Maintaining Your Farm Equipment's Parts

Even the toughest piece of farm equipment will eventually wear down. The only real way to ensure optimal performance over long periods of time is with proper maintenance. That is why Glade and Grove Supply has created this guide to help you better maintain the parts on your agricultural equipment.

Know Your Equipment

In this guide, we will do our best to highlight some of the general maintenance needs of the most common types of agricultural equipment. However, there are all kinds of different makes and models on the market, as well as many more specialized and unusual pieces of equipment. Your owner’s manual is an invaluable source of information about what kinds of maintenance tasks might be particular to your model, so always read it carefully before attempting any maintenance. 

Do Inspections Before Use

Agricultural equipment is big, heavy, and powerful. Develop a habit of inspecting your equipment before each usage. Doing so can not only help avoid damage to the equipment itself but also help keep the operator and those around them safe. 

The Tires

There are two things you need to keep an eye on when it comes to tires. The first is tire pressure. Tires should be kept at the recommended pressure at all times because both overinflated and underinflated tires are more vulnerable to damage. Luckily, tire pressure gauges are relatively cheap and easy to come by, so make a habit of checking and adjusting the pressure. 

You should also keep an eye on your tire’s tread depth. The treads play an important role in providing your farm vehicle with traction. Over time, the treads will naturally start to wear down, so follow the manufacturer’s recommendations in regard to tire replacement. You should also occasionally inspect the treads. If you detect an unusual amount of wear and tear, try to determine what might be causing it and replace the tires as soon as possible. 

The Engine

Most modern agricultural equipment is dependent upon an engine, which itself is dependent upon various fluids. These include oil, hydraulic fluid, and coolant. Make sure that you are checking your fluid levels as a part of your regular inspection and topping them off as necessary. Pools of liquid on the ground beneath your equipment (that aren’t caused by condensation) are a good indication that you might have a leak on your hands. If you suspect a leak, schedule a service appointment immediately. Don’t forget to regularly change your filters as well, as these play an important role in keeping the engine running. 

The Frame

Your agricultural equipment will naturally acquire scratches and dings over the course of its working life. However, if you have concerns that the equipment’s structural integrity may be compromised, schedule a service appointment to get it checked out. 

The Attachments

Many pieces of modern agricultural equipment have attachments to expand their capabilities. Damaged attachments are less efficient and can lead to damage to your equipment, so be sure to carefully inspect them at regular intervals. 

The Operator Tools

Even if the rest of the vehicle is functioning perfectly, an operator cannot safely use a piece of agricultural equipment if the tools are broken or missing. Inspect the equipment’s cabs to ensure that any mirrors are clean and uncracked and that any levers or buttons are fully functional. 

We here at Glade and Grove Supply are here to help with all your agricultural equipment needs. From parts and servicing to financing, we do it all. Visit us at one of our four locations in Belle Glade, Immokalee, Avon Park, and Sarasota, Florida. We are proud to serve the south Florida area, and we hope to hear from you soon.