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1. Acreage Machinery Introduction
By Don Janssen, UNL Extension Educator
Once you move to the country you will realize there are
certain voids that need to be filled. One of these voids
is proper acreage equipment. The old push mower just doesn't
get the job done. Mowing all day is great exercise but
doesn't leave much time for anything else. Hand tools
like post hole diggers, sledge hammers and pitchforks
find relevance and are needed more than first expected.
This month let's scratch the surface of equipment for
the acreage. Remember the acreage is in that twilight
zone between urban lot and a farm producing grain or livestock.
It can be hard to find equipment that isn't too large
or small, too expensive or only have limited use. I'm
sure the following articles will raise more questions
than they may answer, but after all, we are talking about
living on an acreage.
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2. Acreage Buildings
By Don Janssen, UNL Extension Educator
Most of the farm or acreage buildings constructed today
are selected from the wide variety of "pre-engineered"
structures available from commercial manufacturers or
large contracting firms. These buildings, commonly referred
to as "package buildings," have been designed to reduce
construction costs through standardization.
Package buildings are available in a variety of sizes
and shapes, and they contain features that reflect both
the needs of their intended use and the choice of their
designer. Their purchase can be compared to that of a
tractor or an automobile - there are high-price models,
economy units and usually a variety of optional accessories
that add to the cost.
Check out these websites for information on how to buy
a package farm building and selecting and working with
a farm building contractor.
Buying A Packaged Farm Building, http://muextension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/agengin/g01004.htm
Selecting
and Working With A Farm Building Contractor, http://muextension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/agengin/g01005.htm
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3. Tractor Safety
By Don Janssen, UNL Extension Educator
Tractors, big or small, all are subject to the same safety
hazards and precautions. Tractors handle differently than
most other motorized vehicles. Hand and foot operations
are different and may not be second nature as with your
automobile.
Check out these sites to familiarize yourself with safe
operation of tractors and other farm equipment.
Safety
On The Farm, http://www.saftek.net/worksafe/farm_05.htm
Riding
Mower Safety, http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs/d000801-d000900/d000857/d000857.html
Homeowners
Should Use Small Tractors, Riding Mowers Safely, http://aginfo.psu.edu/PSP/04psp/pr/04346_pr.html
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4. Equipment Engine Maintenance
By Don Janssen, UNL Extension Educator
The bigger the equipment the harder it is to take it somewhere
for maintenance. Most of the minor repairs and maintenance
can be done right on the farm. The important thing to
remember is to do the maintenance on a regular or scheduled
basis and not forget to do something. If available, follow
manufactures recommendations.
Check these sites for important information on engine
care and maintenance. Your tractor will love you for it.
The
Small Tractor FAQ- Tractor Maintenance, http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/kb13/maint_sb.htm
Seasonal
Engine Maintenance, http://www.i4at.org/surv/winteriz.htm
Notes
on the Troubleshooting and Repair of Small Gasoline Engines
and Rotary Lawn Mowers- About Squeals and Other Animals
Noises, http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/lmfaq.htm#lmsqueals
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5. Vintage Tractors
By Don Janssen, UNL Extension Educator
What would a place in the country be without a vintage
or antique tractor. If you find one still in good operational
condition it can do many jobs around the acreage as well
as offer you enjoyment of a ride around the "farm" and
enjoyment of repairing and maintaining it. Many are still
for sale and parts are available.
If vintage tractors interest you check out these sites.
N-Series.com, http://www.nseries.com/
The
Vintage Ford Tractor Resource, http://members.aol.com/naa60512/naa.htm
Yesterday's
Tractors, http://www.yesterdaystractors.com/
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6. Fences For The Acreage
By Don Janssen, UNL Extension Educator
Fences can be used for many things but on the acreage
they are usually meant to protect or divide property,
to improve its appearance, to confine animals, or to exclude
animals. Whatever its purpose, you should plan a fence
carefully. Whether you select permanent or temporary fencing,
careful consideration of uses and proper maintenance is
necessary.
Fencing is a long term investment. Good fences should
last from 25 to 50 years. Planning is the key to good
fencing.
The following website is an excellent resource for the
planning, construction, and maintenance of fences.
Fences
For the Farm, http://pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/pubcd/C774.htm
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7. All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV)
By Don Janssen, UNL Extension Educator
Safe and responsible use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
is a top priority for AlphaSports, Arctic Cat, Bombardier,
Honda, John Deere, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha, leading
U.S. distributors of all-terrain vehicles. These distributors
are engaged in highly visible communications efforts targeted
to users and prospective buyers about the safe and responsible
use of ATVs. As a part of these efforts hands-on training
is offered free-of-charge by these distributors to all
individuals who purchase new ATVs, including the purchaser's
eligible family members. Training also is available to
all ATV riders who don't qualify for free training, such
as purchasers of used ATVs or other prospective riders,
for a reasonable fee.
Training is conducted through the ATV Safety Institute
(ASI), a division of the not-for-profit Specialty Vehicle
Institute of America (SVIA) association. Developed as
an outgrowth of the SVIA all-terrain vehicle training
program, the ASI was formed to implement an expanded national
program of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) safety education,
awareness and training.
For more information on ATV safety check out this site:
ATV Safety.org, http://www.atvsafety.org/
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8. Chain Saws
By Don Janssen, UNL Extension Educator
A chain saw is a powerful tool that can be used for a
variety of purposes, such as cutting firewood and clearing
land. However, operating a chain saw can be five times
more dangerous than driving a race car. Some of the hazards
associated with chain saw use are: kickback, burns, electrocution
and loss of control.
Check out this web site for good information on the selection
of a chain saw to fit your needs and the safe use and
maintenance of this valuable tool.
Basic
Chain Saw Safety and Use, http://muextension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/agengin/g01959.htm
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9. Nebraska High Performance Mowers
By Paul C. Hay, UNL Extension Educator
If you are looking for a high quality commercial lawn
mower for your acreage, then look to Nebraska made mowers.
Beatrice is the little Detroit of commercial grade lawn
mower production with four major makes produced in the
city. Commercial grade mowers are top of the line heavy
duty equipment built and powered for long service and
daily use. Groundskeepers, professional mowers, parks
departments, cemeteries and large acreage owners are primary
customers.
Encore Power Equipment,
http://encoreequipment.com, offers a Z-series of riders
and Premier walk behinds. Exmark is the commercial division
of Toro and the largest mower manufacturer in town. Exmark,
http://exmark.com, offers Lazer Z riders and TurfTracer
walk behinds. Husqvarna manufacturers two lines. Husqvarna,
http://husqvarna.com, Zth series riders and W series
walk behinds and Yazoo/Kees,
http://yazookees.com, Max series riders and Kutter
series walk behinds.
Commercial grader mowers are sold and serviced through
a dealer network. Walk behind units start at $2000 and
up and smaller rider units start at $5000 and up. These
are not your everyday brand of yard mower. However, if
you have a larger area to mow and are interested in quality,
safety, performance, and buying a mower which will last,
Nebraska made mowers may be of interest.
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