Farmers looking to preserve the strength and efficiency of their machinery should focus a sizable amount of time and effort they put into maintaining it, a new publication argues.
Westernfarmpress.com reports routine maintenance will go a long way in being a valuable asset to owners of tractors, according to "Tractor Maintenance to Conserve Energy," a publication from Iowa State University. The thrust of the publication is especially noteworthy as fuel prices continue increasing.
"Fuel prices are already trending upward this year," according to Dana Petersen, extension program coordinator with Iowa State University Farm Energy. "Making time for maintenance now not only will enhance your immediate fuel savings, but also will prepare your tractors for spring field work."
Though the machinery is second in value only to the very land it helps till and cultivate, protecting the machinery will prove to be an enormously beneficial measure.
"The mix of fuel and air inside a tractor's engine directly affects its fuel efficiency and the availability of engine power,"agricultural engineer Mark Hanna said. "On average, research shows that the simple act of replacing a tractor's fuel and air filters results in an immediate 3.5 percent increase in engine power output."
Publication asserts maintaining tractors will pay dividends
An Iowa State University publication emphasizes putting time and effort into tractors to preserve their productivity.