Podjetni kmet, 7. January 2024, Author: Benjamin Žgank, Photo: SIP Šempeter d.d.
Although it may seem that taking care of machinery is a normal thing and that farmers do it regularly, the reality is that this is often not the case. By taking basic care of machinery, users can prevent unavoidable inconveniences and servicing, usually when the season is already in full swing. Benjamin Žgank, certified machinery expert from SIP Šempeter, therefore advises on what not to leave out when it comes to mowers, tedders and rakes before, during and after the farming season.
BEFORE AND DURING THE SEASON
Before starting out in the field, it is advisable to clean the machines in accordance with the instructions, inspect the wear parts, check the condition of the drive and hydraulic systems on each of them and, if necessary, lubricate them at the marked lubrication points.
CUTTER BAR and SPRING TINES
For the cutter bar, first check the condition of the cutting blades. Sharp blades are essential for a good cut, as you want grass that has been cut, not grass that has been stripped. It is important that each disc has two blades and that all blades are evenly worn. When one cutting edge is worn out, the knife can be reversed to use the other cutting edge. On SIP machines, easy blade changes are made possible by the QCS (quick-change system). With robust tools and spare blades stowed in a box on the machine, they are always close at hand. When changing blades, pay attention to the direction of rotation of the discs. The correct position of the knives is when they are oriented in the direction of disc rotation and are flexibly engaged. Make sure that the cutting height is correctly adjusted. This will also prolong the life of the cutting blade.A trouble-free start to the mowing season is ensured when all parts of the cutter bar are free of damage or cracks, apart from the knives. Damaged or excessively worn discs and sliders should also be replaced. A similar check of the condition of the machine as for mowers should also be carried out for tedders and rakes, where the condition of the spring tines should be checked and, if necessary, replaced.
ADDITIONAL WEAR SKIDS
In addition to the ridge protection, additional wear skids also divert debris under the cutting ridge. The skids must be at least two millimetres thick. If they are thinner, replace them. This will reduce feed contamination.
CARDAN JOINTS
When checking the PTO drives, grease the lubrication points on the PTO joints and hoses. For clutch-type universal joints, check the clutch separately, and for belt drives, check the condition and tension of the belts.
PROTECTIVE CURTAINS
All protective curtains on the mower must be intact. Failure to prevent the ejection of stones and other particles could result in injury to the machine, the tractor or people. Also look out for cracks and excessive tyre wear and be sure to check tyre pressure.
HYDRAULIC INSTALLATION
Tudi hidravlične cevi morajo biti nepoškodovane. Preverite tesnjenje hidravličnih cevi, hitrih spojk in hidravličnih ventilov.
PREPARATION FOR WINTER STORAGE
Moisture, frost and dormancy affect the life and durability of agricultural machinery. After the end of the season, we recommend a thorough inspection and preparation for winterisation.
CLEANING
Clean the machine with water and then leave it in place for at least five minutes. When cleaning with high-pressure cleaners, take care never to direct the water directly into the bearing points.
….
You can read more in original article found HERE.