FARM MACHINERY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18796, 7 February 1931, Page 11

FARM MACHINERY

CARE AND ATTENTION. With the high price of farm machinery at the present time it is not only essential to purchase an implment most suitable for the work required, but also to give it very care and attention. Three of the most important points are adjustment, lubrication, and protection, says an Australian paper. If these points are neglected, there will be rapid depreciation, breakages, and loss of valuable time. For implements such as harvesters, binders, and combines. when not in use, good shelter is most important. The harvester is a machine which has more wear and tear than any other, therefore it is necessary to use plenty of oil. Before commencing reaping, this machine should have a thorough overhauling, all oil holes should be cleaned out and a little kerosene put through them to make sure that they are free from dirt, etc. Care should be taken with movable bearings, not to adjust them too tightly. The binder needs care similar to a harvester, and the canvases should be removed at the end of the season and hung up in a mouse proof shed. The combine should be cleaned out as soon as seeding is finished. Remove the stars and soak them in water for a day, and then clean them with an old brush.

If this is done as soon as seeding operations are finished, it will prevent undue corrosion. The plough and cultivator do not require much attention, except oiling daily. Harrows should be sharpened occasionally, so that they will stir up the ground and kill any small weeds which are growing on the fallow. If the farmer has a small blacksmith shop he can do most of the repairing himself, and thereby save unnecessary expense.”