Back to Independent.ie
Monday, 22 August 2022 | 21.2°C Dublin
Menu Sections
Menu Sections
Close
As activity ramps up, machinery is susceptible to fire. Photo: Roger Jones
/
Ciaran Moran Twitter Email
July 25 2022 09:45 PM
Contractors and farmers have been warned to ensure machinery is adequately insured and maintained after the recent hot weather caused a number of machines to catch fire in recent weeks.
As temperatures soared, activity ramped up, particularly with the grain harvest and haymaking.
Michael Moroney, Chief Executive of the Association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI), said it is absolutely vital that contractors have all their key machinery listed on their policy.
He said he has seen cases where balers and combi units went up in smoke, and there was a hope that if they were left attached to the tractor, they would be covered, however, he said, “that is not necessarily the case in my experience”.
Mr Moroney said soaring inflation in farm machinery prices in recent years had underlined the importance of having adequate insurance.
“If you have valuable machinery, like a baler or a combi unit, you would be mad not to have it listed on your policy. These machines are so expensive now. Contractors cannot afford to take the risk,” he said.
The FCI has also been highlighting the importance of machinery maintenance during hot periods to prevent fires from breaking out in valuable machinery.
While temperatures have reduced in recent days, the grain harvest is underway and all combine harvester operators have been advised to keep excess thrash away from the combine harvester. That means cleaning the machine down regularly
with a blower, the FCI has said.
It also highlighted that contractors must make sure all machines have fire extinguishers on board and that all fire extinguishers are in good working order.
“Be prepared for a fire possibility and have an emergency plan in place to make sure that in the event of a fire, everyone knows what to do and that nobody’s life is put at risk.
“Finally, check that all machines have the necessary insurance cover and that includes goods-in-transit cover if you are moving expensive crops from the field to the yard or store as part of your combine harvesting service,” it said.
Get the latest farming news and advice every Tuesday and Thursday.
This field is required
A Mediahuis Website © Farming Independent