During the hustle and bustle of our daily lives we often forget to honour the people in our community for the contribution that they make, in providing our daily bread, literally. Today’s article is therefore for the farmers in our community, the training farmers and everyone who plays a part in making sure that we have enough produce on our plates to feed our families. Our farming equipment is of great importance when ploughing the fields, and harvesting our food, therefore, we have put together a short summary of a farmers daily checklist for your tractor. Let’s get started, shall we?
Before starting the tractor, the first thing that you will want to do is check underneath the tractor. Do you see any leaks or puddles of fluid that have accumulated? No? Good, let’s check our fluids, we don’t want anything seizing while we are out in the field somewhere, make double sure that all is in order.
Check all fluid levels:
This is very important, make sure your tractor’s fluids and fuel are on their proper levels. Running your tractor on low fluid levels could cause damage and performance issues, this could end up being a very costly mistake to make!
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Fuel
- Hydraulic fluid
- Other fluids
Tires and wheels:
Have you ever wondered why tractor wheels are so strange looking? They have been designed to protect your soil, as they have capacity for very low pressures, they limit soil compaction, ensure a more evenly distributed footprint, and reduce slip.
- Check that they are properly inflated. Check the operator’s manual.
- Check tires for cuts or breaks in the tread or sidewalls.
- Observe lug nuts and see if they are still tight.
Batteries:
Back in the early days, farmers used a hand crank to start their tractor motor/engines, the battery in a tractor helps to power the motor. During your visual inspection, check to see that the battery does not have loose posts, and the case is not showing signs of leaking fluid, cracked or bulging.
Also check if the battery surface is free of dirt/ moisture and that the battery connections are clean and corrosion free.
- Is the battery securely held down?
- Are the connections clean?
- Is the Electrolyte level good?
General Condition:
By checking your tractor before using it, you will prevent costly repairs, down time, and infuriating aggravation caused by breakdowns.
- Are there cracked or broken parts? Repair.
- Are the hoses damaged or leaking? Replace.
- Are all shields in place? Great!
- Loose parts, bolts, or nuts? No? moving on.
- The SMV emblem is in place, clean, and unfade.,
- The steps are clean, there is no grease or mud on them, that can cause an accident.
Once in the operator seat, check and make sure that the seatbelt is functioning correctly. All good? Great! Now start the tractor, observe the engine oil pressure gauge, and make sure that there is oil pressure in the engine. Turn the lights and flashers on, then walk around the tractor to see if all the lights and flashers are functioning correctly, then proceed to check all the other items listed in the operator’s manual as recommended.
All done, you are now ready to go and make green gold in your fields! We thought it fitting, to honour our farmers and the contribution they make in our community, with a little something special😉
This poem was found on the wall of an old farmer’s shed in a place of honour next to the cattle trophies and photos from livestock competitions. It describes one farmer’s belief in farming and what it offers us:
I believe a man’s greatest possession is his dignity and that no calling bestows this more abundantly than farming.
I believe hard work and honest sweat are the building blocks of a person’s character.
I believe that forming, despite hardships and disappointments, is the most honest and honourable way a man can spend his days on this earth.
I believe that farming nurtures the close family ties that make life rich in many ways that money can’t buy.
I believe my children are learning values that will last a lifetime and can be learned in no other way.
I believe farming provides education for life and that no other occupation teaches so much about birth, growth, and maturity in such a variety of ways.
I believe many of the best things in life are indeed free: The splendour of a sunrise, the rapture of wide-open spaces, and the exhilarating sight of your land greening each spring.
I believe that true happiness comes from watching your crop ripen in the field, your children grow tall in the sun, and your whole family feel the pride that springs from their shared experiences.
I believe that my toil I am giving more to the world than I am taking from it, an honour that does not come to all men.
I believe that my life will be measured ultimately by what I have done for my fellowman, and by this standard I fear no judgement.
I believe when a man grows old and sums up his days, he should be able to stand tall and feel pride in the life he’s lived.
I believe in farming because it makes all this possible.
At Midas Bredasdorp we are passionate about cars and enjoy sharing our stories with you. As a franchise we are a family and as a business we are driven to serve our community. Midas Bredasdorp, for all the automotive parts, tractor, trailer, and wheel accessories you could need, and if we do not have it, we will source it for you. Please follow us on social media to stay up to date with our latest sizzling specials and promotional offers.
