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Maintaining the Infrastructure on the Farm
Completion requirements
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Tools needed for routine repair work. Routine repair work will depend on the type of farming activities that is taking place on the farm.
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Repair work can be divided into the following |
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Routine repair and maintenance |
The service of a tractor at regular intervals. Lubrication of equipment before and during use. Replacement of components before it can break and cause long delays |
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Preventative maintenance |
Before and after the production season the equipment is serviced and inspected to ensure that it is still in a good working condition. |
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Corrective maintenance |
The immediate repair of something that broke down or replacing worn implement parts before it is used the next production season. |
Each of the production activities will require different tools and it will depend on the situation. A few examples can be given:
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Farming system |
Tools needed |
Use of the tools |
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Cattle / sheep farming |
Pair of Pliers Wire strainer Wire Plastic pipe Pipe fittings Ball valve Sheep sheer Spade |
To fix fences and water pipes To fix fences To fix fences and water pipes Fix water leaks Fix water leaks Replace faulty valves To cut wool in case of worm infestation or injuries To open water pipes |
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Crop farmer |
Spanners, hammer, screwdrivers Grease gun Welder Gas welding equipment Grinder Wheel spanner and jack Tire repair kit and equipment Compressor Oil, grease and filters |
To do minor repairs Daily lubrication Repair equipment Cutting and repair of equipment Repair flat tires Lubrication and service |
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Irrigation |
Spanners Piece of wire Spare sprayer heads, drippers or micro-sprayers Pumps Fan belts or drive cup-links Clamps |
To replace sprayer heads To open blocked sprayers To replace broken sprayers Service pumps and motors Service centre pivots, gearboxes and electric motors Fix burst main lines |
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Tunnel farming |
Extra plastic Tape or glue Drippers Clips |
Repair damaged plastic before it becomes bigger Replace drippers not working To provide stability to plants |
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General |
Spades Ladders Wheelbarrows Buckets Welder Angle grinder Other electric hand tools Building equipment Wood saws Picks |
Moving soil or other products Repair broken equipment Building new structures |
Repair and Maintenance Schedule
It is important to follow a maintenance schedule ensuring that equipment is kept in a good running order. Service intervals must be according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Remember to alter the service and maintenance intervals according to working (dusty, stony) conditions.
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Pre-season maintenance |
Make sure the equipment is ready for use - replace worn parts, test it to ensure all components are working Service and lubricate all moving points - grease nipples Calibrate sprayers for correct application. |
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Maintenance during use |
Daily – Lubricate, check water and oil levels, before commencement of work and after lunch break Fill with fuel at the end of the day Check tire pressure Clean air filter Clean the equipment Weekly – Check for worn parts Lubricate when it reached the required no of hours Replace oil and oil-, fuel- or air filters Wash after use before parked away for the weekend or when moving from one land to the other Prevent the spreading of weeds or diseases. |
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Post season maintenances |
Replace all worn parts Clean thoroughly Wash after use Service and lubricate before parking Store in place where it cannot be damaged Disinfect facilities such as shearing sheds or packing facilities |