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Agricultural
Machinery |
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Many articles have
appeared in the popular press regarding the
problems that might result as we enter the next
millennium. Some of these articles list problems
that will occur on farms. One of the predictions
is that farmers will not be able to start their
tractors on January 1, 2000, which is not true. |
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Most companies
that sell equipment that might be influenced by
Y2K-related problems have spent a great deal of
time and resources to solve the problems. |
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They
provide information through customer mailings or other
readily available information sources such as the
Internet. Several of the major agricultural machinery
manufacturers have websites containing this information.
In addition, many of the engine manufacturers also have
websites. Several agricultural machinery manufacturers
obtain engines from other non-agricultural companies. |
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Y2K will be a
problem only in equipment that has a calendar
and must use the date, including year, to do a
calculation. Since tractors have hour meters and
do not have a calendar of any kind, Y2K issues
will NOT cause tractor starting problems on or
after January 1, 2000. |
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Equipment such as
yield monitors and associated computer software
could have Y2K problems because they use
calendar dates. Newer monitors and software |
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should
be Y2K compliant, but if you are uncertain, contact the
suppliers of the monitors and software. |
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Other Y2K problems
related to equipment are availability of fuel
and electrical energy. There should be NO need
to increase fuel storage capacity on the farm
due to Y2K concerns. However, you might consider
filling your fuel storage at the beginning of
December 1999. Do not wait until the last week
of December. |
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To insure
availability of electrical energy, farmers might
consider obtaining a tractor-powered electrical |
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generator. Many farmers in Minnesota and Wisconsin
already have generators to deal with electrical outages
caused by winter storms and are prepared for this
problem. Availability of electrical power is especially
important on dairy and livestock farms where electrical
power is critical every day for milking, ventilating,
feeding, and supplying water. |
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The bottom line is
that companies providing equipment that is
sensitive to Y2K problems have solved their
problems or are taking the necessary steps to
correct the problem. Many agricultural machinery
companies indicate their machinery is Y2K
compliant. If questions arise, the best source
for answers is the supplier of the equipment or
computer software. |
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