By Roelof Bezuidenhout

Poor maintenance is a step backwards. If you’re not careful, you could end up spending more on repairing broken machinery than you can earn from it in a season. Run-down infrastructure can also catch up with you. Delaying repairs to a fence, road or shed will only drive up costs in the long run. We all know how quickly a trip to the local co-op can drain a bank account – even for the bare essentials needed to keep a farm running. And with fuel prices soaring, even driving to town isn’t cheap anymore.

The cost of spare parts, fencing and building materials has risen so sharply that cash-strapped farmers often delay spending on them. But this can’t be put off forever.

Another common mistake in an effort to save money is buying unreliable second-hand tractors or bakkies, and relying on backyard mechanics for repairs.

Some farmers also cut corners when building infrastructure, only to pay the price later. Fencing is a prime example – poorly built fences are the first to fail and can cause endless trouble. It’s always best to build the most effective fence you can from the start. The same goes for maintaining buildings and water tanks.

Sometimes, trying the cheapest fix might work – but it’s a risky approach. Of course, offering advice is easy without knowing a farmer’s financial situation, but good maintenance is an investment that pays off in the long run.

Many farms resemble scrap yards, with piles of broken equipment rusting away among the weeds. An economics student could probably do a survey to calculate how much wasted money is tied up in all those abandoned wrecks. Let’s hope the price of scrap metal improves. The best approach is to sell unused implements before they fall apart in the yard. Often, collectors and restorers are looking for exactly what you have.

State-aided farm projects are among the biggest offenders, with even brand-new tractors being stripped of their batteries, tyres, generators and copper piping. This contributes to what’s likely billions of rands in losses – not only from wasted equipment but also lost production. While the state might absorb these losses, no individual farmer can afford such waste.

Don’t Wait Until It Breaks! — A fate like this can be prevented. Photo: Roelof Bezuidenhout

Tractor maintenance

Realistically, only farmers who can afford to purchase, service and replace equipment should buy a tractor, for example. If your income doesn’t allow for that, it’s better to hire one or share the cost with neighbours. However, if your farm truly needs its own tractor, here are some tips (for standard models, not the modern, multi-million-rand machines):

Read the manual: At least go through the main sections. If there isn’t one, find a replacement.
Provide proper shelter: Ensure you have a shed with a solid roof to protect the tractor from rain and dust.
Assign responsibility: Designate someone to regularly check the tractor. Monitor oil and coolant levels, inspect battery connections and the fan belt, grease the nipples, clean the radiator and check the tyres. Don’t forget to ensure that the hand pump or compressor is working.
Keep spare parts on hand: Have essential spares like filters and fan belts available so you don’t have to stop work if something breaks or gets clogged. Buy these parts in a larger town to save money, as small towns with limited shops tend to charge higher prices.
Limit the number of operators: Only allow one or two people to operate the tractor. The more drivers there are, the more likely it is to experience breakages.
Restrict use by inexperienced individuals: Don’t let inexperienced people tamper with the engine or operate the tractor.
Drive responsibly: Run the tractor at the recommended speeds for each task, and avoid harsh driving.
Monitor warning lights: Keep an eye on the warning lights to ensure the battery is charging and the engine is not overheating.
Protect it from pests: Keep rats, dassies and insects away from your garage.
Good maintenance pays off: Make sure the fuel is clean and stored in clean containers. Keep the containers covered, especially in colder regions. If the fuel, filters and battery are clean and properly maintained, your tractor will start easily and consume less diesel than a poorly maintained one.

Properly maintaining your tractor, trailer, bakkie, pump or planter will keep them in good condition for many years. Neglect them, and they could break down at any time. However, even with the best care, your equipment will eventually need to be serviced by a qualified mechanic. It’s important to budget for that day.

The temptation to buy a brand-new bakkie can be strong, but unless you’re facing a significant income tax issue, it’s better to invest in something that will generate a return, such as high-quality breeding stock. Your old bakkie can be overhauled and spray-painted by skilled technicians at a fraction of the cost of the latest 4×4 model.