Equipment Repair & Maintenance

Upgrade tractor performance without buying new equipment

jonesgreg@bfusa.com — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Every farmer has a moment when the tractor doesn’t seem to perform like it used to – a little more slip in soft ground, a little more fuel burned to finish the same job. A smarter, more affordable path to better performance often starts where few people look first: the tires.

Powering the farm through winter: Why generator services are essential for modern agriculture

grant@criticalpowerservicesllc.com — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

When a winter storm knocks out the grid, even for a few hours, it can put livestock health, milk quality and business operations at serious risk.

Winter preparedness: Keeping people, animals and equipment moving when temperatures drop

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Winter weather creates some of the most difficult operating conditions for dairy producers. From frozen feed gates to snow-clogged barnyards and subzero starts, equipment and operator efficiency can take a serious hit if not properly prepared.

Managing capital purchases: When to repair or replace

matt.lange@intagralfinancial.com — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In some cases it is better to repair farm equipment and other times it is better to replace. Knowing when to take action on one versus the other is also part of a bigger strategy for managing your dairy operation.

Tune up equipment to prevent emergency repairs

jenn@agproud.com — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 23:00:00 -0400

There are many ways to optimize the efficiency of farms, but one of the most effective manners is by doing so with the equipment already installed on the dairy. And, with hot weather not too many months away, now may be the time to consider equipment tune-ups.

Milk production costs: Actionable strategies that don't negatively impact the cows

alvaro@dellait.com — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In recent years, dairy farming costs have risen across several categories, posing challenges to farm profitability. However, not all costs are beyond a farmer’s control. By focusing on specific actionable items, farmers can manage expenses effectively without negatively impacting cow health or milk production.

Tips to keep your generators online and ready to work in the winter

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 13:30:20 -0500

In this article, two seasoned generator technicians – Dale Routh, owner of Power Solutions in Spirit Lake, Idaho, who has 36 years of experience in this field; and Robby Robinson, owner of Genesis Power in Apple River, Illinois, who has 40 years of experience – share some tips to help keep your generator running smoothly all winter long.

To build, or not to build? Economics of a farm shop

bwilder@uidaho.edu — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

One of the most difficult decisions to make on the farm is whether or not to build a space for equipment and machinery storage and what type of space to build.

Precision starter guide for hay and forage equipment

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The use of precision technology has been a pivotal evolution for agricultural practices, aiding farmers in crop management, resource optimization and operational efficiency.

How much do equipment breakdowns really cost farmers?

bwilder@uidaho.edu — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The true cost of equipment breakdowns is often far higher than the dollars spent on parts to get up and running again. And regardless of why equipment breaks down, downtime adds additional costs to your operation.

Preparing hay equipment for a productive season

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

As summer approaches, farmers and ranchers across the country are gearing up for the hay season ahead. Amid the anticipation of warmer weather and bustling fields, ensuring hay equipment is in optimal condition becomes a priority on the long to-do list for your farm.

Decisions and dollars: Understanding equipment costs on the farm

bwilder@uidaho.edu — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Every farm manager must make decisions about equipment. When to buy, when to sell and when to hire out the work are common questions. All of these decisions start from the same place: understanding your costs.

Spreader and sprayer tips: Make time for a spring tech refresh

nathan.druffel@heartlandag.com — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

To safeguard your controllers and on-board technology, follow the same end-of-season cleaning and storage prep practices you do for the machines.

Farm equipment Christmas: Wrap it or repaint it

aoverbay@vt.edu — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

If you're restoring a piece of farm equipment for show quality, you might consider wrapping it instead of repainting it.

Testing your diagnostic skills – Fuel filter sludge and flex-fuel engines

hotrodfarmer@farmmachinerydigest.com — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Four opinions on fuel sludge and flex fuel – and which one has better advice?

Preventative maintenance on equipment, buildings improves farm safety

cheryl@peoplemanagementgroup.com — Tue, 30 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

One of the best things you can do to prevent injuries on your farm is to conduct preventative maintenance and ensure everything is it in good working order.

Future solutions to diesel emissions

aoverbay@vt.edu — Fri, 26 May 2023 11:33:40 -0400

Fuel additives carry various claims and purposes, and there seems to be no one-size-fits-all solution.

Don’t ignore the motor rattle

westernindustrial3@gmail.com — Fri, 12 May 2023 15:34:29 -0400

When vibration becomes excessive, it affects the bearings, bearing fits, wear rings, etc. All of these can lead to a catastrophic failure if left alone.

Testing your diagnostic skills – Stalling engines, tractor coolant leak, microswitches, battery charge

hotrodfarmer@farmmachinerydigest.com — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 14:19:09 -0400

The coffee group never agrees on stalling engines, tractor coolant leaks or anything else. Who's right?

Farm Machinery Digest: Testing your diagnostic skills – Emissions, fuel pickup and electric shocks

hotrodfarmer@farmmachinerydigest.com — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Four friends, four opinions on emissions, fuel pickup and electric shocks. Who is right?

Testing your diagnostic skills – Thermostats, sprayer pump and engine warmup

hotrodfarmer@farmmachinerydigest.com — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 13:07:39 -0500

Four coffee-drinking friends cannot agree on thermostats, sprayer pumps or engine warmups. Maybe one is smarter than the others – but which one?

Equipment Hub: Talking technology

aoverbay@vt.edu — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

So how does one go about telling the difference between a valuable tool and a poor purchase decision?

A bit about drill bits

aoverbay@vt.edu — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 14:43:10 -0500

A dentist has nothing on farmers and their drill bits. Not even close.

Grain bin well house

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 14:22:00 -0500

Grain bins offer more than just grain storage.

Testing your diagnostic skills – Brake fluid, exhaust leak, PTO speed

hotrodfarmer@farmmachinerydigest.com — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 15:45:29 -0400

Four farmers have four opinions on brake fluid, exhaust leaks and PTO speeds. Who's right?

Winterizing your sprayer

aoverbay@vt.edu — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 18:36:37 -0400

I don’t know if you have purchased a new sprayer lately, but even ATV-type spot sprayers have gone up a good bit. What else is new, right? Everything is more expensive, but that makes it more important than ever to properly protect and store our spraying equipment.

ETA: TBD

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 16:40:00 -0400

If it seems like breakdowns are more frustrating than they were three years ago, you’re not alone. The representative at the dealership is probably feeling the stress too.

Get ahead of your winter equipment maintenance

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 21:47:42 -0500

As harvest winds down and winter sets in, now is the ideal time to inspect your equipment and identify any parts requiring repair or replacement. Proactive maintenance on your equipment will end up saving you time, money and a headache during the next harvest.

New shoes for your tractor

aoverbay@vt.edu — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 20:11:30 -0500

If you have been shopping for machinery lately, you may have noticed that a readily available piece of equipment is getting harder and harder to find. You may have noticed the same issue when it comes to farm tractor tires as well.