As the seasons change, farmers prepare their agricultural machinery for upcoming tasks.
Regular seasonal maintenance is essential to keep machines running smoothly, reduce the risks of breakdowns, and ensure optimal performance.
Repairers of agricultural machinery play an important role in this process, as they are responsible for identifying and addressing any potential issues. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most important seasonal maintenance tasks that agricultural repairers should be aware of.
SPRING MAINTENANCE
After a long winter, it’s critical to give machines a thorough inspection and tune-up to ensure they are ready for the upcoming season.
Here are some key spring maintenance tasks:
• Check and replace the fluids: Inspect all fluids, including engine oil, transmission fluid, and hydraulic fluid. Replace any fluids that appear dirty or top up those that are low.
• Check the tyres: Check tyre pressure and condition, and replace any worn or damaged tyres.
• Inspect belts and hoses: Check for any cracks or signs of wear on belts and hoses, and replace them as needed.
• Inspect filters: Check air, fuel, and hydraulic filters, and replace them as needed.
• Test the battery: Test the battery to ensure it is holding a charge, and replace it if necessary.
• Lubricate moving parts: Apply grease to all moving parts, including bearings, shafts and pivot points.
SUMMER MAINTENANCE
During the summer months, machines are working hard in the fields.
Here are some key summer maintenance tasks:
• Check and clean air filters: Inspect the air filters and clean or replace them as needed to prevent dust and debris from entering the engine.
• Check the cooling system: Inspect the radiator and cooling system to ensure they are functioning properly.
• Inspect the electrical system: Check all the electrical connections and wires to ensure they are secure and in good condition.
• Check and clean the cabin: Inspect the cabin and clean out any debris, and check the air conditioning system to ensure it’s working correctly.
AUTUMN MAINTENANCE
As the seasons begin to wind down, it’s important to prepare machines for storage or the off-season. Below are some important maintenance tasks for autumn:
• Change the fluids: Change all fluids, including engine oil, transmission and hydraulic fluid, before storing the machine.
• Lubricate moving parts: Apply grease to all moving parts, including bearings, shafts and pivot points before storing the machine.
• Drain fuel: Drain the fuel from the tank and fuel lines to prevent the fuel from going bad over the winter.
• Inspect belts and hoses: Inspect the belts and hoses for any signs of wear or damage, and replace them as needed.
• Inspect the battery: Remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place.
WINTER MAINTENANCE
While machines may not be in use during the winter months, it’s still important to perform regular maintenance to prevent any issues when the next season arrives. Here are some key winter tasks:
• Store machines properly: Store machines in a dry, covered area to protect them from the elements.
• Check for rodent damage: Inspect the machines for any signs of rodent damage, such as chewed wires or nests.
• Perform regular maintenance: Lubricate moving parts and check the fluid levels to keep machines in good condition.
These are the most common tasks that provide much-needed peace of mind when a busy season arrives. Of course, there are many more responsibilities to attend to as a repairer. Whatever the task, you will most likely need the right parts to keep these machines running.
No matter the make or model of agricultural machinery, parts specialists TVH deliver an extensive range across a broad range of makes and models. Regardless of where in NZ you’re based, customers can easily order from the TVH online shop to get everything required with speed and efficiency. Visit agri.shop.tvh.com to see the full breadth of the business and its offerings.