Maintaining a working farm requires a lot of hard work. Farmers rely on their equipment to function properly and reliably.
Preventative maintenance is important to anyone who operates any type of machinery. If you don’t keep your machinery clean, you can jeopardize the longevity of your farm equipment as well as your investment.
Why Should I Keep Farm Equipment Clean?
From tractors to power tools, agricultural machinery performs best when it’s regular maintenance and kept clean. Dirt, grass, plant debris, grease, and other contaminants collect on farm equipment over time.
The longer the build-up remains on your equipment, the more difficult it is to remove and the higher the risk it presents to the machine's longevity. Rust damage can occur when water becomes confined in places where it would usually be able to flow freely on equipment. It can also cause your equipment moving parts to fail.
How Often Should Agricultural Machinery Get Pressure Washed?
Depending on how frequently you use your agricultural equipment, you may need to wash it regularly or after each usage. If you find yourself working in the rain during planting season, mud will quickly adhere to your machinery.
When harvest season begins, plant debris is added to the mix. Regardless of the season, grease buildup is never good for the life of your farm equipment. After operating your machine, take a glance at it. If you notice a lot of buildup, it's time for a power wash.
Benefits of Pressure Washing Farm Equipment
On the farm, it’s not unusual to be faced with some of the most demanding cleaning tasks. From oil and grease to dirt and animal waste, keeping the site, equipment, and machinery in great condition can be a challenge.
Here are some advantages of pressure washing your farm equipment.
- Saves Valuable Time and Energy
- Boost Farm Equipment Appeal
- Safe Option and Better for the Environment
- Keeps Your Farm Equipment in Great Condition
- Prevents Future Damage to Machinery
How to Pressure Wash Your Farm Equipment
The first step is to designate a wash area for your agricultural equipment. To protect the safety of the soil and water, any grease, oil, or other potentially harmful fluids should be disposed of properly.
When your agricultural machinery is caked in dirt and grime, a thorough cleaning with a pressure washer will make the task easier.
Begin at the top of your machine and work your way down to ensure that runoff is directed away from the clean areas. You want to pay attention to nooks and crevices, as these are more likely to contain clumps of mud and sludge.
When the hot water appears to have done everything it can, it's time to add the detergent.
The addition of detergent to pressure washers can help remove dirt and grime from your machine. It's important to keep the pressure low during this step so that the detergent can do its job without being washed away.
Allow the soap to sit on the machine for a few minutes to work its way through any mud, dirt, or other debris. When adding detergent, follow the instructions that came with your pressure washer so you know exactly how much you need for the job.
How to Choose the Right Pressure Washer
There are many different types of pressure washers on the market, but not all of them are made equal. Someone who lives in a small townhouse and pressure washes their siding and walkways a few times per year may be fine with an entry-level cold water pressure washer.
However, someone who needs to clean their farm equipment multiple times per week will need to upgrade to a more heavy-duty pressure washer and may want to consider one that produces hot water capable of getting tough jobs done more efficiently.
Professional Pressure Washing Company
With so many power washing options available, it can be difficult to make a final decision on which to buy. If you don't want to invest in a pressure washer, there are other solutions including a professional pressure washing service.
Mobile Magic has been helping folks with pressure washing services for many years. Whether you need your farm equipment or the exterior of your home, contact us!
