Keeping your farm equipment running effectively and efficiently is important to ensuring the profitability of your operation. Your equipment needs to perform properly in the season when it's needed, and any equipment malfunctions during the busy season can really cut into your profits.

The following are five mistakes you need to avoid to not only keep your equipment operating reliably, but also to maximize equipment lifespan: 

Make sure operators are properly trained in how farm equipment works

If you have a fairly large operation, you've probably got multiple people operating your farm machinery. They all need to be properly trained to operate machinery properly and avoid accidents. They also need to know how to look out for signs that machinery is ready for maintenance. 

Inspect lubricated components and lubricate when necessary

One of the most important and simple things you can do to extend the life of your machinery is to simply keep it well lubricated.

Remember that lubrication minimizes friction around moving mechanical components, and friction is one of the major causes of wear. Ensuring that your equipment is properly lubricated can therefore cut down drastically on everyday wear and tear. 

Try to keep machinery as clean as possible

Farm machinery is obviously going to be exposed to dirty situations, but keeping parts as clean and possible and preventing the collection of contaminants and debris will help to prolong the life of your equipment. Electrical equipment is especially likely to eventually malfunction if it is constantly exposed to mud and moisture. 

Get in the habit of hosing off and drying machinery if it becomes very dirty. Dirt that's caked on to machinery over a long period of time can eventually lead to the development of rust and rot. 

Keep records of maintenance and repair procedures

It's always a good idea to keep written records of any maintenance procedures so that you know when maintenance is needed again. Also, you should make a note of any repair procedures so that you know which parts of your farm machinery are new and when they were purchased. 

Know where to look for signs of wear

It's important that you know enough about your machinery to determine what symptoms machinery will show when parts need to be replaced. Get into the habit of regularly inspecting gearboxes, gaskets, bearings, and friction material to ensure that wear is noted over time, replacement parts are installed, and breakdowns are prevented. 

For more ideas, contact a company like Bub's Tractor Parts.