As the harvest and farming season comes to a close, it’s important to take the time to perform some necessary maintenance on your tractor equipment before the busy spring season begins. Throughout the year, your farming equipment takes a beating, working long days and harvesting all the fields. Regular maintenance done with the Agricultural and Farm Equipment kit from Triad Diagnostic Solutions has carried you through. Still, there are several off-season tractor checks and repairs you should perform. So, let’s take a look at five of them, so you can ensure your equipment is ready to go when you need it in the spring.
5 Off-Season Tractor Checks for Farmers
Check the Engine Oil and Filter
One of the most important off-season tractor checks to perform is with the engine oil and filter. The oil lubricates the engine’s moving parts and helps to keep it cool, while the filter removes contaminants from the oil. If the oil is dirty or has broken down, it can lead to increased wear on the engine, which can lead to costly repairs or even a complete engine failure, resulting in new equipment purchases or unwanted downtime. To check the oil level, simply locate the dipstick and check that the oil level is between the “low” and “full” marks. If the oil needs to be changed, be sure to use the correct grade of oil for your tractor and change the filter as well.
Check the Cooling System
Another important system to check on your tractors is the cooling system. This includes the radiator, hoses, and coolant. A malfunctioning cooling system can cause your tractor to overheat, which can lead to serious damage to the engine. To check the coolant level, locate the coolant overflow tank and make sure the level is between the “low” and “full” marks. If the coolant needs to be changed, be sure to use the correct type of coolant for your tractor. It’s also a good idea to check the hoses for any signs of cracking or leaking.
Check the Tires
Tires are one of the most frequently overlooked components on a tractor, but they are crucial for proper performance. Properly inflated tires not only provide better fuel efficiency but also improve machine handling and safety. Low tire pressure can cause uneven wear on the tires and can even lead to a blowout while you’re working in the field. Check the tire pressure and tread depth on all four tires and adjust or replace the tires if necessary.
Check the Electrical System
The electrical system on your tractor is responsible for powering the lights, starter, alternator, and other essential components. Any issues with the electrical system can lead to costly repairs and downtime, making this one of the top five off-season tractor checks. To monitor or inspect the electrical system, ensure all lights are working properly, check the battery for proper charging, and check for any loose or corroded connections.
Run Diagnostics
It’s essential to have a good diagnostics tool kit for all your farming equipment to check and troubleshoot any issues. A good quality AGV diagnostics tool kit from Triad Diagnostic Solutions can be used to diagnose and troubleshoot issues with various systems on your tractors, such as the engine, transmission, and brakes. These kits are specially designed for agricultural equipment and provide detailed information on the diagnostic codes, allowing you to make accurate repairs. With Jaltest, you get coverage for multiple brands, modules, and protocols which makes it the best choice for running diagnostics and making repairs.
The Risks of Not Performing Off-Season Tractor Checks
One of the dangers of not performing off-season tractor checks on your farming equipment is that it increases the risk of costly repairs or even complete equipment failure. When equipment is not properly maintained, it can lead to increased wear on the various components, which can result in parts breaking down or malfunctioning. For example, if the engine oil and filter are not changed on a regular basis, it can lead to increased wear on the engine, which can ultimately result in complete engine failure. Similarly, if the cooling system is not checked and maintained, it can lead to overheating and serious damage to the engine.
Another danger of not performing off-season checks is increased downtime. If equipment breaks down during the busy spring and summer seasons, it can lead to lost productivity and revenue. Regular tractor maintenance can prevent these breakdowns and keep your equipment running smoothly.
Not performing off-season checks can also lead to issues with safety, especially if the equipment is not well maintained, the tires are not properly inflated, or the lights are not working properly. These safety concerns can lead to unfortunate accidents and injuries. It’s important to keep in mind that it’s not only your own safety that is at risk but also the safety of your employees, family members, and the general public.
In addition to these dangers, not performing off-season checks can also lead to decreased fuel efficiency, which can result in higher operating costs. By performing regular maintenance, you can increase the fuel efficiency of your equipment and lower your operating costs.
Order Your AGV Kit Today
Performing regular off-season checks on your farming equipment is crucial to ensure that every piece runs smoothly and efficiently. Not performing these checks can lead to costly repairs, increased downtime, and a decrease in fuel efficiency, as well as issues with safety. If you’re looking for a reliable diagnostics kit that offers everything your farm needs to perform these off-season tractor checks and more, then contact Triad Diagnostic Solutions today. We also have a wide variety of cables and Panasonic Toughbooks, so you can keep up with all your farming equipment, no matter its make or model.
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