Pre-season inspection for farm equipment

A planned look at the tractor, loader or baler before seeding or haying. A winter sit often leaves a slow start, a hose that weeps once the loader is worked, or wires chewed under the hood. Fluids, grease, belts, and anything that acted up last season are checked before the machine is needed every day. The work is done in the yard.

A pre-season inspection is a scheduled look at equipment that has been parked, before it is needed every day. Machines that sat through winter commonly show a slow start, a hose that weeps once the loader is worked, or wiring chewed by mice.

The useful preparation is a list of what acted up last season, plus make, model and hours. Booking before seeding or haying starts avoids the rush once everyone needs the same week.

What you might be seeing

• A tractor that sat all winter and is slow to start.
• A loader that drifts, or a hose that weeps after sitting.
• Chewed wires, or a mouse nest under the hood.
• A baler, mower or wagon that acted up at the end of last season.

Before a visit

• Book before seeding or haying starts. That is when the calls bunch up.
• Have a list of anything that acted up last season.
• Walk around for chewed wires. Mice get into a tractor that sits all winter.
• Grease the machine and check fluid levels after it has been sitting.
• Have the make, model, hours, and gate access ready.

When to call

Book the inspection when the machine needs to be ready before the season, not after the first day of work. The rate and travel are confirmed before the trip.

A no-start after winter is on the won't start page. Oil, filters and a repeating schedule are on the maintenance page.