By Blake Jackson
As soybean harvest season is in full swing across North Dakota, farmers are reminded of the importance of equipment maintenance to prevent equipment failures and fires. While warm and mostly dry weather conditions are favorable for harvest, there have been occasional intermittent showers that have temporarily halted progress. During these breaks in harvest, it's crucial for farmers to perform necessary maintenance to ensure the safety of their equipment and reduce the risk of equipment fires.
Angie Johnson, the farm and ranch safety coordinator at North Dakota State University Extension, emphasizes the seriousness of equipment fires during the harvest season. She highlights that no one wants to lose their combine or unharvested crops due to a fire, but the most significant risk is the potential loss of human life, as equipment can be replaced, but lives cannot.
To reduce the risk of combine fires, Johnson advises farmers to conduct thorough inspections and maintenance on their combines, paying particular attention to the electric and hydraulic systems. Properly routing and restraining wires and hoses can prevent them from rubbing against moving parts and getting damaged. Hydraulic systems are prone to small leaks, and any hydraulic oil combined with crop dust can serve as fuel for fires if ignited.
Soybean dust, which is a fine, fluffy material, tends to accumulate on various machine parts during harvesting. If not regularly cleaned, it becomes a highly combustible material that can fuel fires. Johnson recommends daily maintenance to clean residue, dirt, dust, and chaff from the combine. It's essential to wear protective gear such as hearing protection, eye protection, and an N95 mask during this cleaning process.
Farmers should also service their machines daily according to the combine's operator manual. This includes greasing and lubricating bearings and chains and inspecting for areas with excessive wear or damage.
Wiring issues in modern combines, which are equipped with complex sensors and electrical components, can lead to potential problems. Farmers should inspect wiring systems to identify unrestrained or damaged wires caused by rubbing or contact with moving parts.
Another important step is to use an infrared thermometer to check the temperature of the combine's bearings. Hot bearings pose a combustion risk, and identifying any excessively hot bearings can help prevent fires. The infrared thermometer can also be used while waiting for a truck or grain cart.
Farmers can further reduce the risk of combine fires by installing air intake kits, which allow clean air to enter the combine's air intake screen above the dust cloud produced during harvesting.
To mitigate fire danger, farmers should avoid harvesting during hot and dry conditions, especially in the late afternoon when temperatures rise and relative humidity decreases. Soybeans with extremely low moisture content are more susceptible to combustion, so farmers should limit harvesting during such conditions.
It's also advisable to carry two fully charged fire extinguishers, ideally one in the cab and one on the outside of the combine near ground level. In case of a fire, calling 911 immediately can help prevent the situation from escalating.
Creating a soil perimeter by making a tillage pass around the field's perimeter can prevent fires from spreading. Additionally, strategically parking harvest equipment away from vegetation can reduce the risk of fires caused by hot exhaust emissions.
Lastly, farmers should inform others of their plans and field locations before heading out to combine. Carrying a fully charged cellphone is essential for communication and safety.
Taking the time to clear chaff and dust from combines during harvest may seem like a slowdown, but it significantly reduces the risk of equipment fires. By prioritizing equipment maintenance and safety measures, farmers can protect their investments and ensure a safe harvest season.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-gueholl
Categories: New York, Crops