If you want to ensure proper spacing and make planting work more efficient, you can use a rice transplanter. This agricultural machinery can plant a row of evenly spaced seedlings in one pass. 

Keep The Fields Free Of Weeds And Pests

Weeds negatively affect rice yields and also reduce grain quality because they compete with rice crops for nutrients and sunlight. For this reason, it’s best to implement weeding practices in your fields. During land preparation, this can be done by plowing and having a level field. 

Make time to check your field regularly for pests as well. Certain pests can attack the crop and cause spotty and deformed grains. You can also lose some of your rice crops to pests. To reduce losses, it’s crucial to ensure timely management of pests and diseases. 

Manage Water

One of the best ways to limit the development of harmful diseases and prevent pest infestations is to manage your water. Your rice field should have proper drainage. Try your best to keep the water level uniform and drain the field in a timely manner. 

Rice crops are also affected more easily by water shortages. Make sure to have continuous flooding to ensure enough water for the healthy growth of the crop. Uniform water depth will result in more favorable results and yields.

Ensure Proper Nutrition For Crops

Nutrients are important in ensuring that rice crops grow and develop healthily. If you want to maximize yields and have high-quality grains, it’s important to learn how to manage soil fertility. 

Rice crops require the following nutrients:

• Boron
• Carbon
• Calcium
• Chlorine
• Copper
• Hydrogen
• Iron
• Nitrogen
• Phosphorus
• Magnesium
• Oxygen
• Molybdenum
• Potassium
• Sulphur
• Manganese
• Zinc

If you want to know what nutrients the soil is deficient in, you can test your soil.

Apply Good Harvesting Methods

Lastly, it’s also beneficial to implement proper harvesting methods so you can improve rice crop yields. This can help you minimize grain damage and reduce grain losses!

Make sure to harvest the crop at the right time. Harvesting too early can result in more unfilled and immature grains. On the other hand, harvesting too late causes increased breakage in rice. Both will lead to excessive losses and lower yield. The right time to harvest will depend on the moisture content, ripe grains, and rice seed variety!

If you want to achieve a cleaner harvest, a harvesting machine can help you. This agricultural machinery can effectively reduce crop and grain loss, helping you harvest more!

Key Takeaway

As a staple food for Filipinos, rice is an important crop. That’s why it’s beneficial for you to follow these tips for improving rice crop yield. This way, you can ensure that your rice crops are healthy and equipped for survival. By improving your rice crop yield, you can harvest more rice crops, which means that you can make more sales and invest more money back into your farm. 

If you’re interested in purchasing agricultural machinery, you can contact us here at Ford Tractor! The right farming equipment can help you improve your rice yields. Aside from that, our rice transplanters and harvesting machines can also help you lessen your labor while improving work output! 

Tractors, planting machines, harvesting machines, and other agricultural equipment are tough and durable, but during the rainy season, you should take care to protect these machines from heavy rain. Although most farm equipment is made to withstand all types of weather, protecting them can help lengthen their lifespan. 

Farming equipment that is made from iron is prone to rust when continuously exposed to water. Make sure that all exposed wires are covered, and faulty electrical components should be fixed and kept away from moisture. Damage might not show immediately, so it’s better to be safe by storing your farm equipment in a dry place instead of leaving them out overnight. 

Be Careful When Using Farm Equipment

Due to the wet conditions during the rainy season, there can be some risks when using farm equipment. For instance, driving a tractor over very wet and muddy ground can cause it to become stuck. Other than that, bad weather can make it harder to see the field, so it can become the cause of accidents. 

Driving too close to a ditch or pond can also be dangerous, as this can lead to the farm equipment rolling into the area when you get too close to the edge. Stay alert for holes or hidden ditches under flood water too. 

Other than that, cut your speed to the minimum when driving with a tractor during rainy weather. Drive slowly when you can’t see the ground surface, for instance, when driving above long grass. If there’s a thunderstorm, it’s better to delay work for another day. 

Be Wary Of Electrocution

During the rainy season, there’s a risk that water and electricity can cause electric accidents. If you have put up wired fences, make sure to put notices, so people can take precautions. Keep animals away from these fences. 

Aside from that, be wary of trees that are placed near electric lines, as these can become conductors of electricity. 

Protect Crops From Heavy Rains

Heavy rainfall can damage the soil on your farm. If neglected, this can cause the soil aggregates to break up or clog soil pores. If you want to decrease the damage to the soil, there are some things you can do to protect it. For instance, organic mulch, cover crops, and canopy can slow down rain drops. 

The rain can also drain away the nitrogen that you put out to fertilize your crops. In this case, you can choose to dress the crops with nitrogen fertilizers when the soil dries out. 

Wet conditions can also encourage diseases in your fields. Look out for flare-ups of diseases in crops. Root rots can also become a problem if the fields stay wet for prolonged periods. 

Store Farm Produce In Dry Places

As producers of fruits and vegetables, it’s one of your job to maintain the quality of the crops from the field to the shelf. 

Crops that are ready for harvest should be kept away from the rain because leaving them in wet soil can result in negative effects, such as microbial growth. After harvest, store fruits and vegetables in a cool and dry place. 

Keep Open Water Away From People And Animals

Dams, wells, lakes, and other open water sources can be difficult to spot during heavy rain, so make sure that these areas are fenced and properly protected during the rainy season. 

People, animals, and operated equipment can easily fall in these places during the rainy season. In these wet environments, mud and soft soils can easily cause slipping and falling over. 

Don’t Forget Your Health And Well-Being

Aside from your equipment, crops, and your farm, don’t forget to prioritize your health and well-being too during the rainy season. The wet and cold environment during this season can increase your risk of getting sick. That’s why it’s beneficial to take extra safety precautions when farming. 

For instance, make sure that you dress properly for the weather. Try to stay dry by wearing the right rain gear. Don’t forget to protect your feet by wearing the proper footwear because rainwater can expose you to bacteria and also cause slipping. 

Key Takeaway

By knowing how to keep your farm safe during the rainy season, you can prevent accidents, maintain your farm equipment, and keep your crops in the best conditions! Farming during the wet season can be more challenging, but with these tips, you can prioritize safety so everything follows. 

If you’re interested in purchasing agricultural equipment such as tractors, planting machines, and harvesting machines, you can contact us here at Ford Tractor!

Rice is one of the most important agricultural products in the Philippines. It’s widely grown in Luzon, Western Visayas, Central Mindanao, and Southern Mindanao. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), palay production went from 19.07 million metric tons in 2018 to 19.32 million metric tons in 2020. If you want to ensure good grain quality, you need to know how to properly harvest your crops. Below is a guide to the proper harvest of rice. Keep on reading!

Harvesting Processes Involved

To properly harvest rice, the first thing that should be understood are the processes involved. Harvesting mature rice crops from the field involves various activities, such as reaping, stacking, threshing, cleaning, and hauling. 

Reaping

Reaping is the first step of harvest and involves cutting the mature rice crop. The crop is typically cut by using a sickle and hand-held knife.

Stacking

Stacking refers to storing the harvested crop in stacks temporarily. This is an optional activity.

Hauling

Hauling involves moving the cut crop to the threshing location. 

Threshing

Threshing involves separating the grain from the straw. This can be done by beating with sticks against a log, but this increases the chances of broken grains at milling. Common methods of manual threshing include using a pedal thresher, trampling, using a threshing rack, or using a flail. 

Cleaning

Cleaning grains after harvest helps remove unwanted materials from the grain. This is important as clean grain has a higher value. Cleaning will also affect other activities, such as drying, storage, etc. During cleaning, the unfilled grains and straw are removed through winnowing. Weed seeds, soil particles, and other smaller impurities are removed through screening. 

Harvesting Methods Used

There are different methods used in the harvesting of rice. This will depend on the tools, equipment, and skills available to the farmers. This can be divided into manual harvesting and the use of mechanical equipment. Each one has its benefits. 

Manual Harvesting

Manual harvesting involves the use of traditional tools, such as sickles and knives for reaping. Threshing racks and treadle threshers are used for threshing. This system is suitable for a lodged crop, which occurs when the stems weaken that they can’t support the grain, resulting in falling over. 

But since the processes are manual, farmers have to have the right skills and also have to exert more physical energy. The grain is also susceptible to damage.

Mechanical Harvesting

Mechanical harvesting involves the use of harvesting equipment that can do most of the harvesting activities. A harvester can do the reaping, threshing, cleaning, and bagging. By using agricultural machinery, farmers can efficiently harvest rice with less labor. It also results in a cleaner harvest, as harvesting machines can eliminate grain loss. 

Other than these, there are also semi-mechanical systems done on some farms. For instance, the harvesting can be done by hand and a mechanical thresher is used afterward. 

When To Harvest

It’s important to harvest the rice on time to get the best grain quality and yield. Harvesting too early can result in collecting grains that are immature. These grains will have poor milling recovery and will break easily. Harvesting too late will cause the grain to fall from the panicle and result in heavy losses. 

The best time to harvest will be when 80 to 85 percent of the grains are ripened or have a golden yellow in color. It’s also beneficial to check the moisture content, which should be between 20 and 25 percent. The ideal harvest time will also depend on the rice variety. 

After harvesting, threshing should be done immediately. Cleaning is done after threshing, and afterward, the grains are dried.

Health And Safety Precautions During Harvest

There are some health and safety precautions that should be followed when harvesting rice, especially when using a mechanical harvester. 

First, any agricultural machinery used for harvesting should be ready during the off-season, or weeks in advance before use. This way, the machinery is ensured to be in a safe and efficient condition. Routine maintenance should be done on schedule. All guards should be in place. Never attempt to adjust or maintain the machine when it’s on.

If the machinery hasn’t been used in a while, it’s also important to read up and refresh on manuals. Anyone who will use the equipment should be trained beforehand. Children should be kept off the farm equipment. 

During harvesting, the operator should also wear the proper clothing. Tight clothing and tidy hair are a must to avoid entanglement with the machine. 

Key Takeaway

Harvesting rice involves various activities, so doing each one manually can be tiring and labor-intensive. Fortunately, there is harvesting equipment available to make these processes more convenient and efficient. Just remember to know when to harvest and follow the safety precautions when using harvesting equipment. 

Follow this guide to the proper harvest of rice, so you can achieve the best harvest. If you’re interested in purchasing harvesting equipment, you can contact us here at Ford Tractor! We have rice harvesters that can help you have a timely harvest and better quality grain.

Completing farm work manually is possible, but too labor-intensive and time-consuming. If you only rely on your physical strength for farming, your body will soon suffer from the extensive labor. That’s why plenty of farms nowadays are investing in the right agricultural machinery. If you’re interested to know how these different types of farm machinery can help you, keep on reading to learn more!     

Agricultural Tractor

A tractor is one of the most versatile machinery you could have at your farm. It’s essential for farmers and can help with a wide variety of farm tasks. This is because it can be connected to implements and attachments such as a furrower, harvester, land leveller, loader, planter, plow, trailer, and many more. There are a variety of sizes and capacities you can choose from, whether your farm is small or is made up of several hectares of land. 

Seeder And Planter

One of the most important farm tasks is sowing seeds. But if you’re managing a large plot of land, you will need several people to do this task to ensure a timely planting. A seeder and planter will be able to help you sow seeds within a few hours. There are several options for you, such as manual seeders, automatic seeders, and crop-specific planters.

Rice Transplanter

When growing rice crops, the seeds can be directly sowed or transplanted. When transplanting, the seeds are first grown into seedlings in seedbeds before being planted in a field. In manual transplanting using the random method, plant spacing is an issue because the seedlings are transplanted without a definitive distance. But with a mechanical rice transplanter, proper spacing can be achieved, which can increase the yield significantly. 

Multi-Crop Harvester

For many farmers, harvesting crops on time can be difficult, since it requires several steps. But multi-crop harvesters can gather and thresh hectares of land in just a short time. A harvesting machine can work faster because it can execute multiple processes as it passes over a field. This reduces the days that need to be spent harvesting, which can improve the time to market. 

Rice Harvester

A rice harvester is a piece of farm machinery that is made specifically to harvest rice. Compared to manual harvesting, this can reduce grain loss, which means that you can have better quality and quantity of harvest. Just like other harvesting machines, the harvesting capacity is high, and it also requires less manpower. 

Sugarcane Harvester

A sugarcane harvester can reduce fatigue, which is often associated with the manual harvesting of sugarcane. It can cut rows of sugar cane with ease, cutting the stems at the ground level before dividing them into billets. The machine will also be responsible for cleaning.

Corn Harvester

If your farm’s primary crop is corn, then it’s a good idea to invest in a dedicated harvester. A corn harvester is specifically designed for harvesting corn and preparing the crop for storage. It can easily snap the ears from the stalk, quickly harvesting the crop. 

Cassava Harvester

Cassava is an easily perishable crop, which means that it needs to be harvested on time. This is where a cassava harvester can come in handy, as the farm machinery can quickly take care of the job, ensuring that the crop is ready for market on time and also of the best quality. 

Grabber

Another useful attachment for tractors is a grabber. For instance, a cane grabber is useful for transporting sugarcane. The grabber can quickly hold to a large amount of items, which makes this farm task more efficient. 

Backhoe

A backhoe is a useful tool for digging and excavation. The backhoe end is made for digging, while the loader end is used to move materials from place to place. This farm machinery is beneficial for digging large holes, tree transplanting, and getting rid of old stumps. Backhoe attachments are available for tractors.

Sprayer

A sprayer is a type of machine that is used to spray liquids — such as herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers — on agricultural crops. This is usually mounted on a tractor, but there is also a trailed kind. The hydraulic motor connected to the power take-off shaft is the one responsible for driving the pump of the machine. A sprayer is preferred to hand-operated sprayers, especially on larger farms.

Forage Harvester

Just like the name describes, a forage harvester is made for harvesting forage plants. These plants include hay, corn, and grass. The device has a flywheel with knives or a drum that can chop and propels the silage into a wagon. This type of equipment can be self-propelled or attached to a tractor.

Key Takeaway

Farm machinery can help you quickly finish different farm tasks without having to exert too much physical effort or require plenty of manpower. For this reason, many farmers have decided to invest in several farm equipment. 

If you’re interested in learning more about these different types of farm machinery, you can send us a message here at Ford Tractor. As a supplier of these pieces of machinery, we can answer your questions and inquiries, so you can make an informed decision on your next investment. 

Planting crops is one of the most important tasks for farmers, but it’s not an easy task. It involves preparing the soil, checking the seed’s potential, making a fertilizer plan, planting the seeds or seedlings, and many more. Fortunately, the right farm machinery can help make this task easier and less labor-intensive. This is where planting machines can help. If you’re interested to learn on how does a planter work, keep on reading!

Working Mechanism Of A Planter

To learn how a planting machine can be beneficial, the first thing you need to understand is its working mechanism. When used properly, this farm machinery can make the planting season easier for farmers. 

When you plant something, you dig a hole, put in the seed, and cover it with the soil. This is the same working mechanism used by a planter. Each row on a planter has a seedbox, which stores the seeds that are to be planted for that specific row. 

When you operate the planter, it will dig out a trench where the seed is to be planted. Then the seed falls down from the bottom of the box and goes to a seed plate. This plate rotates, causing the seeds to fall down to the ground. 

After the seed falls to the ground, the planter will cover the seed. All of these are usually done in just a single pass. With this working mechanism, you don’t have to manually plant each seed. 

Different Types Of Planting Machine

The type of planter you choose will depend on several factors — such as the type of crop you’re planting, the number of rows you need, and other features. There are several planting machines that you might be interested in:

• Corn Planter: This type of planter can plant several rows with just one pass. You can choose depending on the number of rows you need for your farm. 
• Seeders: Seeders, both manual and automatic, can quickly and efficiently spread seeds to the field. 
• Rice Transplanters: Instead of seeds, rice transplanters plant rice seedlings on your farm. 

Parts Of A Planter

A planter is made up of several moving parts. All of these parts work together to successfully plant a seed in even spaces. Below are the basic parts of a planting machine:

• Seedbox: Most planters are made up of an even number of row units — from two to 48! Each row has a seedbox. This only means that you can plant multiple rows of seeds at a time, which can make it easier to tackle hectares of land in less time. 
• Trash Wheel: The next part is the trash wheel, which is responsible for cleaning out the debris in the row.
• Disc Opener: The disc opener digs a trench for the seed to be planted in, so you don’t have to. 
• Gauge Wheel: The wheel rotates the seed plate, causing the release of the seed from a distance away from the last seed released. 
• Closing Wheels: These wheels are situated at the back of the row. Their role is to cover up the seed that was released by the planter. 

Benefits Of Using A Planter

The main benefit of using a planter is that you can save plenty of time on planting, since the farm machinery can do the digging, planting the seed, and covering the seed for you. This ensures a timely planting for your farm.

Other than that, the rows are kept evenly spaced in the farm field, which means that you can make the most out of your available space. Having precise and even seed placement is important because it improves germination and produces a more uniform crop. 

By using a planter, you can reduce workload, stress, and health risks to farmers too. By lessening labor, they can do more work in the same amount of time or focus on other important farm tasks. 

Key Takeaway

Planters are one of the most important machinery for farmers. The working mechanism of this machine is similar to when you’re manually planting seeds. The soil is dug, the seed is planted, and the seed is covered. Each planter part has a specific role in this planting process, which helps ease the workload for farmers. Aside from that, there are different planting machines available too. 

If you’re interested to learn more about how does a planter work, you can contact us here at Ford Tractor! We can help you understand which of our planting machines will be the most beneficial for your farm. If you’re looking for other agricultural machineries such as tractors, harvesting machines, and the like, you may also inquire here!

Tractor attachments can help you accomplish your farming tasks on time while lessening the manual labor required. Since these are attached to a piece of powerful farm machinery, you don’t have to tire yourself too much when preparing the land, planting, fertilizing, harvesting, and more. There are plenty of implements and attachments for every farm task. But to get the most out of these, here are the tips for using tractor attachments. Continue reading on. 

Know The Types Of Attachment Connection

Tractor attachments are connected in different ways. 

Drawbar

A drawbar is a steel rod that links the tractor to an attachment. It’s typically used for attachments that don’t require lifting, such as a trailer. The drawbar is connected to the tractor, and you can connect the hitch of the attachment with a pin, loop, or clevis. The tractor can haul plows, harrows, cultivators, and more by using the drawbar. 

Three-Point Hitch

If you need to raise or lower the attachments, then you can also make use of the three-point hitch. This utilizes hydraulics and a control lever. Almost all tractors will have this type of connection or something similar. 

This type of connection is made up of three movable arms. The two long arms or the hitch lifting arms are controlled through the hydraulic system. These arms are capable of lifting, lowering, or tilting. The upper center arm is not normally powered by the hydraulic system but can be moved too. 

Power Take-Off (PTO)

The PTO can transfer power from the tractor’s engine to the implements and machinery that don’t have their own engine. With this, you can run implements like harvesters and the like. Almost all modern tractors have a PTO capability.

Always Consult The Manufacturer’s Manual

Before using tractor attachments and implements, take time to read, understand, and follow the manufacturer’s manual. This is a must, even if you have used similar attachments before. Each tractor attachment model will be different, so it’s important to be on the safe side by reading the manual first.

The manual will contain vital information, such as how the attachment functions and what safety precautions to follow when using it. It will also provide you with steps on how to use the attachments correctly and maintenance procedures to follow. 

Make Sure The Attachment Is In Good Working Condition

Make it a habit to check the tractor attachment before you begin working. Don’t forget to look at the guards and shields, and see if they’re in place and in good working condition. Take time to check the hydraulic lines for leaks or signs of damage. Ensure that all connections are secure and safe before working. 

Damaged guards and shields should always be replaced or repaired immediately. Call your mechanic for help, and don’t attempt to use your attachments when it’s not in good condition. 

Connect The Attachment Safely

Below are some tips on connecting the attachments safely to the tractor:

Drawbar

Hitch your implements to the drawbar to ensure that the angle of pull is below the tractor’s center of gravity. This will prevent the tractor from having an unbalanced weight, which can lead to tip-overs. 

To successfully hitch to the drawbar, you can align the holes on the hitch and the drawbar. Ensure that your tractor is in park before attaching the implement. Don’t forget to raise the implement jack stand so that the wheels can freely move. 

Three-Point Hitch

If you plan to use a three-point hitch, align the pinholes and draft arms with the hitch points of the implement. You can raise and lower the draft arms, so you can do this. Make sure to have the tractor on the brake before attaching the draft arms with pins and clips. Then you can start the tractor and lift the arms with hydraulics to match the top of the three-point hitch with the upper hitch point on the implement. Make sure to attach the hitch pin properly. 

Power-Take Off

The PTO spins quickly and can easily catch loose clothing or long hair, so make sure to be careful. Don’t wear loose clothing and don’t leave your shoelaces dangling. Make sure to tie back long hair too. Stand away from moving and rotating equipment. 

Lower the hydraulics, shut off the engine, set the tractor on the parking brake, and hitch the tractor to the implement. When connecting the shaft, make sure that the universal joints are in the correct phase. Other than that, make sure to disconnect the PTO when it’s not in use.  

Key Takeaway

Tractor attachments are crucial if you want to quickly finish your farm tasks and lessen labor! But they’re tricky to work with, especially if it’s your first time. You can follow the tips above to maximize the use of your tractor. Other than that, make sure to read the manual first and follow the information listed there before using your tractor attachments.

If you’re looking for more tips for using tractor attachments, you can send us a message here at Ford Tractor! We can provide you with a long list of implements and attachments, such as a backhoe, bedformer, front dozer, furrower, and many more. We can help you choose the best one for your farm tasks. 

Tractors are one of the most useful machinery used by farmers, but they’re also found in construction, road building, etc. They were designed specifically for use off the road, in rough terrain such as farm fields! Armed with a powerful engine and tough tires, this vehicle is a piece of crucial equipment for farmers, as it can help with various tasks — such as leveling the land, preparing the soil for planting, harvesting crops, and many more. If you’re interested, keep on reading to know about how do tractors work. 

Reasons Why Tractors Were Invented

To understand how tractors work, it’s beneficial to first learn why they were invented. They were originally made to replace working animals in the field. Back then, oxen and horses were being used to pull carts and plows. 

This inspired Henry Ford, an American industrialist, to make something better for heavy farm work. Henry Ford was determined to make a steam engine that would be capable of pulling a plow or running an ordinary wagon. 

Animals could get exhausted, so this means that work doesn’t last for very long when people had animals pull equipment. But because a tractor runs on an engine, farmers can increase production capacity. This is why a tractor is one of the most important pieces of machinery on a modern farm.

Purpose Of A Tractor On A Farm

A tractor can help with various farm tasks, lessening the labor for farmers and improving efficiency. This is usually achieved through attachments and implements that can perform a certain job. Below are just some things a tractor can help with:

• Use a front-end loader to push dirt, which could be useful for making paths, laying down weed mats, etc. The loader can also be used to scoop up manure.
• Plowing of soil to prepare it for seeds or planting.
• Tilling of soil using a disc harrow before planting the crops.
• Planting different types of crops by using the right planter implement.
• Harvesting crops through the use of special kinds of harvesters.

How A Tractor Pulls Attachments And Implements

Although modern tractors are much more sophisticated, their main job is still to pull things. But these can also power implements to make work easier in the field. Below is an overview of how this works:

• Drawbar: A drawbar is a sturdy steel rod that ensures a secure and flexible link for a tractor and the attachment. It’s used to pull things that don’t require lifting — like trailers or wagons. 

• Hitch: A hitch can attach an implement in three places securely. There is a central link and two hydraulically powered lift arms that can be used to lower and raise an implement — like a plow.

• Power Take-Off: A power take-off, which is a rotating shaft found at the back of a tractor, can power implements or machines. The PTO takes the power from the tractor’s engine and powers implements and machinery. Tractors that are pulling powered machinery run slowly, because some of the engine power is into the pulled equipment. 

Modern farm tractors are built with around 300 to 500 horsepower to get enough torque to do the job properly, considering the weight of the implement attached to the tractor. 

Other Important Parts Of A Tractor

Other than the parts that are used for pulling and powering implements, a tractor is also made of several important parts:

• Engine: Most tractors are powered by diesel engines, which explain the high pulling power. But there are also tractors with gasoline and LPG powered engines.

• Tires and Wheels: Tractors have large tires that are capable of going off-road. Typically, tractors use a two-wheel drive — the rear wheels are operated from the engine, while the front wheels are utilized for steering.

• Rollover Protection System (ROPS): ROPS are designed to add a protective zone on an operator when a tractor rollover occurs. It can also limit the degree of the rollover to reduce damages put on the tractor.

How A Tractor Is Operated

A tractor requires professional driving skills since they’re heavy and are often operated on unstable ground. It requires training, so an operator can fully understand what safety precautions to follow and how to reduce the risk of accidents. It helps to be familiar with the operator’s manual to learn the purpose of all the controls. A safety check is also required before operating the tractor.

Key Takeaway

Tractors are essential to farmers because they can help out lessen the physical labor and make farm tasks more efficient. With a tractor, a farmer can do more work in less time.

If you’re interested in learning how do tractors work, you can send us a message here at Ford Tractor! We can help you understand how this piece of farm machinery can be beneficial for your business. Other than high-quality and powerful tractors, we also carry plenty of attachments and implements that can be useful for various farm tasks. 

Proper ballasting is a topic that should be understood by tractor owners and operators because it affects the efficiency of this farm machinery. A properly ballasted tractor can provide plenty of benefits for you and your farm. If you’re interested, here is a guide to tractor ballasting. Keep on reading. 

Purpose Of Tractor Ballasting

To accommodate imbalances in horsepower, a tractor often needs to have additional weight added. A tractor won’t work as efficiently as it should if it has too little weight. This increases the slip and doesn’t maximize the power that a tractor is capable of. 

On the other hand, a certain amount of weight is needed for a tractor to transfer a horsepower of energy to the ground. This is achieved with extra weight, which is where ballasting comes in. 

Ballasting refers to boosting the tractor mass reversibly. This process effectively improves the grip of the farm machinery and therefore slipping is reduced. This is usually done when your tractor will primarily be used for activities that require a high amount of traction. Since it increases the stability of the tractor, it’s also done when you need to operate on sloping grounds. 

Ballasting has plenty of benefits, such as reducing the damage to the soil, improving the efficiency of the tractor, and maximizing the lifespan of the tires.

How To Ballast A Tractor

There are two ways a tractor ballast is done — with the use of metal weight or with water. This will depend on how your tractor will be used.

Metal Weight Ballast

A metal weight mass ballast is recommended if spreading the load between the front and the back of the tractor is needed. For instance, if you need your tractor to pull a light load, then it’s more beneficial to have most of the weight on the rear. This method is more flexible because you can adjust the weight as needed.

Water Ballast

Water ballasting is done to ballast a tractor for good. Keep in mind that this method will not allow you to redistribute the loads between the front and the rear. This is more cost-effective than a metal mass ballast, but you need to know if the tires are equipped with air or water valves.

In this method, the tires are filled with water up to 75% of the tire volume. The remaining space will be filled with air. There would be less air in the tire, so it would be beneficial to check the pressure frequently. 

Tips On Tractor Ballasting

To help you successfully ballast your tractor, follow these tips below:

Check The Manufacturer’s Recommendation

Always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines with it comes to the compatibility of the tires with water ballasting. Other than that, it’s also important to check the optimal ballast recommendations depending on a specific application. 

Use The Right Tires And Rims

The rims should be able to accommodate the weights put on them. Other than that, the tires should be the right size so that you can use lower pressures.

Pay Attention To Tire Inflation

Having overinflated tires while having increased weight might not be good for your tractor. For this reason, find a way to adjust tire inflation on the field, which will be helpful for fixing any compaction issues. 

Problems You Might Encounter

Below are some of the issues you might encounter when ballasting your tractor.

Over ballasting

Too much ballast on a tractor can significantly reduce slipping, but it also causes greater rolling resistance. The added weight can cause the tractor to sink a long way into the soil, so the wheels have to constantly get over the rut. Over ballasting can increase fuel consumption and reduce productivity because of excessive weight. Other than that, it can also lead to more mechanical wear and increased soil compaction. 

Ballasting when the tractor has no implement to pull is also risky, especially if the tractor is operated at speed. For water ballasted tractors, the liquid can create a pitching effect when cornering. This can compromise the stability of the tractor. 

Under ballasting

An under ballasted tractor has an increased potential for slipping. This will only lead to wasted fuel and reduced field output. Other than that, this can also lead to the creation of furrows, especially in wet fields.

Key Takeaway

Ballasting is a way to increase the grip of your tractor. It’s useful for applications where you need increased traction because traction is related to weight. By ballasting, you can reduce slipping and increase the efficiency of your tractor. 

Follow this guide to tractor ballasting if you want your farm machinery to be more efficient! If you’re interested in knowing more about tractors and other agricultural machines, you can contact us here at Ford Tractor. We can assist you when it comes to choosing the best equipment for your farm. This way, you can do your farm tasks in a more productive and less-laborious manner. 

Just like cars and other farm machinery, tractors are made up of different parts that work together. Eventually, some parts reach the end of their lifespan. To maintain a healthy tractor, you will need to change some parts from time to time to keep it running for longer. Because of that, you need to know what tractor parts to keep on hand. This way, you can perform replacements immediately when needed! Keep on reading to learn more. 

Lighting

Tractor light bulbs enable you to work safely and efficiently while on the field. Without them, you might have trouble navigating safely on your farm where there may be people, animals, or obstructions on the way. 

For this reason, it’s important to have light bulbs on hand, so you can quickly replace burnt bulbs and continue your work safely. You can stock on headlamps, taillights, and warning lights. You can consult your manufacturer’s manual on how to replace them yourself on site. 

Belts

Belts are one of the most important parts of your tractor as they can keep things moving. But over time, they can loosen, crack, split, or undergo other damages. When this happens, you might not be able to use your tractor as effectively until you replace the belts. 

To prevent costly downtimes, have replacement belts on stock on your farm. Keep a few alternator belts, fan belts, and air compressor belts, so you can quickly replace the damaged ones and maintain uptime. 

Linkage

Linkage refers to pins, linkage balls, top links, lower links, stabilizers, drawbars, and more. 

For instance, a hitch pin connects the implement to the tractor. Because of this, it’s one of the most critical components in keeping control of implements! If the pin falls out, it could lead to accidents. That’s why before pulling trailers or wagons, the condition of the hitch pins and safety pins should be checked. Discard bent hitch pins and always replace them with new ones, because this is a safety issue.

PTO Parts

The power take-off (PTO) is a drive shaft that can transfer power from a tractor to an implement. A PTO rotates very fast, usually either at 540 RPM or 1,000 RPM. Because it’s a safety hazard, manufacturers include PTO guards too. These keep clothes, arms, and legs from being caught. But not having a guard can be dangerous. Some people remove damaged shields and never replace them. 

Because it’s a safety concern, it’s beneficial to have PTO guards on hand in case they get damaged. Other than that, because PTO equipment is usually exposed to dust and other foreign materials, the bearings can get damaged easily, so having spare parts for replacement is useful. 

Tires

Tires are exposed to different objects and conditions that can cause cuts and tears on the material. Because of this, the tires need to be replaced every few years to maintain the overall performance of the tractor. 

To know if you need new tires, first check for wheel slippage. Some tires have wheel slip indicators that can show the rate of tire-to-surface contact. Look for signs of higher fuel consumption, which can be caused by slippage. Other than that, dry rot is another sign that the tires should be replaced. This happens when the moisture inside evaporates, making the tire weak. The tires can break apart while driving. 

Transmission Parts

The transmission system of the tractor is composed of several parts, such as the clutch and brakes. If the tractor shows signs of problems with the transmission, it’s time to get replacement parts and have the parts checked soon. 

One symptom that the clutch needs immediate replacement is that it takes time for it to return or stay in the engaged position. A too-soft or too-hard clutch is also a problem. Other than that, look out for strange sounds that can indicate that there is a clutch issue. For brakes, it’s a must to only drive when the system is in good working condition. Neglecting problems can only lead to accidents, so having brake parts in hand will be beneficial when a replacement is needed.

Electrical System Parts

Batteries are responsible for the current for the ignition and starting system of a tractor. Keeping the battery terminals clean will help extend its life. Batteries that are fully discharged will have a shorter life. To maintain uptime, having a spare battery on hand can be helpful.

Another electrical system component that you should look out for is the alternator, which has the role of charging the battery and powering the electrical system for the tractor. 

Key Takeaway

Now that you know which tractor parts to keep on hand, you can keep your agricultural machinery in optimal condition! By having spare parts on your farm, you can quickly perform replacements for maintenance or repairs and lessen downtime. 

If you’re looking for high-quality and affordable spare parts for your tractor, you can send us a message here at Ford Tractor! We make sure to have at least 95% of spares for our machines available for our customers. This way, you can get what you need immediately!

When it comes to farm work, there are a variety of tasks that needs to be done such as preparing the land, planting the seeds, applying the fertilizers, harvesting, and more. All of these tasks can be accomplished through manual labor, but the physical effort can be extremely tiring and time-consuming. This is why you might be considering finding some farm equipment to invest in.

With the right farm equipment, you can lessen the manual labor on your farm and improve efficiency. You will be able to handle more land area, save time on farm work, and follow your desired schedule. In this blog, we will be taking a look at some farm equipment you might need sooner or later. Keep on reading. 

Tractor

A tractor is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment that you can use on your farm. It’s an essential tool for farmers — no matter what type of crop you’re planting on your farm. Tractors can provide the power to perform several agricultural tasks, whether it’s preparing the land, planting, harvesting, and more. This type of farm equipment can pull heavy loads and be operated on rough terrains. It is especially useful on larger farms, where you need to tackle wide spaces of land. 

What makes tractors special is that they can be fitted with several attachments depending on what job you need to get done. This means that you can invest in one tractor and be able to tackle several tasks required on your farm, enabling you to get the best value for your money. 

Below are some of the tractor attachments that you might consider getting:

• Backhoe
• Bedformer
• Furrower
• Harvester (Cassava, Corn, Forage, etc)
• Land Leveler
• Front Loader
• Planter 
• Sprayer
• Trailer

Planting Machines

Farming requires plenty of planting, but there are many benefits to using planting machines compared to doing it manually. Planting equipment is worth investing in because they are designed to quickly and efficiently plant your seeds or seedlings in the field — especially when you’re dealing with large plots of land. 

There are different types of planting machines:

Seeders

Seeders are specifically designed to spread seeds across the land. There are manual seeders and automatic seeders available. 

Rice Transplanters

A rice transplanter is made to replant rice seedlings in your paddy field. There are rice transplanters that can easily plant a row of seedlings in one go, making it an essential tool for rice farms. This planting equipment can be divided into two:

• Walk-Behind Rice Transplanters – These rice transplanters are manually pushed by the operator to plant rice seedlings.
• Riding Type Rice Transplanters – These rice transplanters are faster because they are operated as a vehicle, making them suitable for larger rice farms.

Corn Planter

A corn planter can plant the seeds more accurately, placing them in the land with equal spacing and depth. Since several rows can be planted in just one pass, the process is faster and more efficient. You can find corn planters available with different number of rows.

Harvesting Machines

Harvesting is a crucial step in producing crops because you have to have the right timing to get the best quality product. Harvester machines are worth investing in because they allow you to achieve a timely harvest, as you can harvest more crops in a shorter time. This enables you to sell the crops as soon as possible, so they’re of the best quality. 

There are a variety of harvesting machines available depending on the crop you’re harvesting:

Rice Harvester

Rice harvesters are able to harvest hectares of land per day while reducing grain loss. Because of this, you can improve yields and increase income. Some rice harvesters can perform multiple functions needed for the harvest process, such as gathering, threshing, separating, cleaning, and transporting.

Multi-Crop Harvester

Multi-crop harvesters are a solid investment when you deal with various types of crops on your farm. There are various sizes available to match the size of your field.

Sugarcane Harvester

Sugarcane harvesters can cut the sugarcane stalks, clean them, and chop them into billets, lessening the need for manual labor for farmers. 

Corn Harvester

Corn harvesters can quickly harvest corn, allowing you to have numerous sacks of corn throughout the day. This is a must-have if your main crop is corn.

Cassava Harvester

Harvesting cassava on time is crucial because the crop can lose its quality very quickly. That’s why it’s important to be quick during harvest season. This is where cassava harvesters can help. 

Key Takeaway

Farm equipment is a must-have, especially if you have a very large farm and plenty of crops to work with. They make quick work of your farm tasks, allowing you to go through more land in less time.

If you’re still deciding what farm equipment to invest in, you can contact us here at Ford Tractor! We can help you figure out what is the best equipment that will help you work more efficiently on your farm. 

Spare parts are crucial for any agricultural machinery — especially tractors. Since tractors are heavily used on farms, they require maintenance and upkeep. This means that you might have to replace some parts routinely to keep the equipment in good working order. Sometimes, accidents happen, and you also need parts for repair. To prevent downtime, finding a supplier with fully-stocked inventory will be helpful. To help you, here are some of the things to consider when buying tractor parts. Keep on reading!

Purpose

The first thing you need to consider is the reason why you’re buying a tractor part. Common reasons include repair, maintenance, and upgrades. 

For instance, there are various parts that you need to change routinely. This includes filters and fluids. Because you’ll need them often, it helps to keep some of them on hand on your farm. 

Or maybe you’re looking to repair a component that suddenly broke down. To reduce delays in work, it helps to have a supplier that can immediately provide you with spare parts. For upgrades, you can take your time looking to get the best value for your money.

Quality

Before you pay for anything, make sure that you carefully inspect the spare part you’re buying. It’s best to invest in brand new and original spare parts for your tractor if you want to make the most out of your money. Since they’re original, you can expect the part to be compatible with your tractor. Other than that, you can also experience the same quality that you’re used to.

If you’re low on budget, you may be considering a pre-owned spare part. In this case, you need to make sure that the part is still usable for a long time. You will need to have the experience to determine if the part you’re buying is still of good quality. In this case, you can also ask for assistance from a trusted mechanic.

Brand

When purchasing tractor spare parts, you have two options. You can buy the same brand as your tractor or choose aftermarket parts. If you want to experience the same quality that you’re used to, buy the same brand as your tractor. 

But if you’re considering purchasing aftermarket parts, choose reliable suppliers that are known to provide only quality and durable products. 

Availability

In the agricultural industry, time is of the essence. This means that if your tractor breaks down suddenly in the middle of work, you have no choice but to delay operations for another day. This is where availability becomes crucial. 

If your supplier frequently stocks the spare parts you need, you can immediately have your tractor repaired so you can reduce delays in work. But if not, you have to wait while your unit stays in the shed uselessly. This will affect the productivity and efficiency of your farm. Aside from that, downtimes can be costly too. 

Cost

Not all farm owners have an unlimited budget, especially when it comes to emergencies when you need to have your tractor repaired. That’s why cost is one of the biggest considerations when you’re shopping for spare parts. 

But do consider the quality of the spare part when looking at the cost. For example, you might choose to buy a brand new and branded part that costs more than a pre-owned one, but you’re guaranteed durability. The good news is that there are suppliers who offer both quality and affordability. 

To make the most out of your budget, you can research the market price of the spare part you require online first. You can also compare prices from different suppliers. If your tractor needs major repairs, it might be helpful to consider if you’ll get more value if you buy a new tractor instead.

After Sales Support

Before buying, make sure that you’re dealing with a supplier with good after-sales support. This way, you can easily reach out to them when problems occur during the warranty period. You should always receive a warranty and guarantee on the parts. If there’s a defect, you should be able to get assistance from the supplier. This way, you won’t waste your money.

Key Takeaway

Now that you know the things to consider when buying tractor parts, you can make the most out of your money and reduce downtime in emergencies! To prevent further delays, you should also consider stocking up on some frequently changed tractor parts, such as fluids and filters. This can make maintenance much more convenient for you. 

If you’re looking for a tractor part supplier, you can contact us here at Ford Tractor! We are known for stocking up on 95% of spares for our tractors. This way, you wouldn’t have to wait when you need them the most. Aside from that, we also guarantee you that we have the best price in the market.

Fortunately, we have rice transplanted and other farm equipment in the Philippines available here at Ford Tractor Philippines. Send us a message to learn more!