Review Safety Precautions

 

Safety First: Ensure all operators and workers are familiar with the equipment they’ll be using. Provide a refresher on safety protocols, including knowing where emergency shutoffs are for augers, tractors, welders, and other pieces of equipment.

Discuss the dangers of entrapment, entanglement, burns, torque injuries, and other possible risk scenarios with employees thoroughly in an environment that allows them to ask questions if they feel uncomfortable.

Manuals: Keep operator and maintenance manuals accessible for each piece of equipment. Review them for specific maintenance schedules and guidelines. Make sure to keep a system for recording maintenance that is clearly communicated with farm staff.

Emergency Plan: Establish a clear emergency action plan, and confirm all employees know the location of first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and emergency point of contacts.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure PPE such as gloves, goggles, chemical exposure kits, hearing protection, and steel-toed boots are both available and in good condition.

Clean Equipment Thoroughly

 

Why It Matters: Dirt, grease, and debris can hide problems such as worn parts, cracks, or rust. Cleaning makes it easier to identify issues before they escalate.

A Few Cleaning Tips: Avoid using a pressure washer to remove mud and buildup from near sensitive components such as electronic control nodes, wiring harness connectors, and sensor housings - Over time, the harder water force combined with small pieces of fertilizer or chemical residue can lead to increased shorting of your machine’s electrical system. After cleaning, apply a rust inhibitor such as FluidFlim in high-wear areas to protect your investment!

Conduct a Detailed Inspection

 

Inspect Key Areas:

• Hydraulics: Look for leaks and ensure connections are tight. Pinhole leaks are a huge safety risk, and the most frequent issue leading to down time is related to hydraulic issues.
• Belts and Hoses: Look for cracks, frays, or signs of wear. Install reinforcement on lines if signs of wear are spotted; flexible firehose or corrugated plastic pipe are two easy-to-find reinforcement solutions.
• Tires and Tracks: Check for proper inflation, tread depth, and cracks.
• Undercarriage: Undercarriage issues are the most frequent cause of equipment fires; make sure to examine your machine closely for debris and buildup.
• Frames and Axles: Monitor closely for hairline cracks, as these can be huge issues if a failure occurs in the field.​

Check & Replenish Fluids

 

• Fluid Maintenance: Regularly check, replenish, and change fluids such as coolant and hydraulic fluid.
• Engine Oil: Check levels and replace old or dirty oil.
• Coolant: Inspect for proper levels and any discoloration, which may indicate contamination.
• Hydraulic Fluid: Ensure levels are adequate and watch for leaks.
• Transmission Fluid: Look for proper levels and clarity.

Lubricate Moving Components

 

Purpose of Lubrication: Reduce friction, prevent wear, and protect components from rust and corrosion.
Key Areas to Lubricate: Bearings, Axles, Pivot Points, and Chains
Frequency: Lubricate based on usage and follow the manufacturer's guidelines.

   

Recharge & Inspect Batteries

Battery Basics: Clean terminals with a wire brush to remove corrosion. Check for secure connections and signs of wear. Test voltage and recharge batteries if needed.
 

Maintain Accurate Records

 

Why It’s Important: Records help track the condition of equipment over time. Maintenance logs can help inform repair decisions and can be critical to warranty repairs.

What to Record: Date of maintenance, parts replaced, fluids topped off, & inspection results

Plan for Spare Parts & Tools

• Stock Up: Keep spare belts, hoses, filters, and fuses on hand to minimize downtime during critical times.

Prepare for Storage or Transport

 

If Not in Use: For equipment that will not be used immediately, prepare for storage:

• Remove GPS and monitors to store in a climate-controlled environment – extremely high or low temperatures can lead to malfunctioning of these components.

For Transport: Ensure equipment is properly secured on trailers or trucks to avoid damage; make sure to understand the load ratings of your safety chains and securement devices. Also, ensure SMV signs are installed and transport strobes/tail lights function properly.
 

Professional Inspections

While routine maintenance can be done in-house, professional inspections can catch issues you may overlook – commonly known as “up-time inspections”. Local dealers often offer discounts for this service in the off-season and also will discount parts that are associated with that up-time service.
 

Prepare for storage or transport

 

If Not in Use: For equipment that will not be used immediately, prepare for storage:

• Drain fluids as necessary.
• Cover exposed components to protect against weather.
• Store in a dry, secure location.

For Transport: Ensure equipment is properly secured on trailers or trucks to avoid damage.
 

Professional Inspections

While routine maintenance can be done in-house, professional inspections can catch issues you may overlook. Schedule an annual check-up with your local ATS provider.