Tractors are machines, and machines need timely maintenance to continue working. Whether you have a Mahindra 265, Eicher 380 or any 4WD tractor, you need to ensure that it’s timely getting maintained to avoid downtime.
So let’s cut the chase and quickly get on to the 9 easy tips with which you can keep your tractor’s health in check:
- Inspect the tractor’s manual
Every tractor brand or manufacturer publishes an owner’s manual that explains about spare locations, tractor’s specifications, operating instructions, maintenance schedule, etc.
Make sure you get it when buying the tractor. This manual will help you know how you can maintain your tractor in a timely fashion.
- Assess and clean your batteries
Engine failures are common if not timely looked into. So give your engines a full-throttle cleaning, grease any corrosion, charge them with high-powered chargers, look for any uncalled discharge or fractures in electrical connections.
- Assess Tyre
Make sure your tractor’s tyres have consistent air pressure and there is no wear and tear in your tyre’s rubber. Using a distorted tire can cause a sudden blowout while driving. Before cruising the field, make sure you check the condition of your tires. If you notice such ads, consider levelling the air pressure or getting the tire replaced with the best tractor tyres.
- Keep up with your fuel tank
Empty the leftover fuel from the tank as it can build up condensation, which can cause rusting inside the tank or won’t lead to smooth running of the engine. Refill the tank with fresh fuel.
Also check if there is enough coolant to protect the engine from overheating or hydraulic or engine oil for smooth lubrication in transmission.
- Match attachment size to tractor — don’t overload
Make sure you don’t overload the tractor with heavier implements as it can hamper tractor’s performance and functioning. You can check the implement’s specifications and read on whether their size and dimension are ideal for your tractors or not.
If you are using tractors with hp less than 50, consider not going for heavy farm implements.
- Have tractor tools handy
Have a proper toolkit handy with your tractor so that you can timely look into the issue and get it resolved.
- Check for any leakage
Any small leakage could be disastrous down the line. Look for the liquids such as hydraulic oil, coolant, transmission oil, battery electrolyte, engine oil, etc., to avoid damages.
- Prevent your tractor from getting soaking in rain
Make sure you don’t keep your tractors out in the open for getting soaked by rain. Either park them in a shade or cover it well with waterproof cover. Make sure rainwater doesn’t get into the exhaust system, instruments, seats, etc.
- Keep fuel and air filter squeaky clean
Make sure you timely clean the air and fuel filter and avoid them getting contaminated from dirt and debris. If cleaning them seems impossible, consider them getting replaced.
Tractor Maintenance Tips for Different Hours of Field Work
Timely self evaluating your tractor can help you save mechanic cost and downtime. Timely maintenance schedule can help in keeping your tractor effective & efficient while cruising on the road or field.
Daily Maintenance Schedule – After 8-10 Hours of Field Operation
- Check the air cleaner, ensure it is duster free.
- Check the water level of the radiator.
- Check for leaks or damages in pipes and tubes.
Weekly Maintenance Schedule – After 60-70 Hours of Field Work
- Check the tractor’s tyre’s air pressure.
- Drain the water weekly stored in an oil filter through an air plug.
- Check water level in the battery. If it is not as sufficient, fill it with only distilled water.
- Keep applying the grease to the braking system, clutch shaft & bearings, front wheel hub.
- Make sure the fan-belt is flexible enough to stretch at 12 & 18 mili-metres.
- Check oil level in the gearbox.
Two Weeks Maintenance Schedule – After 130-140 Hours of Field Work
- Oil your tractor’s dynamo and starter.
- Look for carbon in the smoke tube and clean it properly.
- Clean the oil filter, and consider replacing if it is made up of paper, cloth, and other elements.
- Check clutch and brake performance.
Monthly Maintenance Schedule – After 250 hours of Field Work
- Clean the primary diesel filter, replace it if it’s required.
- Clear valve’s filter of oil tank.
- Check water in the battery, refill it with distilled water.
- Perform steps mentioned in two week maintenance.
Two Months Maintenance Schedule – After 500 Hours of Field Work
- Repeat the monthly maintenance routine.
- Have the start and dynamo treated by experts.
- Have a rain check on the diesel pump and injector.
- Have an inspection for the valve.
- Conduct proper cleaning of the fuel tank.
Quarterly Maintenance Schedule – After 1000-1200 of Field Work
- Replace the belt-pulley oil.
- Empty and replace the back axle oil with a clean one.
- Empty gear box oil and fill it with a clean one.
- Clean hydraulic pump’s filter.
- Replace the grease of the front wheel.
- Change the oil of the steering.
- Perform the above two months maintenance schedule.
So whether you have Mahindra 265 or Sonalika DI 745 III, these tips will be helpful to keep your machinery up and running.
