The Glenwood post., 1908-02-29
PROPER CARE Of
FARM MACHINERY

The farmers of this country
buy annually over 100000, 600
worth of farm machinery. There
is perhaps no other source Of loss
so great to them as that produced
by the way they care for this ma
chinery. According to statements
made by different manufacturers,
the farmer would not have to buy
over one-half of this amount Of
machinery, providing he took the
proper care of it.
AS a general rule, the prosper
ity of farmer may be estimated
by the way he cares for his ma
chinery. Poor care indicates
shiftlessness, waste, lack of ener-
gy, and the buying Of more i'm
plements in Il short time. Good
care, on the other hand, indicates
prosperity, development, bank
deposits and long-lived machin-
cry.
Must Understand Machinery.
One of the first essentials to
the handling of machinery is to
thoroughly understand all parts
and to be able to adjust them for
best working conditions. BY run
ming certain implement with
one or more of its parts out Of
adjustment, there is danger of
damaging other parts by throw
ing unequal strain on them, be-
sides running the part which is
not adjusted.
The draft of an implement is
affected very much by its condi-
ton. A dull plOw requires
about one-fourth more energy to
pull it than one which is in good
condition. Poorly adjusted I'M
plements sometimes pull twice as
hard as they should, and in SO
doing not only wear out the
horses, but at the same time do
poor work at loss of time, with
damaging results to the machine.
Necessity Of oiling Machinery.
Another very important point
in caring for farm machinery is
to properly oil all working parts.
1t has been wisely said by O'Bri-
en- that "Oil is the cheapest ma
chinery we have" The farmer
must not only know how and
where to oil every moving part
of his machine, but he must oil
it. The fact that some parts need
great deal more oil than others
must not be overlooked. Some
parts that are handy will receive
more oil than is necessary, while
other parts which are not SO han
dy are neglected almost altogeth-
er.
Sometimes oil holes will be-
come clogged with dirt, and
while they may appear to be
open, still do not convey the oil
to the wearing parts; this will
often result in serious damage.
In other cases, certain machines
have been condemned by operat
ors simply because one or two oil
ing places had been entirely over
looked.
Iron wearing on iron must be
covered with film of oil TO pre-
vent cutting. The oil, then, pro-
longs the life of the machine, be-
sides making it of lighter draft.
Farm Machinery and
the Monkey Wrench.
New machinery should be
watched constantly to prevent
the loss of bolts and small parts.
as such parts will work loose
during the first seasons use. Ger
tain boxes or bearings may fit
too tightly. thus causing them to
heat, while others may need
Tightening. There is nothing that
will shorten the life of farm ma
chinery more than the careless
ness of not keeping all nuts,
screws, and lugs tight.
A wrench should always he
found in connection with ma
chimes which are in operation,
and it should he used when nee
essary.
Care Of Farm Machinery
When not in Use.
Good reasoning tells us that
there are but two times during
the year that farm machinery
needs any special care. First,
when it is in use; second, when
it is not in use.
One season without shelter will
damage farm machinery more
than the wear caused by its use