Spring is on its way, there’s no denying it. And while thoughts are likely to turn to planting new varieties, soil prep or repairs, it’s also the ideal time to do an inspection on equipment. Now is the time to get equipment ready for long hours of use, so the season feels more like a home run than a rain out.
Kyle Dabrowski, product manager, agricultural tractors, with Kubota Canada says it’s mostly about maintenance.
“There’s never really down-time when it comes to farming, but there’s time when equipment is not being utilized,” he says.
This gap in the demand for equipment is when servicing can take priority.
“Look at maintenance for the units,” he says. “You don’t want to be getting out on the field and start the season and your equipment dies on you. Time is money and the worst thing that could happen is that you’d be down and out at the worst time of the season.”
Store operational manuals, maintenance records and supplies together to make the process easier. Even though maintenance may have been done at the right intervals, there may be other recommendations in the manual. If maintenance is complete, get under the hood for a look.
“Make sure that your oil and oil filter… have been changed,” he says. “Looking at your air filter, making sure that that’s been cleaned out. You’re starting out nice and fresh.”
Check the fuel system for leaks and ensure that fuel filters are clean. Grab a flashlight to inspect belts for any cracking or wear and see if you can spot any freeloaders or their homes; look for debris or nests in and around the engine.
“You don’t want [a rodent’s nest] to be engulfed in flames when you’re trying to get around the field,” Dabrowski says. “They can chew on wires, so check those, making sure they’ve not gnawed on anything and check around the exhaust area, making sure nothing has collected around there.”
Get a look at the battery to ensure there is no corrosion on the leads and make sure it’s still holding a strong charge.
“Let’s be honest, a lot of this is just similar inspections you’d do with your car really.”
No one wants to take a spill while running the bases and the same goes for tractors. While kicking the tires does little good, making sure there are no punctures or cuts does.
“Make sure they’re holding pressure and that there’s no excessive damage or wear,” he notes.
Deisel exhaust fluid is another important element to check as Dabrowski points out this fluid has a surprisingly short shelf life and can degrade even faster given temperatures and sun exposure.
“It can not only degrade, but can also cause some system issues,” he says. “It might be worth flushing it out.”
A diesel fluid refractometer can determine if the fluid is still usable.
Grease points are another focal point and while these get attention regularly, take the time for extra care now.
“Lubricate those moving parts. They should be more familiar as they should be [greased] every 10 to 15 hours. If it’s squeaking it’s past the point of need.”
One of the final steps in a pre-spring equipment check is an operation test.
“Take the unit out, drive it around, try all your different systems,” he says. “Hydraulic controls, your electrical system, your transmission. Make sure everything is running correctly. Check your work lights.”
It’s the right time to fix things, “before you’re actually dependent on the equipment in the spring.”
All that said, not everyone is comfortable getting under the hood and doing an inspection. Dabrowski suggests having someone who is comfortable help out, or hiring the task out to a trusted mechanic.
If equipment is becoming more problematic than it’s financially worth, it’s time to look at something newer. There are other reasons to consider buying or financing new equipment.
“Often farmers want to have some form of warranty on the unit. It could be time to trade it in on a new piece of equipment with a new warranty,” he says. “If they’re leasing, that could be a factor. If there’s new technology that’s come out recently that would help them with their operation, that could drive them to a new piece of equipment.”
Kubota has telematics, called KubotaNOW, in its equipment that makes everything about operations and maintenance easier.
“It gives you maintenance reminders and your operator’s manual,” he says. “It’s helping to make things easier for the operator.”
(Top photo courtesy of the Wine Growers BC: Simran Sidhu, daughter of the owners of Kalala and Little Straw Wineries in West Kelowna, helps keep barrels organized on site.)
