The need for good machinery insurance has been highlighted by the Chief Executive of the Association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI), Michael Moroney, who says it is vital that contractors have all their key machinery listed on their policy. This is as high temperatures amp up the risk of fire.
Mr Moroney pointed out that high 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 comments that contractors should also ensure that all machines have fire extinguishers on board, and that they are in good working order.
As fires can happen so unexpectedly, the FCI reiterates that one should “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. 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.”
The importance of machinery maintenance during hot periods is another factor to note, as this can prevent fires from breaking out in valuable machinery.