Critical Farm Equipment
All types of equipment, machinery and implements are critical to your farm. Both stationary and mobile equipment have evolved to become more costly, complex, and vulnerable to breakdowns. Equipment can vary from GPS precision-farming systems to solar panels and wind turbines.
In addition, this equipment must work in environments that are very often equipment-hostile, especially the sensitive microelectronics and firmware.
Click on an equipment category to get useful information and specific operation and maintenance tips.
Wells, Pumps and Irrigation
With scarce or no water it’s tough to irrigate, cool, clean, mist, or otherwise operate a farm or ranch. Conservation and self-sufficiency are always good practices, but not necessarily practical and sometimes impossible. Properly maintained wells, pivot systems or other distribution systems will increase reliability, reduce electrical energy usage; as well as help support yields or other production goals.
Learn More About Irrigation Systems
Pumps - Variable Speed Drives Calculator. Reducing a pump speed by 10% by adding a variable speed drive can result in a 30% reduction in energy used.
Electrical Equipment
It’s not possible to operate today’s modern farm or ranch without electric power. A properly maintained electrical distribution system will increase reliability, reduce electrical energy usage; as well as, help protect sensitive electronic equipment from surge damage. Click on the links below for information about improving reliability and the operation of electrical equipment.
Learn More About Specific Electrical Equipment
Learn More About Electrical Preventive Maintenance
Mobile Machinery and Implements
Electrical controls for a corn harvester shorted out, leaving it functional, but at a fixed height. Repair parts were ordered but the harvest had to go on due to a short window of favorable weather. The damage created a need to slow the harvesting, thus extending the harvest time resulting in increased labor and fuel costs. The repair parts were obtained at a nominal cost of less than $1,000.
Other Machinery
Farms and ranches are loaded with important machinery. This equipment can break down from contamination, misalignment, metal fatigue or operator error. A breakdown can cost thousands and result in lost income. Always follow the equipment manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. In addition, use the following links to help operations.
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Precision Farming, Computers and Data
Computers, GPS, telecommunications and electronics are more important than ever. Farm operations can come to a halt when this equipment goes down. Power surges are often the culprit. Data replacement can be costly and time consuming. Here are links to help protect this equipment and data.
Is your farm business ready for an emergency?
Guidelines for providing surge protection
How to Help Eliminate Cyber Threats (video)
Alternative Energy
Agri-businesses are increasingly adopting alternative energy as a means to combat rising energy costs. This technology can take many forms. Alternative energy typically employs a wide range of electrical and mechanical equipment. Below are links to information about protecting your energy-related equipment.
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Refrigeration and HVAC
Cooling systems contain components that are prone to breakdown. However, a breakdown can result in spoilage that may far exceed the property loss. Here are some recommended links for keeping your cool.
Use the calculator links below to see how you can reduce operating costs.
A/C Calculators | Insulation Calculator | Fans - Variable Speed |