Agriculture Backup Generator Maintenance

Why Do I Need Maintenance on My Generator for Farm Use?

Farmers are the heartbeat of our country, providing food and resources that we consume every day. Utility outages are concerning for agriculture producers who work closely with animals and yields that often need special environmental requirements.

From poultry buildings to barns for livestock and pigs, the agriculture industry relies on backup generators for farm use. That’s why being prepared with a well-maintained generator is so important to take care of before the power goes out.

Without a regular maintenance schedule, a non-functioning or malfunctioning generator can cost you almost everything, putting your product and yourself in danger.

The Risks of Not Servicing Agriculture Generators

Cold, heat, and storms are common environmental detriments to generators in any industry, but agriculture properties have a unique challenge.

With many farms, ranches, co-ops, and other agricultural properties being in rural areas, dust and debris can impede units. When generators for farm use aren’t properly checked, they often fail when you need them the most.

Preventative maintenance can help you avoid these problems before they become major setbacks to your operations. Some of the most common issues we come across, include:

• Engine oil and filter media breakdown
• Wet stacking in diesel engines
• Leaking
• Wearing of the block heater
• Sputtering and stalls
• Fuel tank leaking

While generator malfunctions can be frustrating, they can also be extremely dangerous for workers. As generators are primarily powered by raw materials, such as fuel (diesel, natural gas) and electricity, the incorrect use of those materials can lead to harm, including carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electric shocks, fire, or burns.

LionHeart Critical Power Specialists put your safety at the forefront of our work. Our technicians are certified and trusted to keep your agriculture properties prepared for outages with properly working units. Work with our team and receive a consultation for your farm generator, today!

How Often Does My Generator for Farm Use Need to Be Serviced?

Even though many farm generators run less than 50 hours per year, they still require inspection, as a low run time can actually be a hinderance.

However, determining the right maintenance schedule for your generator will depend on some specific details, such as:

• Age
• Condition
• Specific issue
• Environment
• Application

Many generators for farm use should receive quarterly or semi-annual PM1 maintenance services, which includes a thorough inspection of the generator set, controls, and enclosure condition. During our visits, LionHeart Critical Power Specialists will top off any engine fluids and will work with you to create a repair plan for any minor concerns before they become large problems.

What Type of Maintenance Needs to Be Done for Agriculture Generators?

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) notes that nearly 1.74 percent of the primary energy consumption in the country comes from the agriculture industry.

Whether your operation involves a vertical farming structure or is focused on food production, the amount of energy needed for a farm to last through an outage can be immense.

PM2 maintenance, which is scheduled annually, may be the right fit for certain agricultural facilities. During a PM2 inspection, our technicians will replace oil, oil and fuel filters, and will add samples that apply, such as oil, diesel, and/or coolant.

LionHeart will take care of several maintenance items for your farm generators, such as:

• Battery testing
• Lubrication service
• Cooling system
• Generator cleaning
• Engine exercising

While the PM2 is an annual inspection, it is advised that this type of maintenance is paired with a semi-annual inspection to address any concerns that may have arisen during the time between visits. Recommendations for repairs will be made if any issues are discovered.

Generators for farm use may also benefit from load bank testing as a way to ensure your generator is operating efficiently.

LionHeart will work with you to determine a custom maintenance plan that meets your needs so you can avoid the stresses that come with forgoing maintenance, which costs time, money, and aggravation.

Need a Hand with Your Generator for Farm Use?

Keeping your farm operations intact during outages is our mission. LionHeart Critical Power Specialists have the tools and resources to maintain your backup generators so you are prepared at all times. We have over two decades of industry experience and are trusted by agriculture producers and numerous other industries.

Talk with LionHeart and receive a maintenance plan that is unique to your needs and budget. To get started, or for more information about our generator maintenance services, contact us, today!