Ask the Mechanic

Safety Tip of the Month November 2026

Steve Thompson recommends carrying a fire extinguisher when taking heavy equipment out in the field, whether it's with a mower or disc cutter, left, or with a round baler or a combine. (Steve Thompson)
Steve Thompson recommends carrying a fire extinguisher when taking heavy equipment out in the field, whether it's with a mower or disc cutter, left, or with a round baler or a combine. (Steve Thompson)

Steve Thompson, Contributing Columnist

Be careful when cutting hay in extreme dry crop conditions and low humidity. I can personally say that I have set hayfields on fire with my disc cutter (see left side of accompanying photo). No, not with a hot bearing but with sparks coming off the blades and scattered small stones. Yes, round balers and combines like to burn from hot bearings. These machines enjoy the company of a fire extinguisher (see right side of accompanying photo). I get out of the tractor occasionally and check bearing temperature on my round baler with an infrared gun.

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-- Email Steve Thompson care of askthemechaniccolumn@gmail.com, and be sure to include your contact information and phone number.

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