General Tractor Maintenance

Introduction

This section will show you how to perform a weekly or 50 hr service on a tractor. Start your general maintenance service with the checks described in the section PERFORM A PRE-START SAFETY CHECK ON A TRACTOR. This includes checks on the brakes and the clutch.

This general maintenance is essential to prevent breakdowns at inconvenient times and to keep your machine working efficiently. It may be necessary to service the tractor each week in busy times or otherwise each 50 hours of work; however refer to your operator’s manual because recommended intervals of service vary widely between tractors.

In this section we deal only with the fundamentals of maintenance to keep your tractor working for you. Your operator’s manual may list further tasks as required; become familiar with the ones recommended for your machine. They may include:

• Checking additional greasing points.
• Cleaning the tractor. (many faults such as loose bolts, cracks and leaks are discovered during cleaning)
• Tightening of wheel nuts. If rear wheel nuts have been disturbed (for example when repairing tyres) tighten rear wheel nuts every 50 hours until no more movement is evident.

Check oil and fluid levels

Check oil level in gearbox, differential, final drives and hydraulic reservoirs. If your tractor has power steering you need to check the oil level of its reservoir as well. On some tractors, the different compartments of the power train may all share the same oil.

For example:

1. Gearbox, differential and final drives together.
2. Gearbox, differential and hydraulic reservoir together.
   

Check your operator’s manual for design of the power train compartments.

Oil level dipstick

If your machine has a dipstick for checking the oil level, remove it and wipe off excess oil. Always take your reading on the second dipping of the dipstick. If the level is below the full or safe mark, fill to the recommended level with the recommended oil. Check the recommendations given in your operator’s manual, as some engines may need to be running when oil level checks are made.

Oil level plug

If your tractor doesn’t have a dipstick, then check the oil levels at the level plugs. (refer to your operator’s manual to find where these plugs are placed) Clean and remove the oil level plug. Insert a finger to determine if oil is up to the correct level. (refer to the operator’s manual) If necessary, refill with the recommended oil.

Power steering (if applicable)

Refer to your operator’s manual for the location of the power steering oil reservoir and check the oil level by one of the two manners described above.

Check brake and clutch fluid levels

Check the brake and clutch reservoirs (if applicable) for correct fluid levels. If a level is excessively low, top it up with recommended fluid and investigate the cause of fluid loss.

Check free play of clutch and brake pedals

See section PERFORM A PRE-START SAFETY CHECK ON A TRACTOR

Check the battery

Note: If your battery is maintenance free DO NOT do this

Remove all vent plugs and check the electrolyte level. The electrolyte level should be to the bottom of the filler neck so that the tops of the battery plates are covered. If any cells require water, fill to correct level with distilled water. (clean rain water would substitute)
Check the battery vent plugs for unwanted blockages, then replace them. Inspect the terminals for corrosion and tightness, rectify as required.
Make sure hold down bolts and frames are tight and not corroded.

Check the fuel sediment bowl (diesel fuel system)

If you are just removing water and the bowl has a drain, then just drain it. Loosen the drain plug until clean fuel comes out. Close the drain plug. Inspect the fuel pump sediment bowl for dirt, rust and water deposits; if you see any.

1. shut off the fuel supply and remove the sediment bowl
2. clean the bowl and strainer in solvent and wipe dry
3. install the bowl and strainer; check for leaks around gasket
4. bleed the filter see section SERVICE A DIESEL FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM ON A TRACTOR.
   

Check the cooling system

Hoses

Inspect all the hoses for cracks and pliability to ensure efficient operation and to minimise breakdown due to overheating; almost all water cooled systems have a top radiator hose, bottom radiator hose and a by-pass hose. Check for leaks around hoses and hose clamps.

Radiator core

Check the radiator core for leaks caused by fracture of radiator solder or corroded water tubes in the radiator. Check the condition of the fins for damage or blockage by insects/dirt/straw/grass seeds. Only clean the radiator core when the engine is stopped. If you have water under pressure use a hose to clean the radiator core from the engine side of the radiator.

Inspect drive belt condition and tension

Do not test or reset the tension with the engine running.
Check all V-belts (fan, compressor) for tension and condition. Check the belt tension by depressing the belt halfway along the longest run between the pulleys. Using a ruler at right angles to a straight edge, measure the deflection. Your operator’s manual has the correct deflection. If an adjustment needs to be made, follow the procedure recommended by the manufacturer. Check the V-belts for signs of wear and damage. Look for cracks on the underside of the belt and inspect belt for fraying.

Check tyre pressure

Always check tyre pressure with a gauge, an air and water gauge is most commonly used; make sure your pressure gauge is accurate. Don’t rely on the appearance of the tyre. Correctly inflated tyres permit all of the tread to contact the ground, yet do not flex excessively. Check and inflate tyres when they are cold. Tyres gain pressure when they are hot and lose pressure when they are cold.

Tyre inflation

If the tyre contains ballast, such as water, make sure the valve stem is positioned at the top of the tyre, at 12 o’clock position.
Remove the valve cap and check the air pressure. Be sure to hold the gauge firmly against the valve stem to get a correct reading.
Check the pressure again if you think a poor contact was made.
Add or release air as needed to obtain correct air pressure.
Do not exceed the maximum recommended air pressure. Check your operator’s manual.

Remember: There is no substitute for good maintenance - IT SAVES MONEY.

Working Safely

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.
• Caution must be taken if the tractor fluid and components are hot.
• Do not smoke and avoid naked flames.
• Use appropriate personal protection equipment.
• Check the operator’s manual for service requirements specific to your tractor.
• Keep records of all checks and service details for your OHS records and ongoing maintenance needs and warranty claims.

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