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Equipment, Maintenance & Repair

Mike Davied

2012-08-02 11:45:59

Q- My articulated 4 wheel drive farm tractor has recently become hard to drive, and it clunks whenever I turn the steering wheel & start or stop, it also jumps & bucks whenever I start or stop, any help would be appreciated.

A- My guess from what you have described is that the articulating joint (hinge point) is worn, or the bearings in this area are in need of replacement. If this condition is left unrepaired for too long a time you could be in for a costly repair. However, this condition IS repairable in almost all cases. First, have someone inspect the hinge area with the engine SHUT OFF (safety first), then you can see if there is much damage or only needs greased, etc. More major repairs may require replacement of the hinge, or building up of this area with a welder and machining of the bearing block to accept a new bearing and seals to keep out the dirt that often gets into these areas and causes wear. Things that move do wear out from time to time , thanks for a chance to answer your question. Have a great day; Mike.

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Equipment, Maintenance & Repair

Mike Davied

2012-08-01 16:22:22

Q- I am wanting to build a corral for my cattle operation, any advise?

A- Yes, the most important thing is to start with a plan in mind. First consider your budget. You do not want to start a project and not be able to finish. Second, how big do you want or need the corral to be? Third, what are the conditions on your property? Fourth, what are your preferences as to design and functionality. Fifth what material do you want? I prefer steel pipe for its ease of installation and care, of course some areas require different material choices, but depending on your preference and skill level, if you are doing the work yourself, round or square pipe is pretty common for corral fencing because it is reasonably priced, durable, strong, and looks good. Steel pipe fencing also can add a lot of value to your property, and make working those cows a lot easier. Keep in mind that when using steel a lot of the work can be done inside during bad weather making the job a lot easier and quicker when the sun is shining, hope this advice is helpful.

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Equipment, Maintenance & Repair

Mike Davied

2012-06-01 15:47:24

Q: My articulated 4 wheel drive farm tractor has recently become hard to drive, and it clunks whenever I turn the steering wheel & start or stop. It also jumps and bucks whenever I start or stop. Any help would be appreciated.

A: My guess from what you have described is that the articulating joint (hinge point) is worn, or the bearings in this area are in need of replacement. If this condition is left unrepaired for too long a time you could be in for a costly repair, but this condition IS repairable in almost all cases. First have someone inspect the hinge area, with the engine SHUT OFF…Safety first, then you can see if there is much damage or only needs greased, etc. More major repairs may require replacement of the hinge, or building up of this area with a welder and machining of the bearing block to accept a new bearing, and seals to keep out the dirt that often gets into these areas and causes wear. Things that move do wear out from time to time. Thanks for a chance to answer your question, Have a great day! Mike.

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Equipment, Maintenance & Repair

Mike Davied

2012-04-20 09:15:39

Q: Help me please, I own an older track loader and it is getting coolant into the crankcase oil. I was told by a long time friend that the machine was junk. What can I do, as this is a great machine. It is my only livelihood and it is in really great shape.

A: I ALWAYS answer a question with a question, or several. First, what brand of machine is this, what is the model, and serial number? Second, how many hours are on this engine? Third, who did the last rebuild? Forth, what do the service records say? Fifth, when was the last oil sample taken and what were the results? Sixth, are there any other issues, perhaps low oil pressure, hard starting, low power, excessive blow -by, over heating, engine miss-fire? Seven, how do you run this machine and what do you do with it? Eighth, What are your expectations of this machine, now and in the future? These questions and more need to be asked to determine the cause of your particular problem. Recently I learned a problem, perhaps similar to yours. It became a complete engine rebuild as this machine was, A.) Rebuildable B.) In pretty good shape, C.) Parts were available, D.) It was economical, and E.) This engine had a cracked engine cylinder liner, which is NOT uncommon for high hour machines, but are definitely repairable. Your machine requires further investigation for a guaranteed outcome.

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Equipment, Maintenance & Repair

Mike Davied

2012-03-27 09:49:04

Q: I’ve heard a lot lately about alternatives to regular dealerships for equipment service, any opinion?

A: As always I have an opinion, maybe I’m wrong but here goes. Anytime a piece of equipment whether it is a big truck, a pickup, a track hoe, bulldozer, combine, or tractor, NO MATTER what it is, if it is under warranty the DEALER is almost the ONLY resource. There are some exceptions, of course. After that, look at the value given to you by everybody in the market. Everyone in every profession has something to offer; that’s why there are 7 dentists listed in the Yellow Pages, and 13 plumbers. Can everyone do what you need ? Maybe, but what works best for YOU ? When a welder is needed you would not call a tire guy. When I need advertising I DO not call my banker. NOT to dismiss my banker as he is A WONDERFUL person and he reads my article each month. My suggestion is to do some research. Call your friends, neighbors, and others with experience. You’ll find who can give you the best bang for the buck. Dealers are a great resource, but independent shops have a lot to offer, especially during times of intense work loads, ie: when dealers are already under pressure as in harvest, planting, the heavy construction season, etc. There are a great number of independent shops that can do things that the dealers are not allowed to do by the corporate office, and that is why they flourish. Overall, most independent shops give GREAT service for almost all needs, But try to get to know these folks before you need them!! KEEP those questions, cards, and letters coming.

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Equipment, Maintenance & Repair

Mike Davied

2012-02-28 12:11:40

Q: We are about to start our busy season, any good advice for the last few weeks of Winter?

A: Well if it has showered or just rained or ANY bad weather after the mild winter we have been seeing it’s time to get out the service manual, (NOT THAT AGAIN!!!) Well, you asked. On a more serious note let us start this season off with a plan; consult your paperwork that you started last fall, WHAT???? You don’t have a service plan!! Do not be afraid, this is a GOOD time to start a maintenance schedule while the winter is still with us. All you need is paper, pencil, and operators manual, OR a spread sheet and a computer. Find out what needs to be done, DO it, write it down, repeat, repeat, etc. NOW you are on your way to a successful season with all your service work done, documented, and planned out for the next time. Be sure to read and record hour meter/odometer readings, oil consumption, odd tire/ track wear, or anything that is unusual as the work progresses including, but not limited to, bearing replacement, belt adjustment, weird sounds, or vibrations. Sometimes you will need to consult a dealer, or other people to help you determine just what all these records mean and how what is contained in them will mean to you. Bottom line: it’s all about saving YOUR money. Check early, check often, and deal with any issues as they come up. If you deal with problems early and have parts replaced or repaired by a professional, you will avoid bigger and more costly repairs.

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Equipment, Maintenance & Repair

Mike Davied

2012-01-30 11:29:30

Q: I know I had several questions about this, but I hope you will address each point. One last question about oil sampling; just what do these results mean, anyway?

A: Well, I’m NOT the expert, but each report should be read by an expert and translated so that the results will give you a picture of engine or gear box condition. For instance, water or anti-freeze in your engine oil means there is a coolant leak. Fuel in engine oil usually indicates a fuel leak or worn piston rings. Sometimes a leaking hydraulic pump will let the wrong oil into a transmission, I’ve even seen people put fuel in hydraulic tanks by mistake and wonder why the hydraulic temperature was so high. Dirt in ANY oil sample means time to improve maintenance. Different wear metals will mean different things for different gear boxes etc. If everything is good ask the oil dealer if it is time to extend drain intervals. All reports will give you a reading for anything beyond normal findings and generally some recommendations to follow up. And now for more current events, HOW about THAT Gorilla football team!!!! GREAT SEASON. See you next month.

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Equipment, Maintenance & Repair

Mike Davied

2011-12-27 11:39:12

Q: Last month, You talked about oil sampling, what does that mean and what does it cost?

A: Oil sampling is very inexpensive, and sometimes it can even be FREE. Talk to your oil supplier and they will tell you about charges and the written report that will be sent to you. I prefer to sample oil at each oil change while the engine is warm and the oil has been circulating so you get a sample that gives a true picture of condition of the oil and of the engine or gear box it was removed from. Oil analysis will give you a means to see inside each component that is sampled, so it can tell you where you need to look for problems. It can also tell you where to look for cost savings as in longer drain intervals, or longer life cycles for your machinery. You can save money in this and other ways, even being able to schedule an engine replacement when you’re on vacation instead of during your busiest season, or schedule buying a replacement transmission with this years tax money for a better write off. In other words, oil analysis is another tool to save OR make you more money.

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Equipment, Maintenance & Repair

Mike Davied

2011-11-21 12:06:50

Q: You promised us a maintenance check list, so what should I check?

A: Here’s how I go about my routine (and not so routine) checks for most machines and heavy use vehicles. Every day check engine fluid levels, usually at the start of your day. Visually inspect for low tires, or other obvious defects such as oil dripping on the ground or roadway, or such things as a track roller leaking oil, a keeper missing from a hydraulic cylinder, or a hose with rub spot on it. This would be a good time to take your grease gun with you and perform daily greasing if needed. By now we have an idea (or should have) what the service or operators manual says about oil change intervals and other periodic services that are unique to each machine so be sure to check the odometer or hour meter for these items. Be sure to keep records of each service for future reference. What FUTURE reference do you mean? For instance, oil consumption between oil changes. Then we start a schedule of oil samplings where we send regular samples of oil from each component to a laboratory for analysis of, wear metals, soot level, water in oil and a variety of other tests, when all put together with your detailed records of each and every service we can start to predict upcoming breakdowns and that will save you MUCH money. More next month…

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Equipment, Maintenance & Repair

Ryan Koenig

2011-11-17 15:29:56

Q: UTV’s have been out for some time now. I am interested in these, but there are so many different choices out there it can get confusing. What are your thoughts on it?

A: I can understand the confusion. There are many models of UTV’s or Utility Terrain Vehicles, out there with different options, features, and when you pile all of these up, it can really hinder the decision making process. To give a little clarity on the subject, we need to look at the origins of the UTV and how these have become popular. UTV’s were born in the mid 1980’s; the offspring of the infamous three wheeler ATV’s that were being made back in those days. Many customers liked the idea of having an off-road vehicle for both recreation and for work; however, there was an issue in putting those two things together. It wasn’t until the release of the AMT model work ATV’s from John Deere that a company had really put some thought into this issue. By doing this, John Deere unknowingly created the UTV market. The rest as they say is history. The UTV’s or Utility Terrain Vehicle, which we know today, is really a hybrid of an ATV. The two share many commonalities; however, there is one thing that we can all agree on. UTV’s are by far and away a more productive and versatile piece of equipment. The versatility feature alone has made these machines stand out and create a growing and popular market. When contemplating your UTV purchase, there are a few things that the customer needs to keep in mind. First and foremost, keep it simple. What do I intend on using this UTV for? For work around the place, or for play? Or do I want a good mix of both? Secondly, address this like you would purchase a car. What are the options and features that you are not willing to give up? Keeping these two things in the back of your mind should assist you in making your purchase decision. The good news is that there are many features and options that are offered in this market for any type of customer. There are strictly work UTV’s, electric powered UTV’s, hunting models, and custom recreation models, just to mention a few. There is a plethora of choices out there for any customer. Wrapping up, the best advice that I can give any perspective UTV buyer is this; when deciding on what make, model, and options you need, do your homework. By doing this, you can eliminate some of the stress in this process, and most importantly, you can spend more time with your hands on the wheel, foot on the gas, enjoying your purchase!

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Equipment, Maintenance & Repair

Mike Davied

2011-10-20 12:35:38

Q: I would like to expand my operation, but with expenses so high, how can I save money on my repair bills?

A: We’ll start off with some very common but often overlooked suggestions. First read your owners manual (it actually does serve a purpose and can be a great resource)! Know every part of your machine well, and what type of use it was built to withstand. Next, check over each machine before use, noting anything that looks out of place. Keep track of oil usage, water leaks, tire or track wear, hydraulic hoses and fan belt wear. During use, regularly stop to inspect your machinery. These walk around inspections need to be done every few hours so when you get off to stretch your legs, taking five minutes to look over the equipment will help you spot potential problems and will prevent the need for further expensive repairs. It doesn’t matter if you are in a car, big rig, a combine, or any other type of machine, knowing your owners manual and looking every few hours saves you money. Stay tuned, more to come next month.

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Equipment, Maintenance & Repair

Mike Davied

2011-09-29 10:40:56

Q: My equipment is the backbone of my operation, but it is aging. Last year, we took a huge hit on cost of repairs and lost time due to breakdown after breakdown of these infernal machines. Buying new equipment at this point would be nice, but not a realistic option. Any tips on reducing cost of repairs?

A: Machinery is one of the largest and most important long-term purchases a farm or business will ever make. And maintaining that investment can get expensive. It makes good sense to protect your business by keeping your machinery in the best condition possible. I can’t stress enough the importance of routine maintenance. Routine maintenance will keep your machinery working longer, and save you money in other bigger more expensive repairs. You also can get a higher re-sell value if you want to trade up somewhere down the line. My best suggestion for reducing the cost of repairs is investing in regular maintenance. It is always better to prevent the big costly problems by dealing with the small issues early. Improved routine maintenance procedures can reduce machinery repair costs by 25 percent. An $80,000 tractor typically requires about $24,000 in repair costs during 5,000 hours of operation when receiving average maintenance. This cost can be decreased to approximately $18,000 with regular service maintenance. For example, regular testing of engine oil and hydraulic fluids is an easy way to prevent equipment failure and identify potential problems. It also gives you a baseline of how your equipment is holding up. Over time, engines slow and they loose power and efficiency. There is no way to prevent the wearing down caused by use, but you can make sure that you get them most out of each piece of equipment for as long as possible. Engine tune-ups help you get higher levels of performance and fuel efficiency, which of course adds to your bottom line. I also suggest keeping detailed records of the maintenance performed. It will help remind you of how long it has been since you have performed each check. Next month, I will give you a list of checks you can and should perform regularly to help maintain your equipment and help keep down your cost of repairs.