Preseason Checklist for Hay and Forage Equipment

You should plan to prepare your hay and forage equipment for the season about a month before you’re going to actually use it. This ensures that you have plenty of time to go through all the steps necessary and to book an appointment with a professional if you discover some maintenance problem. We are happy to provide you with a few basic steps to get your machines prepped and in top shape for the first run.

Owner’s Manual

Your first step should always be to consult your owner’s manual. Trying to do maintenance or cleaning without keeping this handy guide in mind can be dangerous and might even slow you down, and that goes double for larger hay and forage equipment. Your owner’s manual is packed with tips and guidance about the exact model you’re working with, so you know exactly what’s going on. If you can’t find your manual, the manufacturer’s website should have a copy. If it doesn’t, they can most likely send you a new one.

Cleaning

When you get started, you should first make sure that any machinery you’re working on is turned off completely before you start messing around with its insides. Hay and forage equipment have a lot of moving parts, and trying to clean it or perform maintenance while those are in motion can be dangerous. You’ll want to start by making sure your machine is as clean as possible. That means removing dust, dirt, or rust that may have collected and built up during the winter.

Lubrication

Anyone with experience with these machines will know that many manufacturers recommend lubricating different moving parts. That also applies before you start using it for the first time to make sure your work goes off without a hitch. It might take a little bit of time to reach all the right spots, but it’ll be worth it, especially if any component is stiff.

Belts, Bearings & Beyond

It’s also a good idea to perform a thorough inspection inside and out, even beyond what you did while cleaning your equipment. We recommend doing this a few times in the weeks leading up to using it to make sure you come at it with fresh eyes and don’t miss anything.

Finally, make sure you’re all stocked up on spare parts. That way any extra problems that pop up don’t put too much pressure on your schedule. Consider any and all issues you’re comfortable with handling on your own and make sure you have the equipment to do so.

For larger or more complex problems, or to find new hay and forage equipment at a great price, be sure to come over to SS Equipment in Oregon and Washington. Our team will be happy to help you with whatever you need.