Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 272, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 November 1916 — CARING FOR MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

CARING FOR MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS

(By M. A. R. KELLEY. Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station.) The harvest is over. Every machine and implement which is not in use should be under cover. The fall rains plant the seeds of rust, which are harvested by the manufacturers of farm machinery.

The average life of farm machinery in this country is short, entirely too short, and for years has caused an enormous annual los| to the farmers, and large profits for the manufacturer. The best machinery will wear out in time, but the life of any implement depends primarily upon the care

it has received and the facility and ability of the farmer to do repair work. The implements used on the farm represent a large investment, and this investment increases yearly. Every

year that can be added to the life represents profit. This is the age of the “iron horse,” and unless we take care of our machinery the annual loss is going to increase enormously. Every farmer should study his machine and see where he can increase its efficiency. Oil is cheaper than repairs and new toolg, and when properly used will reduce the friction and increase the life of the machine. * If the binder has not already been housed, it should be done as soon as possible. During a trip across the state last winter, the w*Ugr counted seven binders out in the field within a rudius of 50 miles, and some of them were new machines. Under such treatment a binder will not last more than three years. Then the total yearly loss on these machines, whose cost was about S9OO, would amount to S3OO. This is more than the yearly profit on some farms. With proper care the same machines could have been made to last ten or fifteen years.

“A high polish on the moldboard i* of far more value than that acquired In high society.” When you are through with your plow this fall cover the moldboard with any heavy grease that will keep the air away from it and put it away. This will keep the plow from rusting and can be easily removed. The same treatment to the disk harrow and cultivator shovels will protect them. The farm machinery is only used for a short period, but must work continuously when being used. Hence it must be in good running order and properly adjusted. When buying a new machine keep in mind these four words: Simplicity, reliability, durability and accessibility. Then if the machine Is given proper care, long life and greater profits are insured. Use plenty of oil and grease.

BINDERS LESSEN WORK OF FARMERS.

At Work in Field.