Farmers and hay and forage producers know that what you do in the off season and how you prep for the upcoming season is just as important as what you do when it’s time to cut. Being early and proactive about your equipment prep is the number one tip when getting ready for harvest, whether it’s a quick tune up or adding a new piece of Kubota equipment to your line up. Here are some tips for making sure your ag and hay equipment is ready to roll well before the sign of first bloom.
If your equipment has been sitting idle since the last cut in the Fall, the first thing you’ll want to do is check it over thoroughly, says Justin Fuhrman, Kubota hay implements product manager. “Be sure to hook the equipment up and run it, check your bearings, make sure nothing is running hot, check your chains and sprockets for wear, make sure everything is properly greased, and any belts that need to be spliced should be addressed now,” he said.
Check your PTO, gearbox oil, bearings, belts and chains to see what needs replacing. When checking your gearbox oil, a good rule of thumb is to also check your battery, hydraulics, coolant, brake and fluids to determine if you need a top off or need to replace it altogether.
Next to your tractor, your round baler is one of the most critical pieces in your lineup. While a tractor like the reliable M7 series needs an oil and filter change at least once a year, Kubota recommends changing the gearbox oil on your round baler every few years or 5,000 bales—whichever comes first. If you can’t remember the last time you’ve done so, now is probably a good time. But please be sure to first check your operating manual for guidance on your specific equipment and model number.
From disc mowers, disc mower conditioners, tedders and rakes, to balers and wrappers, Kubota’s hay tools are built on a long legacy of groundbreaking agricultural innovation that has been tested and proven in the hay and forage market for more than 100 years. Early inventions by Vicon and Kverneland in the 1900s – from the finger wheel rake in 1949, to the first rotary tedder in 1961 and the first disc mower conditioner combination in 1974 – are now all under the Kubota brand.
Kubota has 12 ag specialists covering the entire U.S. to assist dealers and customers with settings and operation for the M8, M7 and including hay tools. Hay tools are covered with a two-year (2) standard limited warranty, including Kubota balers, and the disc mower, disc mower conditioner, cutterbars and gearboxes are covered by a three-year (3) standard limited warranty. Your Kubota dealer will have details on the warranties. Interested in learning how a Kubota tractor and baler can get you ready to roll this hay season? Schedule a demo with your local Kubota dealer today.