You have to maintain farm tools and equipment because; “Breakages are payable”.
Farm tools and equipment help to make farm work easier and more effective. There are very many of them designed to do one or a number of functions. The design and shape of the tools and equipment should be given proper attention if they are to do the function for which they were made. So you have to effectively maintain farm tools and equipment.
Read also: Catalogue of Agricultural Tools, Implements and Machinery and Their Uses
Why maintain farm tools and equipment?
- They last longer when you maintain them.
- Tools and equipment that are maintained work more efficiently.
- When you keep tools and equipment in good shape, you reduce the risk of injury to the operator.
- Regular maintenance reduces the cost of maintenance.
How to Effectively Maintain Farm Tools and Equipment
1. Sharpen the tool before and after use.
When you sharpen tools it reduces the amount of force you need to apply to perform the task. Blunt tools may break when being used.
2. Oil or grease metal parts.
This will prevent rust of metal parts of tools and equipment. Oiling the movable parts makes the tools easy to work with. It also increases the efficiency of the tool or equipment.
3. Wooden handles should be strong.
Make sure tools with wooden handles are strong and durable. If there is any defect, replace them.
4. Hang your garden tools.
Keep your tools hung. Leaving them on the floor can cause rust as they may come in contact with moisture. Leaving tools on the floor may cause injury to persons or persons stepping on them may break or deform them, causing them to be unsuitable for work.
5. Store tools in their original cases.
Some tools and equipment come in special cases to keep them protected from damage. Make sure to clean and keep them in their original cases.
Read also: Greenhouse Vegetable Farming: Ideal for Vegetable Production in Ghana
6. Use silica gel packs.
Silica gel helps to keep tools dry in their cases. Use silica gel to prevent rust of tools and equipment with metal parts.
7. Dry Tools After Use
After using tools or equipment, clean and make sure they are dried before packing or hanging them. This will prevent them from rusting.
Summary
As much as tools and equipment at important to accomplishing tasks on the farm, it is important to always keep them ready for work.
Let us know how you maintain your tools.
