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: Canadian Wildfire Smoke Creates a Red Sunrise Over North Carolina Sunflower field - July 2026

A sunrise unlike any other.

This peaceful morning at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, North Carolina was transformed by smoke drifting south from the Canadian wildfires. As the rising sun filtered through the haze, the sky glowed in deep shades of red and orange, casting a surreal light over the blooming sunflower field. While the colors were breathtaking, they also served as a reminder of how connected our environment is. Smoke from wildfires hundreds of miles away changed the appearance of a North Carolina sunrise, creating a rare and unforgettable moment in nature.

Take a few minutes to experience this quiet morning as the sun slowly rises through the smoky haze above one of Raleigh's most beloved summer landscapes.