Tips for Staying Cool While Using Heavy Equipment

Farming is a sweltering business - there's no two ways about it. But there are some things you can do to stay cool while working on the farm.

Below you’ll find our favorite tips for staying cool while operating your ag equipment. For more advice or to shop for heavy machinery for sale, contact the experts at Arizona Tractor Sales.

Wear the Right Outfit

Start by wearing light-colored clothes since light colors reflect heat. Darker clothing will make you feel much more warm, so limit garments with those darker colors.

It's also important to consider the construction of fabrics. Look for lightweight fabrics with moisture-wicking properties, which will help sweat evaporate more quickly.

You can also wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head and neck. Look for ones made of straw or cotton and for models with the largest brim possible.

It's also helpful to tie a bandana around your forehead or neck to help absorb sweat. You can even look into cooling scarves. They get soaked in water and the beads inside will help the scarf feel cool to the touch.

Stay Hydrated

Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water or fruit juice throughout the day. You’ll be losing even more fluids as you use your ag equipment in hot weather, so you’ll need to drink more water than you’re used to in order to remain hydrated and healthy.

Remember that you are also losing electrolytes as you sweat. You can replace them by drinking sports drinks or eating salty snacks.

Take Plenty of Breaks

Using heavy machinery is hard work - and it becomes even more challenging on hotter days. It's important to take regular breaks in the shade or in a cool, air-conditioned space. This will give your body a chance to cool down and rest.

Plan Your Work Day Around the Heat

Whenever possible, plan to work during the early morning and evening. These times of day will have cooler temperatures, which will make operating ag equipment less exhausting. 

When it gets hotter in the afternoon, try to get indoor tasks done. This will help you avoid operating heavy machinery during some of the hottest parts of the day.

At the end of the day, do what you need to do to stay happy and healthy during these warm months. Your body and your business will thank you for it! If you need farm equipment to keep things running smoothly, check out the selection at Arizona Tractor Sales. Our expert staff is always happy to answer questions and give personalized advice, so contact us today. We proudly serve those throughout the western United States.