A24—Lancaster Farming, Saturday, Saptambar 29,1984
for complex tillage tools
CHICAGO, 11. For decades,
the most overlooked machinery on
most farms was tillage equipment.
Plows, harrows and field
cultivators were built so simply
that they seldom posed mechanical
problems. Any problem that arose
usually could be fixed with a
wrench or the shop welder.
That’s not true today, according
to Joe Neville, marketing planning
manager for International Har
vester. He says tillage equipment
is growing larger and more
sophisticated with the introduction
of every new model. Owners also
are utilizing the tools to perform
more jobs than ever before.
“It used to be that all a farmer
wanted was to prepare the ground
for seeding, but today, there’s a
shift toward chemical in
corporation and reducing the
number of trips a farmer makes
over a field,” Neville says. “As
equipment design changes to
accommodate precise depth
control and increased amounts of
plant residue, there are more
areas that require maintenance. ”
Perhaps the most significant
change has been the increased
reliance on hydraulic systems.
Older tools usually were composed
of a rockshaft, wheels and one
hydraulic cylinder. Today’s multi
wing folding units require several
cylinders.
“The hydraulic system is the
most complex part of today’s
tillage equipment and requires
some additional, but simple,
maintenance,” Neville says.
To properly care for the
hydraulic system, Neville suggests
storing machinery in the down
position to eliminate any pressure
buildup that might cause the
hydraulic fluid to expand and
damage the cylinders or hoses.
If an owner has had problems
with the hydraulic system, it
should be repaired before storage.
Neville advises that a protective
coating or grease be applied to any
exposed portions of the cylinder
rod.
“Owners think because the rod is
chrome, it won’t rust,” he says.
“But, chrome plated parts can rfist
if not adequately protected from
the elements. A rusted cylinder rod
can damage seals.”
In addition to hydraulic system
care, Neville suggests the
following maintenance procedures
prior to storage: Inspect each
piece of equipment for loose bolts
and worn or bent tillage tools, such
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Today's larger, more complex tillage
equipment requires more attention to
proper maintenance.
FFA
Care is critical
as shanks or plowshares.
Lubricate all wear points and
bearings to displace moisture. If
bearing are worn, they should be
replaced.
During the inspection, Neville
says, ground working tools and
moldboards should be cleaned and
coated to prevent rust. And, look
for worn shank bushings or pins.
Replacing a bushing is less ex
pensive than replacing an entire
shank, he notes. Bent or worn
shanks can leave skips in the fields
and should be replaced.
Neville also points out that due to
the vast range of field conditions
under which tillage equipment is
expected to operate, a piece of
equipment should be set correctly
for each condition. He suggests
adjusting each unit according to
instructions found in the operator’s
manual to assure efficient
operation.
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Fourth highest seller at the sale was a Lancaster County cow consigned by Maurice
and Paul Welk. From left are; Steve Wilson, Maurice Welk, Penrose Hallowed, Paul Welk,
Bill Nichol, Gary and Mark Welk. J. Mowery Frey, also of Lancaster County, purchased
the cow.
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