Cleaning Farm Equipment
Here at the farm, I try hard to keep everything clean, organized, and in good working condition - especially all the large and important agricultural equipment.
Last week, my outdoor grounds crew baled our second cut of hay - 663 bales for my horses from three large fields. I am so proud I can make hay right here at the farm. After all the hay is properly stacked, it's crucial that all the equipment is checked and cleaned before storing. Keeping farm equipment clean and maintained ensures optimal performance, minimizes breakdowns, and extends the lifespan of the units.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
-
- I am very fortunate to have all the proper equipment to make nutritious and delicious hay for my horses. I try to impress upon my team how important it is to take good care of everything we have.
-
- This is our mower-conditioner. A hay mower conditioner cuts, crimps and crushes the hay to promote faster and more even drying. My outdoor grounds crew foreman, Chhiring Sherpa, thoroughly power washes the hood and top of the mower.
-
- When weather conditions are ideal, these machines allow farmers to cut wide and fast – the best formula for quality field productivity.
-
- Next, Chhiring washes the tedder. A tedder spreads and fluffs the hay in a uniform swath after the mower-conditioner has cut the hay.
-
- It uses a rotary motion to grab the hay with spinning tines and then cast it out the back of the machine.
-
- Here is a closer look at the tines, or moving forks, which aerate or “wuffle” the hay and speed up the drying process.
-
- Chhiring rinses each of the tines individually to make sure they are free of any crop debris.
-
- He also thoroughly cleans underneath the tedder which can accumulate clippings.
-
- The bar rake, also known as a basket rake is hydraulically driven. This rake allows for consistent movement across the fields making well-shaped windrows, or rows of hay.
-
- This apparatus also has tines that pick up the hay and sweep it into the long rows around the field.
-
- I’ve had all these pieces for years and am glad to say good care has kept them in the best working condition.
-
- A baler is a piece of farm machinery used to compress a cut and raked crop into compact bales that are easy to handle, transport, and store.
-
- This is the pick up cylinder which rolls over the cut hay and gathers it into the chamber.
-
- The spiked wheel grabs the bale and with the motor helps to move and propel the bales through the baler.
-
- And then it goes up the conveyor belt to where it is thrown into the wagon.
-
- Chhiring cleans every crevice to remove any debris caught in the machine. This is also a good time for Chhiring to check any parts that may need more maintenance attention.
-
- Most of the equipment is pulled by our trusted Kubota M4-071 tractor, one of the most important pieces of equipment here at the farm. It is used every single day of the year.
-
- And look at the wheels – each one is five feet in diameter.
-
- Chhiring takes time to also clean the tractor. He cleans around the mechanicals, but is careful to avoid any direct contact with bearings and seals.
-
- Look how much cleaner it is after just a few minutes. The M4 tractor is designed for basic farm chores, such as raking, tedding, and rotary cutting, but I also use it for moving heavy planters, transporting mulch and compost, and other important tasks.
-
- Chhiring also makes sure to clean and check all the lights and other safety features.
-
- Once the hay baling equipment is cleaned and adequately sun dried, it is all pulled one by one behind the tractor to the barn specifically designated for these pieces.
-
- I house them all indoors for the cold season to prevent any weather damage and rust. This barn provides adequate air circulation and proper drainage to keep them all dry and safe from the elements.
-
- Here is the baler parked for the off-season. Chhiring checks the equipment periodically through the year to ensure it is all safe from moisture, mold, and pests. Good, clean, well-maintained equipment of any kind is sure to last many years.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
