CHAPTER 12 

 FARM EQUIPMENT 



THIS is the age of machinery on the farm as well as in 

 the city. In fact, it is machinery on the farm that enables 

 the small number of farmers to grow food enough to sup- 

 port the large number of persons who are engaged in 

 making machinery for town and country. The farmer's 

 problems are to determine what machinery to buy, what 

 makes are best, and to so handle his machinery as to get 

 the fullest use of it and make it last w r ell. 



225. The maintenance of equipment. The question 

 of housing machinery has been discussed for years, and its 

 importance sometimes over-emphasized. For every ma- 

 chine that is ruined by exposure, two arc probably spoiled 

 by not being properly oiled, or not having the bolts kept 

 tight. These are less conspicuous mistakes and so attract 

 less attention. 



Every farm should have a shop for the repair of equip- 

 ment. It will usually pay to have a forge and some black- 

 smith tools, as well as carpenter tools. Blacksmith work 

 can, perhaps, be hired done as cheaply as to fit up a shop 

 at home, but the time spent in going to the shop is the 

 important item. A forge and a few tools do not cost 

 much, but save much time. On rainy days, and in winter 

 weather, the farm equipment may be repaired and painted. 

 If there are boys on the farm, the shop will be a great 

 help in their education. 



The machinery shed for housing the equipment should 



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