passed the recommended hours of use, then make sure you know the maintenance history of the item and what it was used for. This is true even for equipment that seems to be in top shape but is at the end of its recommended use period.

One of the most important things to do before buying used farm machinery is to have a reputable mechanic take a close look at it. A well-trained mechanic can give you expert advice and spot any problem areas. He or she knows farm machinery well and can tell you if it is at the end of its useful period. Finally, make sure that the machinery you buy is mechanically sound and not damaged. Damaged farm equipment ends up being a liability, both for you and for your farm's overall operation.

Maintenance Checklist For Your Fencing Machines

Farming is always full of jobs that you can feel you didn't "sign up for" including the seemingly constant turnover of purchasing new machinery and tools to keep your farm ticking over and functioning smoothly. However, taking time to first purchase quality tools and equipment and then take care of them, including regular maintenance checks will help ease that particular burden off your shoulders.

If you want to check your fencing machines for wear and tear, there are several different things you should check. If these show significant disintegration, new parts or a new model should be purchased.

- Check over all the couplings and clamps to ensure they fit firmly and are undamaged. If they are worn they will need to be replaced.

- If any of the wires are frayed, broken or damaged they will need to be replaced. Sometimes the wire begins to be stretched a little and needs to be readjusted. It is good to lubricate the wire and retest it.

- Examine the farm machinery carefully for any hairline fractures or stress breaks. These can cause a dramatic problem if not attended to, including full breakdown and potential injury to the user. It is best to contact your supplier about resolving these with either a mend or full replacement.

- Check all moving parts are well lubricated, particularly the hammer slide and mast to ensure it works smoothly and safely. Also pay attention to any pivot pins. If you have mended any areas in the past with welding, carefully check over your welding to ensure it is still holding.

- Any pulleys on the machine need to be free spinning and working smoothly. If it's sticking at all or feels a little rough it's advisable to replace these parts.

- Check the bolts to ensure they are all firm. Make sure they are all there and replace any you find are missing.

- Check for leaks in the hydraulic hoses and couplings. If you find leaks, these need to be replaced.

- If the safety features of the equipment look in anyway worn, it is essential you replace these immediately to ensure your continued safety in using the product.

Even the very best of machines will need good maintenance and eventual replacement. By looking after your farm machinery you will get the very best return for your investment.

How to Improve Safety When Operating Agricultural Machinery

While farming might seem like a simple process: plant crops, harvest, and repeat, agriculture is actually a complex and often dangerous industry. The heavy machinery used to move, load, plant and harvest crops in such large numbers presents many hazardous situations, and understanding the proper safety precautions and practices is crucial to reducing the risk of injury on the job. Below, get details on how to improve safety when operating heavy agricultural machinery.

Proper Training:

Before taking a seat on a piece of large farm machinery to get the job done, workers must be fully trained on how to properly drive and operate the equipment. Workers should also know the proper safety procedures to follow should the machine fail or malfunction. Get a feel for the way the machine moves and handles, and understand the danger zones that exist when operating the vehicle. Knowing how to enter and exit the vehicle is also important. Never mount or dismount from a moving machine, do not jump off of a machine, and make sure your hands are free of tools.

Buckle Your Seat Belt:

Although farm equipment may not move very fast, it is still important to wear a seat belt. Some machines must cross public roads, where the risk of a collision increases. There is also the chance that the machinery could roll over due to unstable conditions. Buckling your seat belt should become habit when entering any piece of large farm machinery.

Appropriate Clothing:

When working on a farm with heavy equipment, be sure to wear tight-fitting clothing. Clothes that are loose or baggy increase the risk of injury, as it is possible that sleeves, pants or shirts could get caught in heavy machinery. Proper footwear protects the feet from falling objects, in addition to giving workers better traction in slippery areas. Wear clean boots when entering or exiting large farm equipment to reduce the risk of falling.

Inspection and Testing:

Farmers should always be sure that their equipment is working properly and efficiently before using it. When in the fields, be sure to use sight, smell and hearing to be aware of any changes in the machine's operation. If a piece of equipment is not working properly, alert a supervisor immediately. If the transmission must be rebuilt, make sure that your transmission remanufacturer is experienced and reliable.