A well-maintained tractor can last for years. However, there are fundamental differences in tractor maintenance compared to other vehicles. In addition, there are so many different types and brands of tractors that there is no comprehensive tractor maintenance guide that can be applied universally to all tractors. However, the steps below may help you.
Step
Step 1. Study the tractor manual
Tractor manufacturers provide detailed instructions on basic tractor equipment maintenance, and the best advice on how to maintain a tractor. Get it right away if you don't have it. Here are some things to find in the tractor manual:
- Maintenance schedule. This schedule provides regular maintenance intervals, including chassis lubrication, engine, transmission and hydraulic oil changes, filter changes, and other maintenance.
- Specification. This information is in the form of a table that tells the type of transmission fluid, hydraulic system, brakes and engine coolant, and their capacity. Tire inflation, bolt torque and other information can be found under specifications or elsewhere in the manual.
- Location of grease fittings, oil check sticks, or sight glass, and air and fuel filter cleaning instructions.
- Basic operating manuals and other specific information for tractors.
Step 2. Prepare the equipment
Tractor maintenance requires a variety of wrenches and other bulky tools than regular vehicle maintenance. Therefore, buy or borrow the equipment needed.
Step 3. Protect the tractor from elements
Since most paddy fields or small gardens do not have cabins to protect seats, instrument panels, and metal components, it is best to store the tractor in a hut or garage. If this is not possible, keep the exhaust system out of the rain and cover the tractor seats and instruments.
Step 4. Check oil and other fluids regularly
Tractor use is measured in hours not kilometers so many people miscalculate the amount used. Leaks in components can cause expensive tractor parts to fail. Read the tractor manual to find out how to check each fluid. • Check engine oil. • Check transmission oil. • Check radiator coolant. • Check hydraulic oil. • Check the battery water (battery electrolyte).
Step 5. Check tire pressure
A flat tractor tire is not clearly visible due to the shape of the tire. Rear tires typically have pressures between 1 and 1.5 kg/cm squared, and front tires have pressures up to 2 kg/cm squared. The back tire of a paddy tractor must be ballasted, especially if the tractor is pulling an auxiliary device where maximum traction is required. Usually, this reply is water with the addition of an antifreeze solution.
Step 6. Monitor belts and hoses
If not equipped with a hydraulic system, the tractor has high hose and/or pipe pressure. Damage to the fluid lines can contribute to damage to components (hydraulic pumps), loss of steering control, and other problems. If the fitting or connection leaks, tighten or replace the seal.
Step 7. Keep the brake joints well lubricated, and make sure the brakes are adjusted accordingly
Many tractors have mechanical brakes operated by the coupling and CAM system instead of a master/slave fluid system. These brakes are located on the rear axle, and work independently so they can be used to drive the tractor in tight corners or move backwards. The brake pedals engage while the tractor is running, preventing one of the pedals from being accidentally activated and the tractor from turning when traveling at high speeds.
Step 8. Monitor the meter
Pay attention to the temperature gauge, oil pressure and tachometer.
- The temperature meter should also have a normal operating temperature range mark, but whenever it shows a temperature exceeding 104 degrees Celsius, the engine has overheated.
- If the tractor has a diesel engine, the oil pressure should be between 3-4 kg/cm squared.
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The tachometer shows the number of revolutions per minute of crankshaft rotation. Diesel engines are designed to have lower RPM and higher torque than petrol engines, and it is not recommended to "over-rev," or operate at maximum RPM.
Step 9. Check filters regularly
Most systems on tractors are equipped with filters to protect them from dirt, water, or other contaminants that can damage components.
- Check the fuel filter for standing water. Most diesel engines have a separate water filter because diesel fuel can attract moisture.
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Check the air filter as often as possible. Tractors often operate in dusty environments, and in some cases their filters must be cleaned daily or weekly. Clean the air filter with a shop vacuum or compressed air, and never wash it. Replace the air filter if it cannot be cleaned completely, or if it is damaged.
Step 10. Check the radiator screen
When the tractor is operating, usually a lot of debris accumulates on the radiator so radiators usually have a screen or front grille to prevent blockage from plants, insects or pollen.
Step 11. Lubricate your tractor
Tractors have many moving parts that require more lubrication than a typical car. If you see any moving parts of the tractor, look for an oil fitting, and lubricate it. Use a grease gun, clean fittings, install hoses, and pump oil until the associated seal begins to expand, or oil appears to be oozing from the lubricated parts. Look for oil fittings in the steering, brake, and clutch coupling components, as well as the three-point hitch pivot point.
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Old tractors need special grease in the gearbox. Typically, the hydraulic system and the transmission shaft (transaxle) share fluids, and the tractor can be seriously damaged if the wrong fluid is used.
Step 12. Do not overload the tractor
If you use the tractor for harvesting or weeding, adhere to the manufacturer's recommended load size for the job being performed. For example, don't tow a 2.5 meter weeder with a 35 horsepower tractor.
Step 13. Keep the tractor clean
This will help you find broken components and leaks, as well as trash and debris that needs cleaning
Tips
- Always allow tractors (especially diesel engines) to heat up while cranking after a long period of inactivity. Never step on the gas too hard when the engine is first started. Hydraulic lifts, hydraulic filters, and oil pumps can drain when the tractor is not in use, damaging the components.
- When lubricating oil fittings, it is a good idea to practice lubricating the tractor in the loaded and unloaded positions as the oil will only press into the unloaded space in one of the two positions. Lubrication will be more complete if done in both positions.
- Keep detailed maintenance records. Scheduled maintenance intervals are usually listed in the user manual, but tractors are machines that are rarely used and so often do not meet the required number of hours used for oil changes, etc. So, this treatment can be done on an annual basis.
- We recommend that you monitor the tractor battery. Some tractors are not cranked and are rarely used. The battery may lose its charge when the engine is not started. If you expect the tractor to be idle for an extended period of time, start the tractor engine and allow it to warm up completely every month.
- Learn to drive backwards for jobs that require another gear adjustment. Some equipment, such as a bottom plow or weeder, function more efficiently with a small wheel width, while planting and harvesting is more effectively done with a wide wheel.
- Know the location of your engine's filler plugs, internal filters, and drain plugs. Older tractors don't always have a stick to check transmission or hydraulic shaft oil. Usually, older trucks have a filler plug next to the housing indicating that the oil needs to be filled to that level.
- Check the lug nuts. The nuts on the rear wheels tend to loosen easily if not installed properly.
Warning
- Never allow a passenger to sit on the tractor while it is moving. Tractors are single-person machines, and often pull dangerous tools so that there is no safe place for passengers to sit.
- Do not remove shields, covers, or other security devices.
- Many tractor brake linings contain asbestos. This element can cause Mesothelioma cancer, lung cancer, asbestosis, and various other diseases. You can be exposed to asbestos if exposed to brake dust.
- Read and understand the user manual and all attachments when purchasing your tractor.
- Never attach straps or chains to axles or bars to pull very heavy loads. If the tractor does not advance when towing, the wheels may continue to turn and overturn the tractor with the driver.
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Turn off the engine and let it cool before working. Tractor engines are more exposed than car engines, and pulleys, fans, and belts can be dangerous. The multi-mouth exhaust, including the muffler that normally sticks out of the top of the tractor, gets very hot while the tractor is in use.
