Several items combined can significantly affect costs, improve machine reliability and improve profit margins. This fact sheet discusses five strategies to achieve maximum farm machinery life. Machinery Maintenance A midwest study showed that many farmers can reduce machinery repair costs 25 percent by improving routine maintenance procedures. With a yard full of machinery, that savings can be significant. Timely preventative maintenance and inspection not only will help reduce major problems and downtime, they also will help identify developing problems while they possibly can be corrected with relatively minor repairs.
Equipment repaired during the winter can save money on service at mechanics' shops.
An effective machinery service program requires good record keeping. It shouldn't be based on the operator's feelings or memory as to when a machine needs attention. The maintenance program must be based on fact as determined by an accurate service record for each piece of equipment as recommended by the operator's manual and adjusted to individual conditions. Carry a small notepad in each cab to record problems and observations as they arise. Sample Maintenance Calendar Figure 1.