Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
1/31/02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Mark Hanna, Ag and Biosystems Engineering, (515) 294-0468), hmhanna@iastate.edu
Del Marks, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-9807,
delmarks@iastate.edu
Now is the time for Tillage Equipment Maintenance
AMES, Iowa -- Crop producers usually have some 'down time' during winter, which makes it prime to do basic tillage equipment maintenance and catch up on repairs put off from last year.
Mark Hanna, Iowa State University Extension agricultural engineer, says that being diligent about equipment maintenance pays off in the long run. "Proper maintenance eliminates extra tillage trips through the field, and so preserves crop residue, limiting the potential for soil erosion. Doing a good job of maintenance now pays off in the long run in terms of efficient use of time, operator safety, and, possibly, better yields from more uniform tillage operations."
Before doing anything, Hanna advises producers to ask themselves critical questions about spring tillage. "What will tillage accomplish? What is risked by turning over or disturbing residue? Crop rotation, topography, soil type and weather conditions are all important factors. Leaving less than 30 percent crop residue remaining on the soil's surface after planting leaves most Iowa soils vulnerable to erosion. If the target is a residue cover of at least 30 percent on the soil's surface after planting, what effect will tillage have on that goal?"
Hanna advises checking the owner's manual and adds these inspection tips. "Check for worn or broken sweeps, chisel points, and disc blades. Damaged or worn cutting edges can increase tractor draft and result in an uneven soil surface." Hanna says that the off-season is also a good time to check for sales and special offers on replacement parts. "And if parts have to be ordered, waiting now beats sitting idle when the weather is good."
Other things on Hanna's checklist? "Broken or uneven down-pressure springs -- make sure those behind tractor wheels are set for more penetration if needed. Look at the frame for broken welds and repair them, and see if the frame is bent -- even a slight twist can result in a big difference in tillage uniformity from one end of the implement to the other. Wheels and tires should be the same size and properly inflated, and check them again when you head to the field."
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