Avoid A Technology Setback With These Maintenance Tips
Growers know the steps and importance of maintaining their records, land and equipment, what about keeping up with their technology components?
Precision ag components are used in every season to help improve accuracy, monitor growth and increase yields. But when harvest is over, it's time to take some consideration in how you store the investments you've made.
To avoid a major technology setback in the spring, Joshua Elhers, precision products coordinator at Heartland Ag Solutions, shares two precautions the ag industry can take now.
Think Twice About Controller and Display Storage
While preparing equipment for winter storage, take a moment to consider how the machine’s technology pieces should be prepped.
The first step to avoid damage is to clean out the machine’s cab and place bait or repellent for animals.
“Rodents can play havoc with wiring, so keeping them out of equipment can save a lot of headaches,” Ehlers says.
Next, consider removing the machine’s controllers and displays and bringing them indoors until you’re ready to prep for spring fieldwork.
“Controllers are no different than your laptop, tablet or flat-screen TV. You wouldn’t want them outside all winter,” Ehlers says.
Run Tests Before It’s Too Late
You wouldn’t want the first day you start up the tractor or sprayer to be the day you need it – only to find out it’s not running properly. The same goes for the technology inside.
Ehlers says checking all machine technology a month before you go to the field is ideal, but two to three days in advance should be the minimum. This doesn’t just mean the display – it applies to firmware and software too.
“Get it out early to confirm it works and do a software check to be sure nothing is out of date,” he says. “When engineers release a new software version, they typically are not testing the new version on something that’s 10 versions old or on a single piece of equipment with a single component. They work within a range.”
Ehlers shares he often sees issues from customers who have updated their display, but not the backend of the system – which can control things such as the camera, auto-boom height control, nozzle controls, etc.
