How to Stay Cool While Using Your Agricultural Equipment
The sun might be blazing and the temperatures might get high in June, July, and August, but that doesn’t mean that farmers, ranchers, homeowners, or gardeners can simply take the summer off. If you’ve got outdoor work to do with your agricultural equipment, you need to know some strategies for staying cool in the heat. Here are a few of our top suggestions.
1. Dress the Part
First off, you’ll want to wear clothes that will protect your skin and keep you cool. A tank top and shorts might seem like the best strategy, but these clothes aren’t safe for operating heavy machinery and they’re actually more likely to make you hot. Think about people who live in desert areas and wear long robes: this is because keeping your skin covered in a lightweight fabric actually keeps the sun’s heat off it and can actually keep you cooler. Make sure your clothes are snug-fitting without any loose ties or draping fabric that could get caught in a machine.
2. Wear a Hat & Sunglasses
Keeping your head and face covered will help you to stay cooler. A wide-brimmed hat in a lightweight material like straw, linen, or canvas will shield your face well. Always wear a pair of UV-rated sunglasses as well. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to any exposed skin, even if it’s sometimes shielded by your hat. The back of your neck, your nose, and your wrists are areas to focus on.
3. Plug in a Fan
If you’ve got an extension cord and you know you’re going to be sitting in the same area for a bit, you can plug in a box fan to blow cool air on you. This is great if you’re in your barn maintaining your tractor or sitting out in the sun and gardening.
4. Keep Yourself Hydrated
Dehydration is a huge problem when you’re spending hours of time out in the hot sun, so you should make sure that you don’t experience it. Keep a bottle of cold water with you at all times and drink from it often. Your body cools itself by sweating, which causes you to lose water and electrolytes, so you should also make sure you’re eating regularly to keep your body in equilibrium.
5. Find Lightweight Safety Gear
You always need to be wearing sturdy gloves when operating your ag equipment, but they don’t have to be as heavy and thick as the ones you might wear in wintertime. Look for a thinner glove that has waterproof features and breathable fabric so you can keep your grip on your steering wheel without having sweaty hands.
Need some assistance in servicing your agricultural equipment? Contact the Manor Home Center service department to make an appointment. When you’re ready to buy, stop by our dealership in Oakland, MD, to check out our stock of new and used ag equipment for sale. Ask our sales team about our agricultural equipment promotions and financing options, too! Manor Home Center serves our customers in Garrett County, MD, and Morgantown, WV.