Mainland Machinery Ltd

Predictive Mine Equipment Maintenance

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mine equipment maintenancePredictive Mine Equipment Maintenance

Mining equipment is built to withstand a lot of beating. It must carry tons of weight and be used under the most extreme environments and conditions, while being able to function without problems. The maintenance of mining equipment is challenging due to its remote locations. Mechanics must be proactive in their repairs by remaining one step ahead of any equipment maintenance requirements, because miners lose money when equipment breaks down. Failing to assess, determine or predict equipment reliability, or getting replacements on time, can be devastating to the organization.

Modern digital equipment has been developed, which can be used to take precise measurements of each different part and determine the current condition of the part. It is vital that equipment is measured regularly to determine if any worn parts may require replacement. To help predict the current condition of your equipment and prevent costly unscheduled downtime, these technologies provide miners with early warnings of any pending problems. This allows resources to be secured in advance, so that any problems can be addressed before the equipment fails.

Vibration monitoring

Vibration monitoring allows the engineers to measure precise amounts of wear occurring on the moving parts of equipment. This is done using sensors, which are specially designed to measure the vibration of large moving mining equipment such as bearings, gears and pumps. The data is displayed in real-time, in a data acquisition system and in a control room.

Additionally, the data is monitored by a vibration analyst for any warning signs that will indicate deteriorating health. This is highly efficient because mining machines are spread out over a wide area, making it difficult for the maintenance team to deal with them on a regular basis. From the results of the collected data, the team is able to troubleshoot any issues, and schedule needed repairs or maintenance, in advance.

Laser alignment of equipment parts

Laser shaft alignment helps reduce the energy expenditure of equipment that is joined together by shafts and couplings. Without proper alignment, the machines can develop a high vibration level, which can also cause more wear on bearings. This can lead the bearings, and eventually the machine, to fail. Having rotational equipment aligned removes many reasons equipment fails. Some benefits of proper alignment are:

  • Reducing vibration levels
  • Reducing shaft wear and probability of failure
  • Reducing power consumption

Besides minimizing the measuring time, the laser alignment tool helps monitor the vertical and horizontal position of each shaft as it is being adjusted. This tool saves time by reducing the amount of unnecessary corrections made and by allowing the maintenance team to be more proactive in their equipment maintenance.

Leading preventive maintenance solutions can do more than just save equipment. With greater access to equipment reliability data, maintenance teams in mines are able to make strategic decisions and be more proactive regarding equipment maintenance.

Mainland Machinery Ltd

Big Data’s Benefits in the Oil and Gas Industry

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big dataBig Data’s Benefits in the Oil and Gas Industry

Big Data has become the new buzzword for the C-level suite. For many, the power of Big Data to help run their business, identify untapped opportunities and uncover new revenue streams faster than ever before, has them salivating. Big Data can be considered a cost-effective approach to dig deep in to the volume, speed and chaos of massive amounts of data.

Within this data lies valuable trends and information that was hidden because of the massive amount of work required to analyse it. This power has been available to leading corporations, such as Walmart or IBM, but at high expense. Today’s technology and software has brought Big Data processing costs down and have made it more accessible for the rest of the corporate world. This technology is now feasible for start-ups to oil exploration companies.

The value of Big Data to the oil and gas industry falls into the areas of analytics and enabling new opportunities in oil exploration. Big Data analytics can reveal insights such as geological data points, reserve management and mapping, previously hidden in data too costly to process. It has already been in use on most Abu Dhabi oil and gas fields, where Big Data solutions have been noted to create major benefits.

Mapping of Potential Drilling Locations for Crude

Until recently, technology linked to oil exploration was considered basic and at times made it no more than a guessing game. Big Data analysis has helped change the way oil exploration is conducted. Now, the data collected from the field can be entered into specialized software, which helps to analyse the data based on specific criteria, delivering more accurate results.

Today, sonar mapping, 3D and 4D mapping is being used in exploration, which results in the creation of more precise oil and gas field maps. These maps are also very helpful in identifying additional deposits of oil and gas, which may be trapped within the porous rock surrounding the reservoirs.

Geology and mineral exploration companies are also keen on discovering what lies below the surface of the ground. With nanotechnology allowing sensors to be miniaturized, it’s possible to collect data directly from wells or mine shafts. This data will be of great importance to geologists and mineral exploration companies who can create accurate maps of deposits, without needing to drill in search of the minerals. With Canada’s economy heavily dependent on the oil industry, collecting accurate data related to the different oil producing areas will help map the region for further exploration.

Improved Security During Oil Production Transport and Processing

The analysis of data can also help to improve the security of crude and gas production; be it the processing, transportation or marketing of oil and gas. Tracking pipeline data points over vast regions is made easier through the use of software that analyses factors such as weather, temperature, ground conditions, and pipeline infrastructure. Failing to meet any of the specified inputs results in security programs being triggered and require security personnel to look into the matter. Through the use of data analysis, human error is eliminated, resulting in more effective security solutions, at a much faster response time.

With the demand for oil and natural gas continuing to reach all-time highs, the need to adapt to new technology and improve production and processing is crucial. Besides the exploration, production and processing of oil and gas, analysing Big Data can also be used to improve the efficiency of oil and gas consumption. Automobiles and the logistics industry remain the biggest consumers of oil and gas products. Therefore, the technology should be used to help improve fuel efficiency, thus helping to reduce the pressure on oil production.

As demand for oil and gas products increase, the need to develop and use new technology to help improve fuel efficiency and reduce fuel consumption is critical. It’s also important to make sure each of the Canadian oil and gas wells produce the maximum amount possible and reduce the cost linked to drilling oil and gas.

Mainland Machinery Ltd

Cyber Security in Oil and Gas Industry

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cyber security in oil and gasCyber Security in Oil and Gas Industry

As the Canadian oil and gas industry expands to cater for demand, the adoption of modern technology is key to the industry’s efficiency and increased productivity. However, with this increased dependence on computers and digital technology to manage and run the oil and gas industry, the risk of cyber-attacks has also increased.

Recent vulnerabilities, such as Heartbleed, have made it clear that the industry and even the government, must be ready for any attacks against their IT and web infrastructure. The risk of these attacks comes from different sources, each one having its own intention; some of which are to target the gas and oil production companies. Reports show that in 2012, 41% of the malware attacks were targeted at oil and gas companies, which was a 600% increase compared to 2010. The attacks directed at the oil and gas production industry have been noted to come from the three main sources discussed below.

State Sponsored Cyber-Attacks

The main risk linked to malware and virus attacks in the oil and gas industry comes from state sponsored sources. Today, many countries have stressful relations among neighbouring and other countries, prompting some to attempt the disruption of oil and gas production in those countries. A perfect example of this kind of cyber-attack was experienced by Saudi Aramco, which saw a computer virus named “Shamoon” wipe out data from 30,000 of the oil and gas company’s computers. However, it did not stall oil and gas production by Saudi Aramco, but it is considered a perfect example of state sponsored cyber-attacks.

Hacktivism Cyber-Attacks

Hacktivists are people who use computers and computer networks to raise awareness and perform demonstrations regarding different issues and topics. They use digital technology to create awareness regarding different concerns, but can also hack in to computer systems with the intention of stalling oil and gas production. The biggest threat to the Canadian oil and gas industry comes from environmental hacktivists who are constantly attempting to disrupt the expansion and production of oil and gas fields.

Terrorist Cyber-Attacks

Globally, terrorism has become a common term and has many people constantly looking over their shoulder. The Canadian oil and gas industry isn’t immune from terrorist attacks either. Being a western country, Canada must remain vigilant to avoid any terrorist cyber-attack which could cripple or destroy their oil and gas industry.

The threats to the Canadian oil and gas industry can only be expected to increase in the near future and simply developing anti-virus and anti-malware software may not be the ultimate solution. To improve security, it’s important that the Canadian oil and gas companies consider developing their own unique computer operating systems. They can do this by performing penetration tests (Pentests) to uncover any weaknesses, making them less vulnerable to attacks. The energy sector is the second most targeted sector by cyber-attacks, making it a major concern for the industry to develop an effective and lasting defense against cyber-crime.

Mainland Machinery Ltd

Is Thorium the Future of Mining?

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thoriumIs Thorium the Future of Mining?

Canada is heavily reliant on hydro and nuclear electrical energy production to power our cities and industries. Being in the northern hemisphere also means that Canada experiences shortages of electrical power during certain months of the year, especially during the winter. This also makes it important for Canada to develop a secure source of energy which can continue to produce electrical energy despite climate changes, fuel availability or the season.

Since the seventies, nuclear power stations have been one of the most reliable power sources to produce electricity. However, recent research and studies being conducted on thorium reactors in India and China have provided a new and safer solution as a perfect alternative for nuclear power production plants.

The thorium reactor is set to deliver some huge benefits, ranging from costs to safety. Some of the major benefits are:

Thorium is a safer reactor material to use: Unlike uranium used with nuclear reactors, thorium has been proven to be a much safer reactor material to use. It cools down faster and its waste neutralizes in a considerably shorter period of time. Thorium is also safer to use when producing electrical energy, since simply breaking the liquid-fluoride flow will stop the entire reaction and result in a faster shut down. The waste material produced by thorium reactors also biodegrades much faster than nuclear reactor waste.

Thorium is more abundant and easier to mine: Unlike uranium, thorium is much more abundant and is easily mined in most countries across the globe. This makes it much easier for countries facing energy crises to develop thorium power stations; without needing to be dependent on certain nations to supply the thorium required for the reaction.

Thorium produces less hazardous waste material: A major drawback linked to nuclear reactors is the nuclear waste they produce, as well as the need for expensive nuclear waste management. The waste remains hazardous for thousands of years and this poses some major problems for humanity in the future. Thorium waste, on the other hand, is less hazardous and usually dissipates or is neutralized naturally over hundreds of years, making it much more manageable after use.

With China and India facing huge energy crises, it can only be expected that they will develop a technology to harness the energy from thorium. Canada has always been in the lead when it comes to clean energy development and mining. Therefore, finding an alternative to nuclear power stations is something that the Canadian government is pursuing.

A successful Thorium reactor development will have a major positive effect on the Canadian mining industry, as it will create new opportunities for exploration. It will also ensure that the country produces adequate electrical energy at low cost to power Canada and keep the country sustainable and attractive for investors in the future.

Mainland Machinery Ltd

Ports That Embrace Renewable Energy Save Big

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renewable energyPorts That Embrace Renewable Energy Save Big

Going green isn’t just for homeowners who recycle their weekly papers, plastics, and aluminum soda cans. Improved energy efficiency is an important issue at major ports across the globe. At many of these ports, outdated land-based power grids aren’t keeping up with the increased demand of the cargo flow. There is also the environmental impact to consider, as carbon-emitting fuels are proving to be a detriment to the surrounding areas and to the planet at large.

Residents who live within sight of these ports are demanding better accountability and the port managers are listening. Even though implementing energy efficient policies is good for public relations, they are also proving to be important factors in supporting a port’s overall financial plan. Saving energy equals saving money and that’s good for everyone in the shipping industry.

Right now, most ports are looking into the issue of sustainability as it applies to their facilities. There are many studies being conducted and plans being looked into. There are already a handful of ports that are taking the lead in regards to cost-cutting measures.

An example of a port that has been proactive is the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. They’ve been focused on reducing their energy consumption for quite some time. Their goal has been to cut back on carbon-emissions across the board on all of its facilities. This includes all the busy bridges, tunnels, and bus terminals under its responsibility. Thanks to their renewable energy policies, the port has achieved the ability to profit from some of its 250 electricity accounts by utilizing online reverse auctions. The estimated savings totals approximately $2.2 million. Imagine if you could sell energy back to the power company?

On the opposite coast, the Port of Seattle upgraded their port management facilities at Pier 69 and earned an Energy Star rating for improved energy efficiency. The project, started in 2000, managed to reduce energy use by 50 percent. At Terminal 46, the out-of-date flood lamps were swapped out for energy efficient sodium vapor lamps. These two programs combined saved the port around $300,000 a year in energy costs.

At the South Jersey Port, there is a plan on the table to install up to 1.1 million square feet of solar panels across all of their terminals. Once implemented, this array can generate up to 10 million kilowatt hours of energy every year. Furthermore, these panels will continue to produce power utilizing the free resource of the sun, as long as it continues to shine.

Here in Canada, the Toronto Port Authority has put forth a commitment to utilize 100% green power. They are partnering with Bullfrog Power to accomplish this goal. Bullfrog Power derives all of its energy from such renewable sources as wind power and hydroelectric facilities. As a result of their efforts, they have been certified as low impact from the EcoLogo program sponsored by Environment Canada.

How “green” is your port?

Mainland Machinery Ltd

Crop Interseeder Machinery Saves Time and Money

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interseeder machineryCrop Interseeder Machinery Saves Time and Money 

As with any other type of industry, time is money on the farm. This is especially true when it comes to putting down cover crops. With grain harvests occurring later each year, many farmers are finding it a challenge to maximize the benefits of a shorter growing season. With cover crops, a farmer can revitalize a field; however, it has to be practical in terms of time and energy spent on the process. This is when interseeding can become a very attractive option.

The concept is simple, in a single pass that incorporates other needed planting functions, interseeder machinery is meant to plant a cover crop, just below the standing crop canopy. When put to the test, researchers at Penn State University (PSU) have discovered that an interseeder tool can simultaneously accomplish three jobs. The best use of the interseeder is for crops that will be planted on 30″ rows. These crops should also incorporate double-disk drill openers that are situated at intervals of 7.5″. While this special planting is going on, farmers can spread postemergence herbicides, in addition to laying down sidedress nitrogen through a high-pressure stream that will float about 4″ above the planting row.

What will all this mean for the average farmers’ bottom line? Those same researchers calculate that anywhere from $20 to $30 an acre can be saved in labor and fuel costs. Thanks to this interseeding process, farmers are able to smoothly plant in fields containing heavy corn residue with a single, efficient machine pass.

Over at Hagie Manufacturing, the design techs have been working diligently on a high-clearance interseeder attachment. To date, the engineers have created two workable systems. The first is an air boom interseeder that has the solution tank swapped out with an 80 cubic feet dry box. The boom is outfitted with specially designed tubing that allows for an even flow just beneath the corn crop canopy. The air boom design can be modified to fit on a 60′ or 90′ boom.

In the second system, the patented Hagie nitrogen toolbar is used with seeding attachments that utilize rolling baskets for the seed. This retrofitted attachment measures around 40′ wide. So far, the researchers have put their machinery to the test by planting high yielding fields of radishes, ryegrass and sudangrass.

The other component required of successful interseeding is to get the timing right. The key is to plant before winter sets in, but not so early as to affect the corn crop. According to the test fields, the best time for interseeders is when corn has hit the V5 growth height (5 – 6 corn leaves with collars).

The researchers have used the interseeder as late as mid-September with very encouraging results. Another major consideration is the specific choice of crop. Varieties of ryegrass and clover have proven to embrace the heat and shade beneath the corn and provide decent fall growth.

Interseeding is just one example of the many agriculture innovations that are helping farmers get the most from their fields. Depending on the area, it may require a little trial and error before you can find the perfect crop cycle. However, the rewards could be substantial, so it is definitely something to investigate further.

 

 

Mainland Machinery Ltd

Farm Drones Flying to a Field Near You

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farm dronesFarm Drones Flying to a Field Near You

Recently, the online shopping giant Amazon announced that they were working on drone delivery. The goal is to have any order placed with Amazon delivered within 30 minutes via a fully automated drone. In response to this news, the small community of Deer Trail, Colorado put forth a ballot measure that would allow hunters to shoot down government drones. No word yet on the ability to tell the difference between a government drone and an Amazon drone.

Of course, those two entities aren’t the only players in the drone game. On the horizon in industrial agriculture, there is the potential for farmers to put drones to use over their fields. This could prove to be a major benefit in the agricultural and drone manufacturing industry.

A Future of Drones

Right now, most of the drones in use have military or security applications. A drone can be equipped with a video camera, lights, microphones and even a robotic arm. Best of all, it doesn’t take a lot to operate the drone; typically, a single pilot can maneuver the drone from the safety of a far away bunker. In the future, drones will be fully automated with downloadable flight plans that would allow them to fly and function without a pilot. But, the question is, how can this technology help farmers?

Thanks to improved automation systems, the modern farm requires fewer workers to tend to the thousands of acres on a single property. While that is good news for the farmer’s bottom line, this is not favorable when it comes to crop management. It’s difficult to manage such a large area and keep track of any problems that could happen. However, with the development of automated drones, managing vast tracts of farmland would become easier. A flyover from an automated drone could help inspect the plants and detect any infestation or disease.

Drones are already being used by farmers to collect all kinds of data about plant growth and soil conditions. It’s not a stretch to imagine the basic operational systems of these drones being expanded to perform an even larger array of tasks.

Protecting the Farm

Agricultural drones are being developed to protect farms from potentially devastating infestations such as birds, diseases and bugs. This next generation of drones will not only be able to detect these swarms, but will also be able to deliver remedies such as pesticides and herbicides. Think of them as robotic crop dusters. These same drones could be adapted to deliver warming foam when the falling temperatures threaten crops. The mere presence of a flying drone will likely be enough to scare off flocks of birds. This means that the drone could also be thought of as the ultimate “scarecrow.”

Seeding the Land

Over in Japan, scientists are far ahead when it comes to drone technology, developing robots with the ability to plant rice crops. Here in America, GPS equipped tractors are helping farmers plant perfectly aligned fields of wheat. Therefore, the idea that sometime in the near future you’ll be seeing drones seeding fields as you drive in the country side, isn’t all that farfetched.

According to a survey conducted by Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, by the year 2025, the drone industry could pump 100,000 new jobs and $82 billion into our economy. The more help a farmer can receive for improved production and yield, the better off we’ll all be.

So keep watching the skies; there could be a drone flying over.

Mainland Machinery Ltd

Buyers Guide: Tablets for Farmers

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tablets for farmersAs technology advances, farmers are stepping up to take advantage of all the new equipment and applications. For farmers, a tablet makes for a handy device. Its size makes it more practical than a Smartphone, yet easier to carry around than a laptop. With a tablet, a farmer can tap into all kinds of valuable resources and current information. They’ll be able to get up to date weather reports and trending farm prices. The issue might not be, “does a farmer need a tablet?” but rather “which tablet should they buy?”

There are many styles of tablets to pick from; the differences mainly come down to the operating systems. Here you’ll have three options: Windows, iOS or Android. Before choosing your tablet, look into which operating system works best for your circumstances. Continue reading to see the differences between the various options between tablets for farmers.

Apple iOS

iOS is the operating system used exclusively on all Apple products including the iPad. For someone who is already using an iPhone, adapting to the iPad is a snap. The exact same features, apps, and systems are used across both platforms.

The iPad Air sells for $499. That is for a Wi-Fi only unit with 16 GB of memory. It’s a very smooth system to operate, with few complaints from its legion of users. It is especially adept at loading desktop-only websites, an important feature for any work related sites you hope to use while on the job.

Because of the “competition factor,” you won’t be able to load Microsoft Office onto your iPad. However, there is a wide range of work-around apps that can deliver the exact same capacity of creating and editing documents. Best of all, when you email those documents they are automatically converted to a Word file. iPad is also the top selling tablet out there; this means you’re sure to find other iPad users and a wide range of online forums and websites that can provide helpful hints. Of course, there is always the “genius bar” standing by to offer support.

Windows 8

If you’re already a big fan of Microsoft products, then it makes sense to stick with the Windows operating system for your tablet choice. Although the touch screens look a lot like the Apple and Android pads, you’ll find that you’ll be able to upload and adapt your Microsoft Office programs rather effortlessly. This means you can utilize Outlook, Word, and Excel from any Wi-Fi hotspot. There are also hundreds of applications available in the online Windows Store that can be of huge benefit for the working farmer.

The most popular Windows tablet is their Microsoft Surface 2 model, which comes fully loaded with Microsoft Office. The Surface Pro 2 edition of the tablet is the next step up in technology and price. It can serve as a de facto laptop, but is double the price of the Surface 2.

Android

Google, the world’s leading search engine, has gotten into the tablet game with its Android operating system. You’ll find this operating system being used on tablets manufactured by Samsung and Asus. Android is considered an open source type of software. This means that certain manufacturers can produce an inferior tablet model and load it with Android. This puts them in the tablet arena, but means you need to do your research so you don’t select a lower end device. This is why you should be wary of Android tablets selling for under $200. The best pick for Android is the Samsung Note 10.1 tablet. A favorite feature of this table is the S Pen which lets you write out a note with the stylus pen, then converts your writing into a text. You’ll also find a decent lineup of apps to use with this system.

If you’re buying a farmer a tablet as a gift, see if they are already using certain apps on their Smartphone or computer. You’ll want to make sure you gift them with a tablet that supports those apps. This will ensure that your farmer friend won’t have any complications putting their new tablet to work. Whatever system you go with, for yourself or for a friend, you can be certain that the many features of a tablet will be beneficial and helpful for work; while the convenience and variety of apps will make for plenty of fun.

Mainland Machinery Ltd

Mining the Moon: How Your Mining Job Could Land You in Space

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mining the moonMining the Moon: How Your Mining Job Could Land You in Space

“To boldly go where no one has gone before.”

That could just become your new mantra, as your current mining skills might actually land you in space. With every passing day, the earth’s population increases and the effect is an increasing strain on all of our natural resources. Therefore, it seems the question on everyone’s mind is – will we have enough fuel and minerals to see us through this century?

Some scientists and geologists are saying that private space exploration could lead to mining the moon or beyond, to alleviate the pressure on Earth’s natural resources. Even a passing asteroid could provide an abundance of raw resources and who better to tap into those astral veins than skilled mining operators?

Thanks to fallen fragments from space, scientists are able to determine the mineral components of various asteroids. A single platinum-rich heavenly body could provide more precious metal than what has ever been dug up on this planet. When you consider the vital role that platinum plays in reducing the price of electronics and improving electric circuit boards, then it becomes clear this is a commodity worth traveling into space for.

Far-fetched idea, you say? As it happens, a mining company named Planetary Resources has just been established by some very prominent entrepreneurs. This outer space enterprise was formed as a partnership between former Google executives and famed sci-fi cinema director James Cameron. Teaming with Virgin Galactic, they hope to hitch a ride on one of their sub-orbital crafts. That could be enough to propel a ship beyond earth’s orbit and into the flight path of a passing asteroid. It wouldn’t be a stretch to imagine a mining mission being set up on one of those “rocks.”

Clearly, there will be a whole range of challenges to overcome when mining outer space. New technology and tools will have to be manufactured. And workers will need to train in zero gravity environments just like the astronauts question of who can claim ownership of an astral body.

As all of this is being sorted out, there will be numerous job opportunities for veteran workers who are willing to experiment with new methods and technologies. There will be a need for experienced workers who will be testing the limits of the technologies, including setting up safety standards. Current miners might even have a leg up on being selected for the astronaut training since they are already used to working in extreme conditions, while often utilizing an external breathing apparatus.

Although there might not be an immediate mission to Mars, the company is accepting applications for internships. Planetary Resources has put out the call for a couple of General Space Nuts. The application questions are meant to be taken in fun, with questions like “What name would you give a crash test dummy?” and “Are you a space nut? Prove it!”

All jokes aside, signing up to work with a company like this could present an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a very exciting venture. Remember, in 1961 we barely had a space program. Within eight years, we had landed a man on the moon.

Is mining in space really that far out?

Mainland Machinery Ltd

Computer Hacks Every Farmer Should Know

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computer hacks

Computer Hacks Every Farmer Should Know

Back in the day, farmers would use time-tested skills to bring in the herds and harvest the crops. Today, the modern farmer is given a powerful boost by some very high-tech gadgets. When the laptops, GPS and WiFi are working properly, they can be a huge help in tracking crop yields and predicting future growth patterns. However, all it takes is a single frozen display screen to bring your work to a screeching halt. As tempting as it might be to toss that computer into the combine, there are some simple computer hacks you can perform to get your computer back up and running.

Write Down Your Error Codes

A computer that refuses to boot up could present an error code on your start up screen. Jot down the error code for reference. Next, check your owner’s manual to find a troubleshoot fix related to that error code. If you have access to a second computer, do a Google search for the error code; between customer support sites and many computer users taking to forums to share solutions to computer questions and problems, chances are you will be able to find some helpful tips and tricks.

Write Down Your Calibration Values

Just because you enter data on a computer, that does not mean you shouldn’t have a hard copy of your information. Keep a record of any calibrations that might pertain to your yield monitors, acre counters or any other information that you need to enter into a program. Although they may help your computer system, some of the fixes you may need to perform could erase all of your stored data. If you have a notepad with the numbers you’ll be able to reenter your data, instead of having to start from scratch.

Forced Restart

When your computer freezes (it happens to everyone), try a forced restart. After turning off the computer, wait a full minute before restarting. This will give your system a chance to fully reboot and reconfigure. Hopefully, this will be the only fix you’ll need.

Power Down

If the forced restart of the computer doesn’t work, try powering down completely by turning off your tractor and unplugging the display. After 60 seconds, plug everything back in and restart. If there is still a problem you may want to try a cold boot. For this hack, you’ll need to shut down all power. That could mean disabling the tractor’s battery cable to remove any possibility of electrical power feeding into your unit.

Call For Help

If all of these reboot measures have failed, it’s time to call a service technician. Depending on the problem, they might be able to guide you through a solution over the phone, but when all else fails, bring in the service tech and let them work their magic.

Always Back Up

This is a lesson most people learn too late. You should get into the habit of backing up your data on a regular basis. Most systems allow for a regular backup and you can also make copies of your data onto a flash drive. This way in extreme failures, you’ll always have your data ready to reload in to a new system.