Grade

10

TLE-AFA
AGRICULTURAL CROP
PRODUCTION
QUARTER 4 – MODULE 5
CLEANING, MAINTENANCE AND
STORAGE
OF TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

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 MELCs: Clean, maintain and store the tools and equipment according to
manufacturer’s specifications and supervisor’s instructions.

I. INTRODUCTION

Useful quality tools can be a significant investment, but they will last longer and
return the favor if you take good care of them. Making sure your devices are properly stored,
cleaned, and well maintained will save you time and money, as well as making your projects
and jobs much more comfortable.

II. MODULE CONTENT

CLEANING, MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE OF TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Farm tools and equipment will last for many seasons if they are maintained properly.
Clean, sharp blades on spades, shovels, hoes, and shears will make garden work much
easier. Although tools should be cleaned after every use, most gardeners are busy and
usually just return them to the shed or garage. Fortunately, neglected tools can often be
rejuvenated. The first step is to remove caked on soil from hoes, shovels and spades. It may
be necessary to use a forceful spray of water, a stiff brush, and soapy water. When most of the
residue is gone, go over the blade with steel wool to create a clean, smooth and shiny surface.
Rub naval jelly on the metal surfaces to remove rust spots.

General Cleaning Procedures

The farmer and/or farm workers responsible for cleaning must adhere as much as
possible to the following procedures:


and the cleaning program should be monitored to ensure its effectiveness.

handled, and stored.
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
area away from field and the storage of agricultural inputs and fresh vegetables.

must become familiar with the instruction use of these products.
 nts and mixing instructions.
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any chemicals.

Maintaining Farm Tools, Equipment, and Facilities

According to Ladia, et. al (2012), maintenance is work that is done regularly to keep
tools, equipment, and facilities in good condition and working order. We need to learn the
different kinds of maintenance in order to identify the activities and proper procedures in the
management of facilities as well as of the time, money and materials involved.
The proper use of training tools, equipment, and facilities is the first and foremost
task in maintenance. It used in accordance with the manufacturer’s manual, as this would
evidently extend the life of the tools, equipment, and facilities. The manual would indicate the
part and the way to maintain it. We must always refer to it for reference.

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 Farm Tools and its Uses, Cleaning/Storing/Maintenance Practices
Farm tools can be categorized into gardening tools and farming tools. Gardening
tools are small farm tools used for carrying out general gardening activities. This mostly
entails crop production at a very small scale level. Farming tools are tools used for performing
various farming activities. These activities may
entail both crop production and livestock rearing.

GARDEN TOOLS Cleaning/Storing/Maintenance Practices

Bolo • Store properly in the tool store.
• Paint the metallic part to prevent rusting during long periods of storage.
• Repair worn out or broken handle.
• Sharpen when blunt using of a file.
Axe • Replace worn out handles.
• Paint the metallic part to prevent rusting.
• Store properly in the tool store.
• Sharpen regularly to maintain efficiency.
Pick axe Replace the handle when worn out.
• Paint the metallic part to prevent rusting.
• Proper storage in the tool store.
• Fix loose handle properly.
Digging hoe • Regular cleaning after use.
(hand hoe) • Proper storage in the tool store.
• Paint the metallic part to prevent rusting.
• Sharpen regularly to maintain efficiency.
• Replace incase of broken handle.
Wheelbarrow • Tighten loose nuts and bolts.
• Grease or oil the wheel and moving parts to facilitate smooth running of the wheel.
• Apply old engine oil or paint the metallic part to prevent rusting.
• Store properly under a tool shed.
• Repair any worn out or broken parts.
Rake • Paint the metallic part to prevent rusting.
• Replace any worn out or broken handles.
• Repair any broken or bent teeth.
• Store in a cool store.
Hand trowel • Store properly in the tool rack.
• Apply old engine oil to prevent rusting.
• Clean after use.
• Replace broken wooden handles.
• Ensure it is firm.
Spading fork • Repair any broken handles.
• Store properly in a tool shed.
• Paint the metallic parts to prevent rusting.
Watering can • Clean after use.
• Paint the body (tank) to prevent rusting (for metallic watering cans).
• Remove the rose, unblock the perforations and return in place.
• Proper storage in the tool store.
• Repair leaking tank and any other damaged parts, such as the handle.
Shovel • Replacing worn out handles.
• Applying oil on the metallic parts to prevent rusting.
• Store properly in a dry place.
Slasher The handle must be well fixed and the blade must be kept sharp.
Billhook The handle must be well fixed and the blade must be kept sharp.

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 Grafting knife • The blade must be well fixed on the handle.
• The blade must be kept sharp.
• The blade must also be painted to reduce rusting.
Secateurs • Replace broken handles.
• Paint the metallic parts to prevent rusting.
• Store properly in a tool cabinet.
• Grease or oil the pivot for easy movement.
• Replace the worn out parts.
• Sharpen the edges.
Leveling board • Clean after use.
• Store properly in a tool rack.
FARMING TOOLS Cleaning/Storing/Maintenance Practices
Forked hoe • Clean after use.
• Oil the metallic parts to prevent rusting.
• Replace broken handle.
• Straighten bent prongs.
Spade • Clean after use.
• Store properly in the tools store.
• Apply oil on the metallic parts to prevent rusting.
• Replace any broken handles.
Knapsack Sprayer • Wash thoroughly after use and keep in a safe place.
• Oil or grease the moving parts.
• Remove dirt, soil and small stones from the sieve regularly.
• Check the nozzle regularly to unblock when blocked.
Sprinkler Unblock the nozzles when blocked.
• Clean after use.
• Store properly in a dry place after use.
• Repair worn out or broken parts.
Hose pipe • Clean after use.
• Store properly in a tool shed.
Pruning shear • Clean after use.
• Store properly in a tool cabinet.
• Paint to prevent rusting.
• Grease or oil the moving parts to avoid friction.
• Sharpen the blades regularly.
Pruning saw • Replace broken handle.
• Paint the metallic part to prevent rusting.
• Set the teeth by use of a saw set so that it is in good condition.
• Store properly in a tool cabinet.
Manure fork • Clean after use.
• Handle must be well fixed and replace broken handles.
Hay fork • Clean after use.
• Store properly in a tool rack.
Sickle • Clean sickle after use.
• Store properly in a tool rack.
• Handle must always be well fixed onto the blade and broken ones replaced.
Scythe • The blade must always be well-fastened and sharpened.
• Broken handles must be replaced.

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 Storage of Farm Tools and Equipment

All equipment should be thoroughly cleaned with a high-pressure washer to remove dirt
and trash residue. Accumulated trash and dirt can create fire hazards, electrical malfunctions,
corrosion and rust of equipment, which may result in breakdowns next season. Important
areas to clean on all self-propelled machines are the engine compartment, heat
exchangers/radiator fans and the area under the control center.
Once equipment is clean, farmers should thoroughly service and lubricate the machine.
Also check for worn belts, loose bolts, oil leaks and the condition of all hoses, in addition to
operational/ performance checks.

Engine/Power Train
After cleaning the outside of the cooling system, check the coolant level amount of
anti-freeze protection and its condition. Dependent upon your service interval, it may be
necessary to drain the system, flush the radiator and refill with proper coolant and service the
coolant filter as required, if so equipped.

Electrical
Modem batteries do not have to be removed from equipment, except in extremely cold
regions, cleaning the battery, its posts and cable connections is advised. On an idle machine,
the battery ground cable should be disconnected from the battery to avoid corrosive build up
and possible battery discharge.

Harvesting Equipment
Combine headers require special storage care. We suggest closely inspecting header
units, both corn and grain types, for worn, bent or broken parts and replacing them as
needed. Proper adjustment of belts and chains is critical to prolong wear.

Corn Heads
Stalk roll knives should be sharpened or replaced and lubricated, and auger systems
checked for proper function. Top off your corn head check up by lubricating all main points
including chains and other moving parts.

Grain Headers
Operators should check the reel drive, sickle wobble box drive, auger, retractable fingers
and stripper bars of the grain header. Knife guards and other parts should be inspected for
wear and replaced as needed. Round out the check up by lubricating and properly adjusting
the grain header.
Finally, equipment tires should be cleaned and inspected for possible cuts. Check tire
pressures before storing equipment and inflate them as necessary.

Tillage Tools
Many owners believe that since the hydraulic cylinder rods are chrome, they won't rust.
Although cylinder rods are resistant to rust, they must be protected from the elements.
Thoroughly coating all cylinder rods with a protective lubricant is advised. Rusted cylinder
rods can quickly damage seals.
Before storing the unit, all ground-working tools and mold boards should be cleaned and
coated with a lubricant to guard against rust. Don’t forget to check the shanks on field
cultivators. Worn shank bushings or pins should be replaced. Don't go into your next season
with bent or worn shanks that can leave skips in the fields.

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Planters/Drills
Like other equipment, planters and drills should be cleaned of any build up, especially in
the seed or fertilizer boxes. Make sure all movable parts are free and not stuck due to
chemical corrosion. Operators should check all moving parts for excessive wear. On air
planters, the condition of the cut off brush is very important and should be adjusted properly.
Finally, lubricate all moving parts and inspect all chains and other drive mechanisms for
excessive wear or misalignment. Proper off-season storage will add value to your farm
equipment, increase its lifespan and decrease your operating costs.

Off-Season Storage Checklist

 Thoroughly clean all equipment with a high-pressure washer.
 Lubricate all points.
 Coat all parts that rust easily, such as plow shares or chrome hydraulic cylinder rods,
with a high-quality protectant.
 Inspect all equipment for broken, bent or worn parts. Repair or replace as necessary.
 Apply touch-up paint to scratched or rusted areas.
 Apply a generous coating of wax to help equipment fight the effects of the elements.
 Store equipment in a shed or under a tarp or heavy plastic if possible.

Self-Propelled Equipment
 Check or drain, flush and refill the radiator with correct coolant.
 Drain engine oil and analyze it to determine the presence of contaminants.
 Check hydraulic system fluid. Replace if needed.
 Check the transmission fluid level. If needed, drain and refill. Install new filters.
 Check fuel tanks for condensation. Fill tanks with high-grade fuel.
 Disconnect battery ground cables if the machine is idle for several months.
 Check fire pressure frequently during the winter.

Maintenance Task in Agriculture

Maintenance activities in agriculture include the maintenance of both machinery and

infrastructure and they can range from simple tasks to more complicated ones.

1. Maintenance and repair of machines and equipment

Day-to-day maintenance keeps machinery, vehicles and equipment on farms safe. It
includes oil and filter changes, battery charging and replacement.

1.1 Workshop
Workshops are needed to service, repair, and adjust equipment and keep tools
in one location for all kinds of farm work. Workshops may therefore contain a range
of dangerous tools and substances. It is important that workshops are properly
designed and equipped. A good workshop can improve the efficiency of farm work
and facilitate preventive maintenance of equipment how a workshop is arranged,
equipped and maintained is also important to prevent risks. Broken equipment,
machines and vehicles have to be repaired as soon as possible and this is often
done by the farmers and their employees. Only large farm companies have big
workshops and employ skilled maintenance technicians.

1.2 Machinery maintenance

The maintenance on machinery and its implements, equipment and farm
vehicles includes tasks such as:
 Maintenance of electrical connections;
 Replacing or repairing safety guards;
 Sharpening or replacing machines’ cutting blades;
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  Regular maintenance of engines, cooling systems;
 Lubrication, oil changes, filter changes:
 Maintenance of lifting equipment;
 Clearing blockages;
 Light metal machining, welding;
 Operations with compressed air/tyres;
 Maintenance of oil mill’s machinery as olives transporters, cleaner and
washing machine, mill, mixer, transfer pumps, centrifuges, screw extractor,
receiving hoppers, presses;
 Cleaning and lubricating power-take-off shaft guarding;
 Maintenance of hydraulic systems.

1.3 Maintenance of portable tools

Portable tools such as saws, hammers, screwdrivers, axes and wrenches and
powered portable tools such as circular saws, drills, motor winch or high pressure
cleaners are part of everyday work in agriculture. These everyday tools can be very
dangerous and when they are not maintained properly they can cause serious
injuries, such as electric shock, finger or hand injuries or severe eye injuries.
Especially dangerous are broken or defective tools, or tools that have been modified
unprofessionally. Powered hand tools can also cause physical hazards such as
vibration and noise, and can cause ergonomic injuries especially if they are not
properly maintained.
Portable electrical tools have been responsible for many electrocutions on
farms. Such tools include electric welders, drills, angle grinders, and battery
chargers.

Tasks to be performed are:





 Replacing broken cords
Tools must be kept in good condition and appropriately stored.

1.4 Maintenance and repair of vehicles

Regular inspection and service of agricultural vehicles is important to ensure
continuity of farm work and to prevent accidents in the field and in the work shop.
However, workers can be seriously and even fatally injured while performing simple
maintenance tasks and repairs to agricultural vehicles such as tractors. Particularly,
repair of vehicles out in the fields presents a great challenge and should be carried out
with particular care.

 Checking, maintaining and repairing b






 Checking, maintaining and repairing hydraulic lifts and coupling
devices;
 Checking tyre pressure.

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 III. ACTIVITY PROPER

ACTIVITY 1

ARRANGE ME! (5 pts.)

Directions: Arrange the jumbled letters to form the word that is being described in each item.

_____ 1. L A I G C E N N- the process of removing unwanted substances, such as dirt,

infectious agents, and other impurities, from an object or environment.
_____ 2. S O I G T R N - to deposit or receive in a storehouse or warehouse for safekeeping.
_____ 3. M I T N N E A N E A C - work that is done regularly to keep tools, equipment, and
facilities in good condition and working order.
_____ 4. P A T C S R C I E - the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as
opposed to theories relating to it.
_____ 5. M C I E A H N - a mechanically, electrically, or electronically operated device for
performing a task.

ACTIVITY 2

IDENTIFICATION (10 pts.)

Directions: Write the proper cleaning/maintenance/storing practices of the following farm
tools and equipment.

Farm Tools/Equipment Cleaning, Maintenance and Storing Practices

1. Wheel barrow

2. Shovel

3. Knapsack Sprayer

4. Planters/Drills

5. Combine harvester

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 ANSWER KEY

REFERENCES

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/smallfarms/clean-and-maintain-garden-tools
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1564&context=extension_curall
https://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/reports/maintenance-in-agriculture-a-safety-and-health-guide
https://elearning.reb.rw/course/view.php?id=306&section=3
https://lowellcorp.com/properly-maintaining-your-tools/

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 IV. SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Part I. TRUE OR FALSE (10pts.)

Directions: Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if it’s not.

_____ 1. Farm tools and equipment will last longer if they are maintained properly.
_____ 2. The cleaning of equipment, tools, and containers must take place in a designated
area away from field and the storage of agricultural inputs and fresh vegetables.
_____ 3. Maintenance is needed in order to identify the activities and proper procedures in
the management of facilities as well as of the time, money and materials involved.
_____ 4. The improper maintenance of training tools, equipment, and facilities is the first and
foremost task in cleaning and storing.
_____ 5. Accumulated trash and dirt can create fire hazards, electrical malfunctions,
corrosion and rust of equipment.
_____ 6. Contaminants can cause intensive damage to hydraulic systems.
_____ 7. Condensation is the biggest threat to fuel systems next to using a poor grade of fuel
high in sulfur content.
_____ 8. Day-to-day maintenance keeps machinery, vehicles and equipment on farms
unsafe.
_____ 9. Regular inspection and service of agricultural vehicles is important to ensure
continuity of farm work and to prevent accidents in the field and in the work shop.
_____ 10. Before storing the unit of tillage tools, all ground-working tools and mold boards
should be cleaned and coated with a lubricant to guard against rust.

Part II: ENUMERATION (5 pts.)

Directions: Give what is being asked.

General Cleaning Procedures

1. _______________________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________________

Storage Checklist
1. _______________________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________________

Part III: Essay (10 pts.)

Directions: Explain the following.

1. How can you practice proper cleaning, storing and maintenance at home?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

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