Regular maintenance of agricultural machinery is necessary for long-term operation, reduced wear, and the prevention of serious damage to machinery.
Before the start of the season, clean and inspect the wear parts and the condition of the hydraulic system on each machine. Check if an oil change is needed and lubricate all lubrication points on the machines.
To prepare a SIP mower for the grassland harvesting season, clean the machine, inspect the knives, knives holders, cutter bar, skids, hydraulic hoses and PTO shaft, lubricate all lubrication points, check oil and grease levels, set the correct mowing height and perform a short test run before entering the field.
Check the condition of the knives
In addition to the optimal mowing height and settings, sharp knives are essential for a good cut. The grass should be cut smoothly and not torn off, because torn grass is more exposed to environmental influences and infections due to its larger surface area and poorer regrowth.
It is important that each disc has two knives and that all blades are evenly worn. When one cutting edge is worn, the knife can be turned around. When changing the knives, pay attention to the direction of the disc rotation. The correct position of the knives is that they are oriented in the direction of disc rotation and that they are movably clamped. With a special tool attached to the mower, the QCS (Quick Change System) for DISC ROBUST, DISC HD and DISC ALP mowers enables quick and easy knives change.
Check the cutter bar
Smooth and evenly mowed grass can be achieved if all parts of the cutter bar are free of damage or cracks. It is necessary to check for possible oil leaks from and the joints under the discs.
Damaged or excessively worn discs must be replaced. To prevent damage to the cutter bar, it is necessary to check the condition or wear of the additional skids. Additional skids also divert soil and sand under the cutter bar, thus preventing forage contamination. The skids must be at least 2 mm thick oth-erwise they need to be replaced.
All protective curtains on the mower must be undamaged. If the ejection of stones and sticks is not prevented, the machine, tractor, or persons may be damaged while mowing.
Check the PTO shafts, connections and lubricate
Check the universal joint and lubricate the grease points on the PTOs. In the case of clutched cardan joints, inspect the clutch. For machines with belt drives, check the condition and tension of the belts.
Lubricate the main pin on the cutter bar frame and the pins on the mower arms, as well as all other places on the mower marked with maintainance sign.
Hydraulic hoses must be undamaged. The hydraulic hoses, quick couplings and hydraulic cylinders and actuators must be checked for leaks.
Checklist
| Task | What to check | Why it matters |
| Clean the mower | Dirt, old forage, debris | Easier inspection and safer maintenance |
| Check blades | Sharpness, wear, direction, movement | Clean cut and fast turf regeneration |
| Inspect cutter bar | Damage, cracks, oil leaks | Prevents costly damage |
| Check protection curtains | Damage, mising parts | Prevents damage from flying debris |
| Check skids | Wear and minimum thickness | Reduces soil contamination and protects the cutter bar |
| Inspect hydraulics | Hoses, leaks, couplings | Safe folding, lifting and operation |
| Check oil/grease and Lubricate | All lubrication points on gear units and specified points | Reduces wear and enables reliable operation |
| Check PTO shaft | Joints, clutch, guards | Safe power transmission |
| Test run | Noise, vibration, leaks | Finds issues before fieldwork |
Prepare your SIP mower before the first cut and enter the grassland harvesting season with confidence. For original spare parts, model-specific maintenance information or expert support, contact your authorized SIP service partner.
Do you need any advice for mainatinance?
Professional and responsive SIP custumer support is available to you at support@sip.si or +386 3 70 38 650.
More tips from SIP Lab – Grassland Harvesting Specialist
- Grassland mowing: when to mow and how to set cutting height for high-quality forage
- KEEP YOUR FORAGE CLEAN
- MINIMIZE FORAGE CONTAMINATION
Frequently asked questions
Before the grassland harvesting season, clean the SIP mower thoroughly, inspect the blades, blade holders, cutter bar, skids, hydraulic hoses, PTO shaft and lubrication points. Check oil or grease levels according to the operator’s manual, tighten visible fasteners and perform a short test run before entering the field.
Preparing the mower before the first cut helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, uneven mowing, forage contamination and unnecessary wear. A pre-season inspection also helps identify damaged parts early, so the machine can work reliably during the short and intensive grassland harvesting window.
Check that all knives are present, blades sharp, correctly mounted and able to move freely. Blades should not be cracked, bent or excessively worn. Always check the correct knives direction according to the rotation of each disc and replace damaged or unevenly worn knives before mowing.
Sharp mower blades create a clean cut instead of tearing the grass. A clean cut supports faster grass regrowth, reduces plant stress and helps maintain better forage quality. Dull or damaged blades can increase fuel consumption, leave an uneven cut and reduce mowing efficiency.
Inspect the cutter bar for visible damage, cracks, deformation, unusual wear and oil leaks, especially around the disc area and joints. Also check the skids for wear, as worn skids can increase soil contamination and expose the cutter bar to damage.
Check hydraulic hoses, couplings and cylinders for cracks, leaks, abrasion or other visible damage. Inspect the PTO shaft, joints, guards and clutch, and make sure all protective elements are in place. Any damaged hydraulic or PTO component should be repaired before operation.
Set the mowing height according to crop conditions, terrain and the recommendations for your SIP mower model. A suitable mowing height helps reduce soil contamination, protects the turf and supports regrowth. Avoid mowing too low, especially on uneven ground or in sensitive grassland conditions.
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