The first two weeks of custom work....

This is the year that we decided to start an official Custom haying business, among other things. I have been running ragged but I have learned a few things.
I will say that we really haven't had any breakdowns in over a year. With that being said, what a first two weeks. We have had a setback or two, maybe twelve.
The hired hand ran a tractor tire over a broken t-post. Service truck for that one
The swather wouldn't start and after rebuilding the starter, changing the batteries, and a new solenoid, the service truck got called. I probably should mention that a 12 volt system is allergic to 6 volt batteries. I should have caught that one when they loaded the batteries in the truck
The hired hand took the swather out after it was repaired and 3 acres later called to say something was broken. In heavy hay it plugged up on the left side only and the auger exited stage left taking the elliptical bearing and belt pulley with it. It only took a few hours to dis assemble it, have the machine shop press the pulley and install a new bearing, and re assemble.
I learned that the only gas without ethanol in it is premium. Anything less is prone to vapor lock the wagon carburetor when the temps are in the nineties. I also learned that ATF in the 87 octane will prevent vapor lock. 1 pint to 40 gallons of gas.
Sometime around four this morning, I think, the baler tried to swallow a tip from an s-tine that a roller harrow lost. It failed miserably. That one was a free fix. The bearings on the trailing arm of the plunger jumped under the guide that it was supposed to be on top of.
All in all things have gone well, we are averaging three calls a day. We have put up a pile of hay. The equipment is fairing pretty well overall. The first few checks are rolling in now and that will take some pressure off.
I have under bid a few jobs, live and learn. It will get easier.
I am glad that we filed the corporation, it will have many benefits. I am already looking at more equipment and hiring another guy, or gal. The stipulation is that equipment purchases are on a cash basis.
The outlay of capitol by way of wages, fuel, twine and parts is substantial. It is never good to be under capitalized. Thankfully we weren't or we would be broke before the first check came in.
Hopefully this helps those that are thinking about doing custom work. It has been fun but it will become a job if I am not careful.

The first two weeks of custom work....