Grease, gears and grit, your harvest prep starts here
As we now approach warmer weather (and dare we say summer!), we take a look at preparing for the upcoming harvest season. Combine harvesters will start to emerge from hibernation, and checks need to be made to ensure that they remain healthy and ready for use after their winter break.
We have put together some handy tips and advice on preparing the upcoming harvest season to help keep your equipment on the farm, working as it should.
Pre-Season
- Remove dirt and debris: Use compressed air to clear dust, dirt, and crop residues from all parts, including the header, feeder house, grain tank, augers and around the cab, both inside and out.
- Clean the radiator and cooling system: Clear out dust and crop residue to prevent overheating.
- Inspect electrical components: Check the battery for corrosion and loose connections, and clean terminals as needed. Inspect the condition of all visible wiring for signs of damage or corrosion (including rodent damage) and repair/replace any that is damaged.
- Inspect belts and chains: Check for wear, tension, and alignment. This should also be completed every 50-100 hours.
- Grease bearings and bushings: Regularly grease these moving parts to reduce wear and keep your equipment operating smoothly and efficiently.
- Check fluids and filters: Monitor and top up fluids to avoid malfunctions and unnecessary wear – including hoses that may be leaking or cracked.
- Inspect and replace worn parts: Look for any parts that showed signs of wear during the last season.
During Harvest
- Regular Cleaning: Clean crop residue and loose debris from the exterior, especially in or around the cab and areas that become hot like the exhaust system, using a brush or compressed air. If possible, this should be conducted multiple times a day to reduce the risk of fires.
- After Each Use: Clean and remove debris from the sieves and chaff spreader.
- Radiator and Coolers: Dust and debris can accumulate and cause the engine to overheat. To avoid this, clean these components weekly.
- Grain Tank: Regularly clean out the grain tank to prevent buildup and ensure maximum capacity.
In the event of an incident involving your equipment, please contact our UK based claims team. They’ll take all the necessary details and work quickly to get you back up and running as soon as possible.
