Farm Equipment Maintenance Schedules

When it comes to your farm or ranch, the machinery you use is one of your largest investments. Having regular farm or ranch equipment maintenance can help you avoid business interruptions and keep operations up and running. The slower winter months provide the ideal opportunity to perform routine maintenance.  

To make sure you’re maintaining everything in your operation, use this comprehensive schedule we’ve created to help make sure your agricultural machinery and equipment is in optimal condition before planting begins in the spring. 

If you’d like to talk to an agent about protecting every aspect of your farm or ranch, reach out to Farm Bureau. 

Pre-Planting Maintenance 

Check and Repair 

Before beginning the season, do a thorough inspection of your farm equipment.  

• Look for signs of wear in belts, chains, hoses and other moving parts. Replace if parts are worn — don’t wait until they break as it could cause harm to the motor.
• Loose fasteners can cause damage to thread parts, linkages and bushings, so it’s important to replace worn clamps, screws and tighten loose connections to save time and preventable repairs later.
• Inspect tires and wheel bearings and make sure they are ready for use and are properly inflated.

Power Up

You’ll need plenty of electricity and light when the season gets started. 

• Inspect your battery for signs of corrosion. Test for strength and replace as needed.
• Because planting involves late hours, test that lights, signals and hazards are in place and in working order. Replace as needed.

Inspect Your Levels 

Make sure you’re topped off and ready to go. 

• Check fluids and engine coolant levels.
• Since your equipment has likely been stored throughout the winter months, look for fluid leaks on your shop floor and perform equipment maintenance as necessary.

Pre-Harvest Equipment Maintenance 

Clean Up 

Clogged equipment can cause fire and damage. Begin your harvest season with clean machines and make sure to conduct cleaning throughout the harvest.  

Be Safe 

Fires and normal wear and tear can happen during harvest season, so be ready. 

• Make sure you have fire extinguishers that are charged and in good working order. Ensure that your extinguishers are easily accessible throughout harvest.
• If you do have a combine or tractor fire, follow these steps.

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Stay Topped Up

Check fluid levels regularly, paying extra attention to oil and lubricants that keep your engines cool.

• When a tractor is new, many dealers recommend changing the oil after the first 50 hours of use, and every 200 hours after that. Replace your filters when you replace your oil. 
• During harvest, it’s a good idea to check other fluids every day. Visually inspect for possible leaks, exposed wiring or signs of wear. These are signs that your equipment could use a tune-up by the implement dealer before harvest begins.

Farm or Ranch Maintenance in the Off-Season 

Practice Good Equipment Hygiene 

The end of the season is a good time to make sure everything goes into hibernation in the best shape possible. 

• When you prepare to store your equipment for the season, clean and pressure wash dirt and debris to prevent rust from forming. Consider spraying with a rust inhibitor before storing in a dry shed.
• Schedule annual maintenance with your implement dealership. Consider it an annual tune-up where a professional will do a once-over and provide more thorough maintenance. If you have a tractor, practice these maintenance tips.

Repair and Replace 

This is the time to make sure you rectify any issues that cropped up during the harvest. 

• If your combine or tractor equipment had a fire or ingested a rock, contact your Farm Bureau agent about reimbursement or replacement options. 
• Farm Bureau offers Replacement Cost Coverage for farm machinery in certain circumstances, so check with your agent during your annual SuperCheck® to make sure you are fully covered.

Keep Your Operation in Great Shape

Your equipment is what keeps your farm and ranch operation up and running smoothly throughout the year. Be sure you are doing routine maintenance to ensure your equipment is in optimal condition. And contact your local Farm Bureau agent for coverage options to protect your investment.