– Neighborly Advice –
Preparation is key
Make time for maintenance before the final hay cuttings of the season
By Keith Pirtle, Ag Equipment USA Product Manager
As I look ahead to the final hay cuttings of the season, I'm reminded of the fable of two woodcutters competing to chop the most wood. One relied on brute strength and worked at a frantic pace. The other worked steadily but took regular breaks to sharpen his axe. In the end, the second woodcutter accomplished more because he invested time in preparation.
The same principle applies on the farm. Taking time to maintain equipment before the final hay cuttings can help you finish the season strong while reducing downtime, repair costs, and safety risks.
Routine maintenance is the foundation of a productive and profitable operation. Regular inspections help prevent costly breakdowns, extend equipment life, and improve performance during the busiest times of the year. As hay season winds down and fall cleanup approaches, now is an ideal time to inspect your rotary cutter and other hay equipment. Rotary cutter maintenance Before heading to the field, inspect the following:
• Check gearbox oil or grease levels and inspect input and output seals for leaks or wear.
• Examine blades and blade bolts. Tighten hardware as needed and replace blades that are excessively worn or have cracks or severe nicks.
• Inspect all bolts and nuts, especially around the gearbox and stump jumper, since vibration can loosen fasteners over time.
• If equipped with a PTO driveline and slip clutch, lubricate the slip clutch periodically to prevent it from seizing.
• Grease all fittings and pivot points, including the PTO driveline and tailwheel assembly. Hay rakes and tedders Give hay rakes and tedders the same level of attention.
• Tighten loose hardware and replace broken or bent tines.
• Check rake wheels to ensure they spin freely without wobbling.
• Inspect hydraulic hoses and cylinders for leaks or excessive wear.
• Examine PTO drivelines and slip clutches for wear, loose components, or excessive play, and make any adjustments recommended in the operator's manual.
• Lubricate all grease fittings, pivot points, and folding mechanisms.
These same maintenance practices also apply to balers, disc mowers, spreaders, tractors, and other farm equipment. Developing a consistent maintenance routine will pay dividends through improved reliability, lower repair costs, and longer equipment life.
Routine maintenance is the foundation of a productive and profitable operation. Regular inspections help prevent costly breakdowns, extend equipment life, and improve performance during the busiest times of the year. As hay season winds down and fall cleanup approaches, now is an ideal time to inspect your rotary cutter and other hay equipment.
Protecting your investment If you've recently purchased a new piece of equipment, congratulations. After researching, budgeting, and investing in new machinery, your next priority should be protecting that investment for years of dependable service.
Every equipment owner has several important responsibilities:
• Inspect equipment upon delivery for shipping damage, loose fasteners, or disconnected components.
• Operate and maintain equipment according to the manufacturer's recommendations and all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Ensure all operators read and understand the owner's manual and safe operating procedures.
• Prevent unauthorized or untrained individuals from operating the equipment.
• Follow the recommended maintenance schedule to preserve safety, performance, and reliability.
• Complete required warranty maintenance and have repairs performed by authorized dealers when necessary.
• Use genuine replacement parts whenever possible for repairs beyond routine maintenance and adjustments.
Most importantly, always put safety first. General maintenance guidelines Preventive maintenance is one of the best investments you can make. Regular lubrication, inspection, cleaning, adjustments, and timely repairs help maximize equipment life while minimizing downtime.
As part of your routine:
• Inspect equipment before each use for loose or missing fasteners, cracked welds, excessive wear, and damaged components. Replace worn parts promptly using manufacturer-recommended replacements.
• Use high-quality lubricants that meet the specifications listed in your operator's manual.
• Check gearbox oil levels and hydraulic reservoirs regularly and inspect hoses and fittings for leaks.
• Inspect wheel bearings for looseness or wear, even on maintenance-free axles. Check wheel lug nut torque according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Maintain proper tire inflation and inspect tires for tread wear, cuts, and sidewall damage before each use.
• Grease all zerks using the lubricant specified in the owner's manual, commonly an NLGI #2 lithium-based grease with a minimum 300°F dropping point. Apply grease slowly until a light bead appears at the seal.
• Lubricate PTO drivelines at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer to ensure smooth, reliable operation.
Just a few minutes spent inspecting equipment before each use can prevent expensive repairs, reduce downtime, improve safety, and help protect your investment for years to come.
Always read and follow the instructions in your owner's manual and contact your local Co-op if you have questions about maintenance or replacement parts.