Arkansas ranchers may have run their equipment a little later than usual this fall, trying to get every last bit of hay out of their fields.
Producers are facing a dilemma, according to Dr. John Jennings, University of Arkansas animal science professor and Extension forage specialist. The drought resulted in a short and poor quality hay crop, Jennings said, and fall pastures are in the worst shape he’s seen in years. “This year, we had record hot temperatures through August and September – virtually no rainfall, virtually no pasture growth,” Jennings said. “With not much hay in the state for sale, it’s going to make it difficult come January, February and March for people that need hay.”
As a result of the late season, producers will be idling their haying equipment a little later than usual. It’s important, Jennings said, to make sure that equipment is serviced and maintained before it’s put away, and that it’s covered under either a tarp or a roof. An uncovered baler can wear out faster, “especially if you’ve got a lot of rain or snow, or some type of freezing precipitation that can work its way down into the bearings and belts,” he said.
At the end of the season, Jennings said certain mower and baler parts bear the most attention. In addition to the bearings and the belts on balers, the cutting blades and PTO shafts need to be well checked on mowers; to be sure they’ll be ready to go in the spring.
While mowers, rakes and balers are stowed for the winter, tractors may remain in use for feeding hay and maintenance around the farm. Oil should be changed and filters checked; for diesel tractors, Jennings recommends producers put anti-gel formula in the fuel in case it gets cold.
If equipment is so worn it needs to be replaced, the winter might not be a bad time to do it,” Jennings said. “Farm equipment dealers’ business might get slow this time of year so they might have some equipment, or used equipment, they might be willing to make a deal on. The availability of it might be a problem, but if you can shop around you might pick up a good deal now, versus waiting until right before you have to have it in the springtime.”
Some larger producers are switching to balers that produce big square bales; for those who ship their hay out, more square bales will fit on the truck than round bales. While smaller, part-time operators are content with being able to put up a 4’ x 5’ round bale.
Whether large or small, the best way to extend the lives of on-farm equipment is to keep a good, routine maintenance schedule. Jennings said, “Every time you use it, grease all the fittings; on the tractors, keep the oil changed – it’s basically lubrication.”
