Daily Servicing of a Tractor

Introduction

This section will show you how to carry out all necessary daily checks.
When you need to operate the tractor either for a short time or on a shift in a busy period, you need to know that it’s going function correctly and do what you want. Ensure that scheduled servicing and safety checks are conducted, not only for your own safety, but also for others who may be operating the tractor and equipment. When you know your tractor it will take about 5 minutes to check it; however don’t become complacent and overlook anything important. Read your operator’s manual carefully before attempting to service your tractor and follow the safety points.

Visual Checks

Have a good look for problems which may have occurred during the previous operating period. Inspection should include both the tractor and any attached implement, walk around the tractor looking for components which may have vibrated loose (nuts and bolts) or have been damaged during the previous day’s operations.
Check the cooling system for leaks, underneath the radiator and engine, check the radiator hoses between the engine and the radiator, check the engine components and accessories for oil leaks.
Check the drawbar and three point linkage security. Check tyre treads, check tyre walls for cracks, tears and uneven wear or embedded pieces of steel or timber.

Visually check the fuel bowl (if there is one) for build up of dirt and water. Clean if necessary.

Engine Oil

To check the engine oil level the tractor must be standing on level ground, allow approximately 10 minutes after the engine has stopped for the oil to drain down into the sump. Clean around the dipstick before pulling it out to avoid dirt entering the engine, remove the dipstick and wipe dry with a clean cloth then re-insert fully and withdraw to check the oil level, the dipstick shows a minimum and maximum level the oil level is safe if it shows between these two marks. Replace the dipstick, if the oil level is below lower mark on the dipstick, add recommended oil. Be sure oil and container are clean then fill to the upper level on the dipstick. (See operator’s manual for more details on recommended engine oil) Recheck the engine oil level, do not over fill it can damage your equipment.

Cooling System

Water cooled engine

If the tractor is fitted with an expansion tank, inspect the plastic tank to ensure the coolant level is at the manufacturers recommended level. (hot or cold)
If the engine has a radiator only, when the engine is cool, inspect the radiator. Using a cloth, release the pressure cap to the first stop, then push cap down, slowly turn cap and completely remove. The coolant level should be 10 to 20 mm above the core of the radiator, depending on the system. If the coolant level is low refer to the operator’s manual for the recommended coolant to add. Never top up a hot engine with cold water as major engine damage may result.

Air cooled engine.

Check the location of the engine cooling shrouds, check the cooling fins, fans and air ducts. It is particularly important to keep the fins around the cylinders free of oil and dirt. (For more detailed instructions refer to your operator’s manual.)

Air Cleaner System

Pre-cleaner (if fitted)

Check the pre-cleaner bowl. If dirt has built up to the full line, remove the bowl and empty it. If the unit has a pre-screener, blow or brush off any chaff or foreign matter.

Air cleaner (dry type)

If the tractor has an air cleaner indicator or dust warning indicator, check the gauge or lights on the indicator to see that they are working. The air cleaner element must be cleaned when the warning indicator is activated otherwise there is usually no need to service the element. If the tractor does not have an air cleaner indicator, check (but not necessarily clean) daily for restrictions and the accumulation of dust, this is more important in very dusty conditions. Try to avoid cleaning dry type air cleaners too frequently, because cleaning always presents the danger of damaging the filter element and seal. However, if the engine exhaust system starts smoking or the engine loses power, there may be a restriction in the dry air cleaner, if the air cleaner element must be serviced because of its condition or because of the maintenance timetable, see the operator’s manual for detailed instructions of the cleaning methods.

Important: Never wash a dry element in diesel, petrol or solvent.

After cleaning the element, inspect it for damage by holding it in direct sunlight and sighting from the inside to the outside of the element. Some elements of a small diameter and long in length are best checked by placing a light globe up inside the element and then sighting from the outside to inside. A dull light should be seen through the paper. A bright light may indicate a crack or tear.

Replace the filter element:

1. When attempts to clean it fail.
2. After a recommended service period.
3. If filter element gasket is damaged.
4. If in doubt.

Note: Take care with the sealing of the replacement filter. Refer to the operator’s manual.

Air cleaner (oil bath type)

Stop the engine. Never check the air cleaner with the engine running.
Loosen the oil bath and remove it from the air cleaner body.
Refer to the operator’s manual for more detailed instructions on the inspection and cleaning of the air cleaner.
Replace the oil bath (and screen tray if used) and tighten clamp. Do not overfill.
Check that all connections are tight.

Lubricate and Grease Fittings

Refer to the manufacturer’s timetable; a daily service grease of the steering, clutch and brake mechanisms and three point linkage system would be needed only in harsh circumstances such as driving in flood waters or in very dusty conditions. Refer to your operator’s manual for more detail on daily grease points greasing procedures and grades of grease.

Grease nipples

Always wipe off dirt and excess grease from the grease nipples before attaching the grease gun. Hold the grease gun directly in line with the grease nipple while pumping slowly. Remove the gun by moving it slightly to one side. Don’t over lubricate bearings with seals, refer to the operator’s manual, the seal may rupture, grease will escape allowing dirt and moisture into the bearing. Identify and replace any grease nipple which is damaged or does not accept grease.

Note: Over greasing sealed bearings leads to premature failure.

Fuel Level

Check the fuel level in the tractor, refilling the fuel tank is best done at the end of a day’s work. Leaving the fuel level low overnight can allow condensation to form within the fuel tank contaminating the fuel system. If the tractor has a fuel gauge on the instrument panel, check it when the tractor ignition is turned on and the operator is sitting in the operator’s seat. If the fuel system is low you may be required to refuel the tractor, refer to the operator’s manual for the type of fuel used in the tractor. Clean around the fuel cap before removing it, dirt and water entry to the fuel system can cause very serious damage. Fill the tank almost full, leave some space in the neck to allow for fuel expansion, replace the fuel cap firmly and wipe up any spilled fuel. When a tank is left empty overnight, condensation drips into the fuel. Water sinks below the fuel and because it can not evaporate it remains in the fuel.

Cabin Filters

Cabin filters, including re-circulation filters are not usually checked every day unless the conditions are very dusty. Refer to the operator’s manual and clean filters as required.

Air Reservoirs (if applicable)

If you are working with a large tractor fitted with a compressed air operating system for the brakes and accessories, bleed (drain) the air reservoirs by releasing the drain cock at the bottom of the reservoir, until all accumulated condensation (water) is released. For more detailed instruction refer to the operator’s manual.

Working Safley

In addition to the general safety precautions:

• Position the tractor on level ground for servicing.
• Lower all hydraulically operated equipment.
• Don’t attempt to service your tractor when it is running unless specified by the manufacturer.
• Take care if the tractor fluids and components are hot.
• Avoid naked flames and don’t smoke, take extra care when working with fuel.
• Record and report any faults, record service details according to workplace policy.

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