As repairs are needed, make a list on the calendar. Cover all charts and the calendars with Plexiglass. If extending economic machinery life is the objective, timing of proper maintenance, as recommended by the manufacturer, is the best way. A detailed look at a sample of engine, transmission or hydraulic oil is a valuable preventative maintenance tool. In many cases it enables identification of a potential problem before a major repair is necessary and downtime during critical operations can be avoided.
Oil analysis is a means of monitoring wear and oil contamination.
When done on a regular basis it establishes a baseline of normal wear and can indicate when abnormal wear or contamination occurs. For more details, review NebFact 95-225, Oil Analysis . Equipment stored inside has a significantly higher trade-in value compared to the same equipment stored outside, as shown in Table I . Table I. Greater trade-in value for machinery stored inside compared to unhoused. The farmer who keeps the most valuable and vulnerable machinery out of the weather can save a lot of money.