Harvest Season is Here Get Your Grain Carts Ready

Aug 07, 2023

As farmers, preparing for the harvest season doesn't stop with tuning up combines. Grain carts, too, need attention, says Justin Render from Kinze Manufacturing. A few maintenance steps can avoid downtime and enhance efficiency.

Key pre-harvest checks begin with cartwheels and tracks. Tight hubs and correctly inflated tires are vital, along with aligned belts in track systems. Look out for worn driveline parts including gears, shafts, and gear boxes, and repair or replace as necessary.

Hydraulic hoses and connectors should be in good condition and leak-free. Make sure all lubrication points are greased before heading into the field.

Render also underscores the importance of grain cart safety. Check the drawbar's mounting to the tractor and the condition of bolts and safety chains.

Make sure lighting, turn signals, and flashers work correctly and ensure the slow-moving vehicle sign is visible. Lastly, keep power shaft guards in place over the rotating driveshaft.

Video: How Can We Grow More Food With Less Impact?

For over two decades, Dr. Mitloehner has been at the forefront of research on how animal agriculture affects our air and our climate. With deep expertise in emissions and volatile organic compounds, his work initially focused on air quality in regions like California’s Central Valley—home to both the nation’s richest agricultural output and some of its poorest air quality.

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Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Professor and Air Quality Specialist with the CLEAR Center sits down with Associate Director for Communications at the CLEAR Center, Joe Proudman.