FMG News
A spot of bird-watching could save your tractor
In the springtime the days are longer, the weather's warmer, the grass is growing and birds make their nests wherever they please - with starlings the main culprits - including tractor engines! Fires often start as the nests catch fire once the engine has warmed up. In fact tractor fires are one of FMG's most common claim payouts.
How damaging are tractor fires?
Spring 2007 saw one of FMG's customers losing their tractor completely. Their tractor engine had been checked the previous day for birds' nests and none were found. The tractor was taken out the next morning and loaded with a spreader. 30 minutes into spreading urea, the driver noticed a burning smell and saw smoke coming from in between the bonnet and the dash. The driver quickly stopped, lifted the bonnet and saw fire at the rear of the engine.
He attempted to put the fire out using water from a nearby trough but, encouraged by warm winds, the flames soon stretched metres high engulfing the cab. By the time the Fire Brigade arrived just 20 minutes later, the tractor was almost completely lost.
Fortunately the tractor was covered under FMG’s RuralPak Superior Farm Vehicles policy. And as the tractor was less than 12 months old, the policy enabled FMG to replace it with a brand new one of the same make, model and specification.
How can you avoid the same loss?
- fit each of your tractors with a suitable fire extinguisher. The Fire Brigade can’t always arrive at your farm in time, so having a fire extinguisher installed is the best chance you have to save your tractor
- check for birds' nests under the bonnet before you start up your tractor, every time you use it. It only takes a few minutes but could save you a whole lot of money, hassle and time
- store your tractor with the bonnet lifted to discourage nesting especially during the months of September to November
Make sure your insurance policy is able to cover:
- the present day value of your tractor
- replacement of your tractor if the fire occurred less than 12 months after the date of purchase, with the same make, model and specifications of what is available in New Zealand at the time of the loss
- reasonable costs to replenish your fire fighting equipment
- the reasonable costs you incur to prepare your claim
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