TAKING CARE OF FARMING TOOLS IS CRITICAL

10 tips for taking care of your farming tools. By

AUDAINE MOONSAMY, STIHL Sales Coordinator

4. KEEP IT SHARP

When using equipment with blades, it’s important to keep the blades sharp so they cut faster, more accurately and ef ciently. Blunt tools may break when used, so regular sharpening is important. While sharpening, you can check for cracks.

5. LUBRICATE MOVING PARTS

Ensuring there is minimal friction on moving parts will reduce wear and tear and increase productivity. STIHL produces a wide range of specialist oils and lubricants to keep machines and tools operating smoothly and ef ciently.

6. STORE SAFELY

It is essential to store tools and equipment safely and protect them from the elements. A storeroom, shed, or similar covered (and lockable) area is ideal. Keeping equipment covered and dry will preserve your investment and keep equipment running better for much longer.

7. PROTECT

Your Paperwork And Keep A Record

Have an organised system for keeping your paperwork safe. File documents such as receipts, owner’s manuals, dealership information, warranties and service records. Keep and record invoices of all repairs and maintenance work, whether you perform it yourself or require the services of a professional. It is useful to have a chart or checklist to note when routine maintenance and servicing are due.

8. TRAIN YOUR STAFF

To ensure your staff’s safety and protect your equipment, it is vital to undertake on-site training to ensure that your tools and machines are used properly.

9. AVOID “BOER-MAAK-‘N-PLAN”

It may be tempting, when faced with a trip to town to get parts or a missed servicing deadine, to attempt larger repairs yourself. Or perhaps you have a great idea about how to adapt a piece of equipment to suit your purposes. This might have worked in the past, but today’s machinery often features internal computers and highly specialised parts that can be damaged easily by your attempts to “maak ‘n plan” . Also, these do-it-yourself modi cations could void any warranties you may have and are not recommended by manufacturers and dealers. Ask your dealer rst before you get started!

10. INVEST IN A TRUSTED BRAND

It may also be tempting to buy the cheapest option, but that is often false economy. By investing in a trusted global brand name such as STIHL, you have the assurance that you are buying the best and are supported by a nationwide network of expert dealers that will provide pre-purchase advice according to your speci c needs and after-sales service once you have bought from them.