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March is an excellent time to run a pre-season safety check of all machinery and equipment on your farm.
Getting the tractor out of the barn in early spring — especially if you live in a cold climate — is nearly as big an event as the first sprouts in the garden or buds on the trees.
If your farm tools and equipment have been mostly in storage during the winter months, check out this list of basic tips to get them ready for the growing season.
Tractors and Equipment Checklist
- If you haven’t already, adjust brakes, clutches and drives, according to the manual. Make sure they’re in working order.
- Ensure steering, ignition and exhaust system are in top condition.
- Check and/or change the fluids (differential, transmission and hydraulic fluids oil etc.) to ensure purity and removal of water that may have condensed.
- Check the cooling system. Look for for cracks from freezing and leaks.
- Check all rubber hoses and plastic parts like fans for cracks.
- Belts may become brittle and crack. Replace them if they are worn. Check that belts and pulleys are at the proper tension. This reduces slippage.
- Check that intake guards and shields on grain augers secure.
- Check that all power take-off units have shields and are back in place if they were removed.
Sources: Iowa State University Extension, Utah State University Extension, National Ag Safety Database
