Accidents are commonplace in the agriculture industry, with statistics showing that the fatality frequency rate in the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing industry is nearly eight times as high as the overall rate across industries. The common causes of accidents include falls (from high places or a moving horse) and injuries from farm machinery.
Grain augers are no exception. As with any heavy machinery, they require proper care and maintenance to ensure safe operation and continued productivity. Neglecting grain auger care can result in accidents, breakdowns and delays in harvesting. In this document, we'll go about discussing some tips to help you maximise your equipment's productivity and ensure safe operation.
Regular Inspections are a Must
We cannot stress this enough – regular inspections are vital for safe and efficient grain auger operation. Grain augers have multiple moving parts that are susceptible to daily wear and tear. Inspecting these moving parts before each use, or at least once a week, can help identify any potential issues that could lead to breakdowns or accidents. Some of the key components to inspect include belts, bearings and bolts, all of which are critical to the auger's safe operation.
Some parts may require greasing or lubrication, while others may need to be tightened or replaced. Keeping a checklist and following it diligently can help ensure that no crucial components are missed during inspections.
Clean Your Grain Auger Regularly
The environment in which grain augers operate is not the cleanest. Dust is a usual occurrence, and the accumulation of dust and debris can lead to clogs in the auger's system.
The busy days of harvest season may become one reason, out of many, that you overlook cleaning your equipment. But if you fall into this habit, it could lead to issues such as engine overheating or reduction in grain flow rate. Regular cleaning can aid in pinpointing any looming problems and prevent them from escalating.
Avoid Overloading the Grain Auger
Depending on the type and size of the grain auger, they have a certain capacity that should not be exceeded. Overloading the auger can cause strain on its components and lead to breakdowns since they're not built to handle excessive weight. Besides, overloading can also increase the risk of accidents due to unbalanced or unstable loads.
Keep Spare Parts Handy
It's always better to be safe than sorry. Although heavy machineries don't often require immediate repairs, having spare parts on hand can save you from significant downtimes in case of any unanticipated breakdowns. Keeping a stock of essential spare parts, such as belts, bearings, bolts, and hydraulic hoses, allows you to quickly replace any failed components, keeping your operations running smoothly.
Train Employees on Safe Operation
Figures have revealed that personnel age and experience are also significant factors in farm accidents. You'll likely see workers aged 65 and above being involved in accidents more often than their younger counterparts due to factors such as reduced physical ability and reaction time.
Training all employees on proper grain auger operation, safety protocols and emergency procedures can minimise the risk of accidents. Whenever possible, assign experienced and physically capable workers to operate heavy machineries such as grain augers.
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