How to maintain an agricultural tractor
The maintenance of the agricultural tractor is a fundamental operation, which must be performed quite frequently to keep this important and complex machine efficient. The tractor is an expensive machine the task of which is to generate income by carrying out significant agricultural work in a short time. Its productivity is closely linked to the quality of the work performed and, ultimately, to the functionality and wellbeing of the tractor. It follows that routine tractor maintenance is absolutely essential to minimize any machine downtime and to always keep its performance at a high level. In addition to this, it should be added that the tractor is also a complex machine where the various lifting auxiliaries, motive power action etc., which involve a large addition of mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems, are added to the normal drive system.
All manufacturers provide users of their vehicles with substantial and precise use and maintenance manuals which must always be referred to for these operations. Since the panorama of tractor production is extremely diversified, it is not possible to give indications that are valid for all, but it is possible to indicate general maintenance lines. Lastly, it must be remembered that constant maintenance allows for significant savings compared to extraordinary maintenance that would often be necessary.
Things you will need
Pressure washer
Air compressor
Set of workshop wrenches
Step 1
DAILY MAINTENANCE OF THE TRACTOR
During the most intense work periods it is advisable to carry out some daily maintenance operations as both the dust and the operation of the various tools have a significant impact on the tractor. The main operations that are recommended are:
- Washing with a pressure washer of the dirtiest and muddy parts since the persistence of dirt can cause damage to various mechanisms;
- Cleaning the radiator and its possible protective grille with compressed air, since dust may have settled in quantity and prevent an effective lowering of the engine coolant temperature (the level of which must be checked)
- Cleaning the air filter with compressed air to ensure a sufficient supply of clean air to the engine.
Step 2
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE: THE ENGINE
The engine is the fundamental component of the vehicle and must always be cared for in the best possible manner. Routine maintenance must be performed according to the intervals (in terms of working hours) indicated in the use and maintenance manual of each individual vehicle. However these operations can also be performed more frequently, such as after prolonged and very strenuous work, before winter storage or before resuming work in the spring. The main activities are:
- Engine oil check with topping up or replacement depending on the working hours or oil quality. The same applies to the oil in the hydraulic circuit, transmission oil and rear reducers. Use oils indicated in the user manual and always of high quality;
- Replacement of the engine oil filter and other liquid or lubricant filters on the vehicle;
- Brake fluid level check and bleeding of the automatic braking system reservoir;
- Check of the condition of the diesel pump and its filter. It is especially important to control for the presence of water, examining the water-fuel separator, and discharging any water deposits using the tap on the filter (if present). This operation is essential to prevent water from entering the diesel fuel supply circuit with serious negative consequences. Drive belts of various types such as that of the auxiliaries or compressor should be examined for damage.
Step 3
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE OF THE TRACTOR: MECHANICAL AND HYDRAULIC PARTS
Various mechanical components such as shafts, articulated joints, hinges, moving parts, joints etc. are equipped with the appropriate “grease nipples”. The grease pump (hand or pressure) is coupled on them and the lubricating grease is reintegrated. On all other parts having a movement with possible friction, it is useful to apply (even daily at the end of the work) WD-40 Specialist Long Lasting Spray Grease with high performance additive greases. Provides extremely long lasting lubrication and corrosion protection for the most critical situations. It does not drip and has excellent adhesion and sealing properties and is water resistant.
Its formula is effective up to 115° C making it suitable for a variety of applications on multiple metal surfaces. WD-40 Multi-use is ideal for the protection of metal parts exposed or at risk of oxidation. Finally, for the maintenance of the tractor, it is always good practice to perform a revision of the correct tightening of all the nuts and bolts. Particular attention must be paid to the hoses of the hydraulic system: the hoses containing the high-pressure fluid for lifting and drives of various types must be periodically checked: if you notice cracks or even leaks of liquid, they must be immediately replaced at a specialized workshop.
Step 4
MAINTENANCE OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND VARIOUS SERVICES
Of course, the charge of the battery and of all that is powered by it must be checked, eliminating any oxidation on the positive terminal. The fuse box must be opened and checked, as well as various connectors on the entire machine. This tractor maintenance operation can be aided with WD-40 Specialist Fast-Drying Contact Cleaner that effectively dissolve grease, grease deposits and condensation on electrical or electronic equipment, including delicate materials. This penetrates quickly into hard-to-reach areas, drying quickly and leaving no residue. Finally, cleaning the cab and the internal air filter can conclude a standard periodic maintenance operation.
CONCLUSION
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The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
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