The Kennewick courier. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1905-1914, 1912-02-09
In Orchard and Field
4Happenings Of Moment to the Man Behind the Plow
CARE OF FARM MACHINERY

This is subject of much interest
to every farmer. Thousands Of dol
lars are wasted every year in every
county of this state by permitting
machinery to stand in the open
weather during the months which
the machines are not used. In
many of the wheat fields the plows,
harrows, drills, etc., are left stand
ing in the field where they were last
used until the season opens again
for their use. 1t is not an uncom-
mon sight to see an expensive COM
bination harvester shielded only by
the open sky.
Would not this be an interesting
and profitable subject to take up in
any rural school? The boys of to-
day will be the farmers of tomorrow.
If machinery is ever better protected
than at present it will be done by
the farmers of tomorrow.
We herewith publish a letter on
this subject written by Mr.. Stewart
Miner:
The farmer is business man as
likewise is the manufacturer. Either
is as successful in as great degree
as he is able to use machinery and
can make machinery cut out the
work of man or make his work
count for more. Therefore the study
of farm machinery is of value to us
although it is a simple and easy one
to pursue. The longer farmer
can use an implement the more
value is obtained therefrom. Do
you think it a good plan to leave
the binder in the field? His wagon
in house lot? If so, the farmer is
losing money. The money put in
to binder, mower or a manure
spreader is capital invested just as
much as the money another man
puts into a machine for making
manufactured goods. This money
deserves an annual interest and an
ultimate profit equally as much and
if entitled to as thoro care and pro-
lection. Furthermore, the same
rule holds good for any tool. The
tools are not used, probably, and
must remain idle part of the time.
1t is necessary that they be protected
during this time. More plows have
been worn away by weathering than
were ever worn away by service.
The increase in the life of tools is
from six to fifteen years, caused by
shedding. The three essentials of
farm machinery care are good roofs,
good paint and good oils. These
determine whether the tool shall
last for years or soon be sold for
junk and a new tool purchased.
How and when? People do not
realize how simple and essential this
care really is. Experience is a good
teacher. One day 1 visited the
farm of an up-to date farmer. He
was not a rich man but he had a
very good farm of one hundred acres
or more. He has plenty of build
ings for his stock. He has long
shed in which he keeps all his tools
not expensive, but dry. In one
end is shop in which can be put
any machinery he owns for paint
ing and repairs. He has many
simple tools for repairing. The Or
iginal set, to which he has added
occasionly, cost about forty dollars.
He constructed the shop and shed
himself. When he finishes plow-
ing or moving he sees that his men
care for the tools by bringing them
in and oiling or painting the bright
part. Kerosene takes it off in the
spring easily. He said, DO you
see that pillow? 1t has lasted six
years longer than one my brother
has which he purchased at the same
time and did not take care Of The
pillow was not worn out. That is an
illustration of the way treat all my