Proper maintenance of a tractor can extend its life. However, there are some fundamental differences in the maintenance of a tractor compared to other vehicles. Also, since there are many different types and brands of tractors, there isn't a comprehensive guide that is universally applicable to all, but these steps should help you. Read on to learn more.
Steps
Step 1. Study the maintenance manual
The manufacturer gives specific instructions for the basic care of your vehicle and has the necessary experience to give the best advice on how to do maintenance. If you don't have the instruction manual, get one. Here are some things you should find in the manual:
- Scheduling of coupons. The time intervals for routine maintenance are indicated, which includes lubrication of the frame, engine, transmission, hydraulic oil change, filter replacement and other general maintenance aspects.
- Specifications. There should be a table indicating the type and amount of fluid for the transmission, hydraulic system, brakes, and engine coolant. Indications for tire pressure, tightening torques and other information can be entered under other specifications or sections of the manual.
- Position of the lubricating points (grease nipples), of the dipsticks for checking the level of liquids or of the inspection windows and the instructions for cleaning the air and fuel filters.
- Basic operating instructions and other information specific to the tractor model.
Step 2. Get the equipment
Tractor maintenance requires numerous wrenches and other tools that are larger than those needed for the car, so you should think about buying or borrowing the necessary equipment.
Step 3. Protect the tractor from the elements
Since most small farm (or garden) tractors don't have a cab that protects the seat, dashboard, and metal components, it's a good idea to keep the tractor in a shed or garage. If this is not possible, at least try to prevent rain from coming into contact with the drain system; also cover the seat and instruments.
Step 4. Check fluids regularly
Tractor use is measured in hours, not kilometers, so the amount of use can be misleading and any fluid leaks can cause the wear of expensive parts. Refer to the instruction manual to determine how to check each fluid. • Check the engine oil. • Check the transmission fluid. • Check the coolant in the radiator. • Check the hydraulic oil. • Check the electrolyte in the battery.
Step 5. Check the tire pressure
Due to the shape of the tires, it is not always possible to see if the pressure is low. The rear tires normally have a pressure between 12 and 20 PSI, while the front ones can reach up to 32 PSI. The rear tires of agricultural tractors must be filled with liquid ballast, especially if you are towing an implement that requires maximum driving force. Usually this ballast consists of water with the addition of an antifreeze solution.
Step 6. Monitor your belts and hoses
If the tractor is equipped with a hydraulic system, the hoses and / or pipes have a high pressure; the wear of these pipes could cause component failure (hydraulic pump), loss of steering capacity or other problems. If a hose (or belt) appears damaged, worn or broken, it must be replaced. If the accessories and connections are leaking, they must be tightened or the gaskets replaced.
Step 7. Keep the brake connections lubricated and make sure the brakes are adjusted the same way
Many tractors have mechanical brakes, which work through a linkage and cam system instead of a liquid brake booster system. These brakes are positioned on the rear axles, and work independently, so that they can be used to maneuver the tractor in very confined spaces and to reverse the direction of travel. The brake pedals have a locking system for road travel, so that a pedal is not accidentally activated causing a spin when traveling at high speed.
Step 8. Check the gauges that indicate temperature, oil pressure and speedometer
- The temperature indicator must show what is the optimal range when using the vehicle, but every time it shows a temperature greater than 100 ° C, the engine is overheated.
- If the tractor has a diesel engine, the oil pressure should be between 40 and 60 PSI.
- The tachometer indicates the rotation speed of the crankshaft expressed in revolutions / minute. Diesel engines have been designed to run at low rpm and higher torque than gasoline engines, so it is not recommended to crank the engine or push it to the limit.
Step 9. Check the filters regularly
Most tractor systems are equipped with filters to protect against dirt, water or other contaminants that could damage components.
- Check the fuel filter to see if any water has accumulated. Most diesel engines have a water separating filter, as diesel fuel attracts moisture.
- Check the air filter often. Tractors are often used in very dusty environments, and in some cases the filters need to be cleaned daily or weekly. Clean it with a vacuum cleaner or compressed air, never wash it. Replace it when it can no longer be satisfactorily cleaned, or if it is damaged.
Step 10. Check the radiator grille
Tractors often work in conditions where dust can settle on the radiator, which therefore has a front mask or grille to prevent plant matter, insects or pollen from clogging it.
Step 11. Lubricate the tractor
Compared to automobiles, tractors have many more moving parts that require lubrication. If you see a part that moves, look for a grease gun and apply it. Use a pressure gun with the grease cartridge, clean the fitting, connect the hose and pump the grease until the gasket joining the parts begins to expand, or until you see the grease leaking out of the joint. Put grease on steering components, brakes, clutch links and tow link joints.
Older tractors require specific lubricants in the gearbox. Often, the same fluid is used for the hydraulic system and for the gearbox, but using the wrong fluid can cause serious damage
Step 12. Do not overload the tractor
If you are using it for farming or mowing, it should have a properly sized tool attached to the job you are doing. As an example, don't pull a 2.5m lawn mower with a 35 horsepower tractor.
Step 13. Always keep the tractor clean
This way you can always spot damaged components and parts, plus you can see if dust or debris is causing problems.
Advice
- When lubricating with grease fittings, it is a good practice to oil in both loading and unloading situations, as the grease only presses into the unloaded space in both positions. This way the lubrication is complete.
- When tractors are restarted after a long period of disuse, wait for them to warm up, especially if they have a diesel engine. Never rev the engine too much the first time it is started. Hydraulic tappets, hydraulic pumps, and oil pumps can leak oil when the tractor is not in use, and damage to these parts could occur.
- Check the nuts and bolts. The nuts on the large rear wheels tend to come off if not properly tightened.
- Keep a detailed maintenance log. Scheduled maintenance should be reported in the user manual, but many tractors are not used enough to meet the hour requirement for oil changes, etc; in this case the checks can be carried out on an annual basis.
- Learn to reverse the wheels if you use the tractor for field work that requires wheels of different widths. Some tools, such as plows or mowers, work best with a narrow wheel width, while wider wheels may be needed to plant and grow crops.
- The battery should be checked regularly. Some tractors are not used very often and the battery can lose its charge when the engine is stopped. Check the electrolyte and charge the battery approximately every month if the tractor has not been used. If you wait and let the tractor sit idle for a long time, you need to start the engine roughly every month and run it long enough to warm up.
- Learn the location of your tractor's filler caps, internal filters and drain plugs. Older models do not always come with handy rods for checking transmission fluid levels and other hydraulic mechanisms. They often have a plug located on the side of a container which indicates that the oil needs to be filled to that level.
Warnings
- Do not remove the protections, casings or other safety devices.
- Read and understand the instruction manuals for all accessories purchased for the tractor.
- Turn off the engine and wait for it to cool before working on it. The tractor engine is more exposed than the car engine and pulleys, fans and belts can be very dangerous. The exhaust manifold, including the muffler which often protrudes from the hood at the top of the tractor, gets very hot during operation.
- Never let a passenger sit on a moving tractor. Tractors are machines for a single passenger, and they often pull dangerous tools, so there is no safe seat for other people.
- Never attach a tow strap or chain to the axle or drawbar to lift very heavy logs or loads. If the tractor stops moving forward while pulling, the wheels can continue to turn, causing it to tip backwards on the operator.
- Many tractor brake linings contain asbestos, which causes mesothelioma cancer, lung cancer, asbestosis and many other diseases. Exposure to brake dust means exposure to asbestos.
