Halloween is in the past now and the season’s officially upon us. You’re probably already busy planning for the holidays, and figuring out which loved ones you’ll be spending time with this year…that is unless you haven’t yet properly prepared your farm equipment for the Ohio weather that Old Man Winter will throw at us soon. What should you focus on to keep everything in peak performance? {read more…}
Congratulations on a great harvest season, my friends, but now it’s time to put the toys away for hibernation. Winterizing your equipment is essential to ensure the function and performance you’ve come to expect when you pull it back out next spring. If I may borrow an acronym from Agco, just think FARMS, and you’ll be all set to go.
FUEL TANKS – Topping off fuel and hydraulic oil tanks prior to storage prevents condensation build up in the tanks, which will ensure peak performance when you need it.
ADEQUATE LUBRICATION – Lubrication will help protect your equipment from the elements. If you’re unsure of what needs this treatment or how to do it, please consult your operator’s manual.
REPAIR DAMAGE – Broken and damaged parts from this year can have the tendency to rust or degrade further over winter if you don’t give them the TLC they deserve. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
MAINTAIN AND CLEAN – Change fluids, ensure proper tire pressure, remove debris, place your battery somewhere warm, lower linkages, and lessen the slack of your accessories belt tensioner.
STORE – A nice wax job will go a long way to keep your equipment from deteriorating, protect any computerized parts, and keep your it stored in a building if at all possible.
Now all of that seems pretty simple and straightforward, but this is still winter in Ohio, and we never know what can happen. Will the weight of the snow cause the roof of your storage barn to collapse? Will the blustering winds take the siding off of your home and outbuildings? What will happen to your grain bins and livestock? If that was to occur, are you protected?
I’ve inspected a number of farms’ insurance policies this year, and the overwhelming majority have had unnecessary gaps in coverage, from multiple uninsured buildings per location to equipment to vehicles to grains and seed. Your equipment is now well-cared for, but if you go into winter with coverage gaps in your insurance policy, you could realize later that it was all done for naught. Where will your income be derived next season if you’re busy rebuilding? Are you adequately covered for that?
Contact The “Farm Guy,” Mike Lombardi, of the Trusted Choice independent agency, the Richey-Barrett Company in Westlake, Ohio, today to get a comprehensive review of your current coverage and I’ll be sure to design the most complete insurance program for you, your family, and your farm.
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