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Farm Industry

Mike Davied

2013-06-25 09:22:10

Q-Last month you told a little about field mechanics, can you be more specific?

A-Over the course of time I've learned a little from a lot of people. Field service folks are as varied as their customers. There are tire truck people, and they fix tires. There are welders, and they weld, there are dealer technicians and they work on one specific brand of equipment--You know red, or green, or blue, maybe silver. There are also Independent Field Service Mechanics. These technicians, although different, fill a very serious need as most of them will work on "almost" anything, from silver to green, & red, or blue. Some weld, and a few fix tires, but MOST fix engines, hydraulics, transmissions, and implements. When placing a call to a repair facility be prepared to tell the person on the other end of the line, in as much detail as you can, what the problem is, the make and model of the machine, the nature of the problem, and any parts that they need to bring as best you can. Please DON’T be offended by questions, as this is the only way to give a customer the level of service that you deserve. As I said last month, repair technicians generally show up at a job site with tools of the trade in a truck or van, but sometimes a second trip is necessary for unexpected things, parts or equipment. Many times one trip is all we need to make small repairs on site, such as hydraulic hoses, bad bearings, or a host of other breakdowns. Remember repairs are often as close as a phone call away. Have a GREAT month.

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Farm Industry

Mike Davied

2013-05-29 11:49:04

Q-I've recently been told that there are mechanics that travel to the farm, is this true?

A-Yes, it is true, and this is not a new phenomenon, there have been field service mechanics since the middle ages, they were called " horse shoers". But now Field service mechanics and portable welders are more mobile and timely than ever. Here is what to expect when a field call is needed, almost NO matter what the repair is, an independent mechanic or a dealer mechanic can come to almost ANY jobsite, on a farm, a construction site , a road side break down, sometimes to a residence, or plant site to build or repair many items, often cheaper, and quicker than transporting the machine to a shop setting. Most portable repair technicians carry the tools of their trade with them, some very expensive and special tools, often times being able to make repairs in a matter of hours right where a machine broke down. Parts availability can hamper the FIX it RIGHT NOW scheme though. For instance a broken hydraulic hose or a cracked weld can often be a less than a 1 hour repair. As most technicians are specialists, your repair may require 2 or more phone calls. This is not always the case, so PLEASE ask when you call if the mechanic can perform the entire repair, as needed. Some Techs also carry some parts on their trucks. Just like many other professions, mechanics can be specialists, who are professionals so don't be offended when they ask questions. They want to make you happy with the service they provide. Remember it is always better to be safe than sorry. Every repair job is different but MOST normal, small breakdowns are easily repaired on your site. That's not to say that this is always the case, but it is often so. Bigger repairs and major overhauls CAN be more economical in a shop setting but not always are they more convenient to the owner. So be ready to balance cost against convenience. There is a formula to figure these costs for you. I could go on forever about this subject, but for now, thank you for the question & don't be shy, cause I'll answer almost any question I can.

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Farm Industry

Mike Davied

2013-03-25 16:14:55

Q-We're going into our spring season with equipment that didn't finish last year as well as we'd have liked, HELP please?

A-First RUN to your oil supplier and get enough oil sample bottles to sample every compartment of each machine you are concerned about, also pick up enough oil & filters to service these machines, as would be necessary for the start of a season's work. As you are servicing each machine catch some of the fluid from each engine & gear box, (BE careful don't get burned, SAFETY first) label & return samples to your oil distributor, for analysis. Wait for the return of these tests. Now would be a good time to talk to the dealer OR your local mechanic about any specific concerns for your machines. Some local community colleges offer courses on specific machine repairs. Second: Using the service manuals (or OWNERS manual) service each machine according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, also check for ANYTHING out of the ordinary (cracks in frame work, moving parts, hydraulic or gear boxes, hydraulic cylinders with leaking seals, or hoses, oil or water leaks, missing bolts, cracks in belts, or hoses on the engine, & accessories, also check out the tires, tracks, clutch, brakes, & windshield & wipers/washer, if applicable). A leaking axle seal will be easier to replace now than in May. Don't forget to service the air conditioner, cooling, fuel, & hydraulic system too. Third: When the oil samples are returned your oil supplier will be invaluable as a resource to help map out a plan for the upkeep of these valuable resources. As always be sure you have a service plan and a service manual for each of the machines You operate for your business, whether it is a truck or a bulldozer, each one has some of the same needs & some that are unique, so reference that service manual or owner’s manual. I sometimes am told that this approach is too simple, but remember man invented these infernal machines & man will break, or fix them, as is the case every time. Fourth: Now comes the informed decision to repair, or replace any item of rolling stock you are afraid won't make it through the rigors of your work. Contact the local representative of the manufacturer of your machine, local mechanics, neighbors, your banker, & the oil supplier, with the sample results, to find out the actual work readiness of your fleet & proceed to get ready to work Fifth: Please remember some repair tasks ARE not user friendly, so please be careful AND ask for help before you get hurt!!! Sixth: Some breakdowns are inevitable, that’s why manufactures have warranty periods. We only try to prepare for what we can and do the best we can with the rest. To all that ask, & to my customers and friends, have a productive & prosperous 2013!!!

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Farm Industry

Mike Davied

2013-03-01 14:19:09

Q-I've just inherited an aging farmstead and the stairs on the barn are TERRIBLE!!!! HELP ME!!!! The barn is in really good shape otherwise and I'm going to keep it, You're the GREATEST. Thank You for the help!

A-Well thanks for the nice words. Since your barn is a keeper we'll address your stairs. First find a good contractor in your area; I know several that can help you. Next, let's work on what will work best for you. Stairs, just like any other part of a building need to be built for the long haul as you will use them MANY times in their life and yours. Safety first!!! Stairs should be safe, user friendly, and economical, not to mention have a long life. My favorite stair will have the following list of user friendly attributes, (1) a 6 inch rise for each foot of run, in other words a 6/12 pitch depending on their use. (2) the stair for any industrial or farm use would be made of steel, primed & painted to resist rust. (3) I'm a fan of expanded metal for the treads as there is no slipping & dirt just falls through , it also lets You see through the treads so light is less of a problem early or late in the day. Keep in mind that wood & concrete are also very good stair products in the right environment, depending on the need at the time. (4) A solid hand rail is very important with a mid rail so you are protected in the event you stumble. (5) Keep in mind that if straight stairs aren't an option a landing can be devised to give a turning place to align with the next row of stairs. (6) If within the limits of a governing body, building codes will prevail. Most areas with building codes will help you to find what you need for almost any building situation. (7) Outside stairs, or inside stairs for industrial, or farm use, (unlike residential stairs) need to be functional. It is not so much about looking pretty, so look for the things that you need to fit the FUNCTION. Look for things such as wide steps for lugging things up and down, lower rise also for hauling, big landings, solid handrails, materials that do not need cleaning, user friendly entry and exit locations. Most of all look for a stair that fits the use you have in mind. As always, keep safety first. NO amount of CHEAP will pay for a hospital stay or a broken bone. I like my customers sunny side up, NOT hurt. Thank You for this question & thanks to the Q&A times in allowing me to answer you. Always happy to help.

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Farm Industry

Mike Davied

2013-01-02 14:49:48

Q-I've recently become the owner of some property with several pieces of " less than new " machinery, most of it won't start, where do I begin?

A-First, do some detective work. Find out if the equipment has been idle due to the previous owners inability to care for it. Second, find out anything you can about the previous owner's habits concerning equipment, for instance was it maintained properly when in use? Third: look this equipment over, checking for appearance of moving parts (tires, tracks, bearings, etc.), oil and other fluid appearance, does it look good, or bad, are there leaks or fluid on the ground? Fourth: check over condition of batteries for charge, etc. All these items hinge on your personal mechanical ability. DO NOT do anything you are not trained in doing as there are physical hazards present to all machinery, both operating and repairing. If in doubt call in some help, most of us are just a phone call away. Thank's for an opportunity to help.