444 Effective Farming 



machines for practically every major kind of farm work and 

 they are not very expensive considering the materials that enter 

 into their construction. Farm machines not only save time, 

 but often make possible the saving of a crop that by reason of 

 rain or some other weather condition would be lost. How 

 extensively machinery may be used on any farm will depend 

 largely on size of farm, kind of product, and the labor supply. 

 With the high price of labor on American farms, and the diffi- 

 culty of securing it, machinery and labor-saving implements 

 are much employed ; yet it is easily possible to invest too much 

 money in machinery in proportion to the available capital. 

 The American ingenuity in farm machinery is well known, 

 and is a source of pride. 



221. Lack of care of farm machinery. In the United States 

 a very unfortunate condition found is the absolute lack of 

 care which the farm machinery receives on many farms. This 

 lack of care is seen in (1) improper handling of the machines 

 while in use and (2) improper care while not in use. It too 

 often happens that the operator of a machine will take it to 

 the field for use when it is out of adjustment or when certain 

 bolts and screws are out of place ; this soon results in permanent 

 injury and if continued the farmer finds it necessary to purchase 

 a new machine. The operator should understand the working 

 parts of the machine and be able to adjust them properly 

 before using. Whenever a screw or bolt becomes loose, it should 

 be tightened, the bearings should be kept well oiled, and all 

 parts should work smoothly. 



A properly equipped shop on the farm where minor repairs 

 can be made is useful in keeping machinery in good condition. 

 The shop need not be a separate building ; it may be a part of 

 a storage shed or a wagon house. It should not, however, be 

 part of the barn, because of danger of fire from the forge. 



Farm machinery should be protected from the weather. 

 Exposure to weather for a season will do more harm to a ma- 

 chine than the wear caused by its use during the season. 



