FARM MACHINERY AS AN ECONOMIC FACTOR 269 



especially true of power machinery. There have probably 

 been more tractor failures due to this one thing than all 

 other causes combined. Many machines are bought and 

 taken into the field and operated until some trouble develops. 

 It is then found that a wearing part was without lubricant 

 or was not properly adjusted. Every machine should be 

 carefully studied before it is used. An instruction book 

 should be secured with each machine, and it should be 

 studied as a text. With a thoro knowledge of the working 

 parts of a machine, there is little danger of accident, and the 

 best results are assured. 



The lack of knowledge of a machine usually results in lack 

 of care and lack of adjustment. It goes without saying that 

 the man who leaves his binder outside to rust and decay does 

 not appreciate its fine points. The same is true of the trac- 

 tor. If the farm machines were given the attention they de- 

 serve, they would be cared for as machinery is cared for in the 

 factory and as the sewing machine is cared for in the home. 



Many machines are being run that should be undergoing 

 repairs. The farm machine, as a general rule, is allowed to 

 get in a run-down condition and is not repaired until abso- 

 lutely necessary, and often such repairs must be made when 

 the machine is in the field and when the work should be in 

 progress. We cannot expect the best results from machines 

 that have been neglected, that have been left in the fields for 

 months, or, if under shelter, are not examined until the day 

 before they are to be used. The farmer would be greatly 

 shocked to see a sewing machine left on the porch for a week 

 at a time where the rain and sun would affect it. Yet, many 

 farmers allow the binders with their delicate tying mechan- 



