October 31st, 2024
Maintaining your combine harvester is easier than you think, and well worth the effort. Just like how we take care of our trucks and tools, giving your machinery a little TLC keeps it running smoothly and helps avoid costly breakdowns. Whether you’re knee-deep in harvest season or prepping for the off-season, a few simple steps can make a world of difference. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into some straightforward tips to keep your harvester in tip-top shape.
Regular Inspection Checklist
- Belts & Chains: Give belts and chains a look every 50-100 hours to check for wear, tension, and alignment. During intense harvest times, especially when conditions are dusty or rough, it’s smart to inspect them even more often to avoid any hiccups. Swap out any worn belts or chains as needed to keep everything running smoothly.
- Blades & Knives: Keep cutting components sharp, checking them every 10-20 hours of operation. Dull blades reduce efficiency and put unnecessary strain on the machine.
- Bearings & Bushings: Give bearings and bushings a fresh dose of grease every 10-20 hours of continuous use to keep things cool and cut down on wear. INOX MX8 is a top pick for these high-wear spots, especially pivots and universal joints, thanks to its tough formulation built to handle the job.
- Augers & Sieves: Clear out debris from augers and sieves after each use to avoid clogs and keep grain flowing evenly. Blasting them with compressed air works wonders for a quick, thorough clean.
Preventing Grain Loss
Adjust Threshing & Separating Settings: Properly calibrate your machine to match the crop type and condition. Incorrect settings can lead to grain loss.
Check Fan Speed: Ensure the fan speed is set correctly to avoid blowing grains out of the back of the harvester.
Inspect & Replace Seals: Damaged seals can cause grain spillage. Replace any seals showing wear.
Hydraulics & Engine Fluids
Monitor Hydraulic Fluid Levels: Low fluid levels can cause hydraulic systems to malfunction, leading to expensive repairs. Regularly check for leaks and top up fluids as needed.
Change Engine Oil & Filters: Keep your engine in optimal condition by changing the oil and filters regularly. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended oil change intervals for best results.
Clean After Use
Compressed Air For Cleaning: After every harvest, blow out debris with compressed air to prevent clogs and buildup that could damage the machinery.
Check Radiator & Cooling System: Clean out dust and crop residue from the radiator and cooling system to prevent overheating during operation.
Monitor Electrical Components
Battery Maintenance: Check the battery regularly for corrosion, loose connections or low charge. Clean terminals and replace the battery as needed.
Lights & Sensors: Ensure all lights and sensors are functioning properly to improve visibility and accuracy in the field.
Proper Lubrication
General Lubrication: LANOX MX4 is ideal for lubricating, winches and augers. INOX MX9 is perfect for harvester chains. Both create a moisture barrier to protect metal parts from rust and corrosion, making it perfect for machinery exposed to water or humidity.
High-Wear Components: For sprockets, gears and sliding mechanisms that experience extreme wear use INOX MX5 as it can penetrate and reduce friction across internal surfaces.
Grease Points: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for greasing intervals. Use INOX MX8 on high-wear areas like pivots, bearings, and universal joints.
Off-Season Maintenance & Proper Storage
Protect From The Elements: Store the combine harvester in a sheltered area to protect it from rain, sun and dust. This prevents rust and premature wear on exterior parts.
Use Covers: Cover sensitive components like the header and engine during off-season storage.
Deep Cleaning: At the end of the harvest season, give the combine a thorough cleaning, inspecting for any worn parts that need replacing before the next season.
Rust Prevention: Apply a rust inhibitor to any exposed metal parts that are prone to corrosion, especially before storage. LANOX MX4 can help protect vital components that will sit idle for extended periods, ensuring they are ready to go next season.
Keeping Your Combine Harvester In Top Shape For The Long Haul
Taking care of your combine harvester doesn’t have to be complicated. With regular inspections, a bit of grease and some preventative maintenance, you’ll be all set to keep your machine running like a well-oiled engine for years to come. Don’t forget, products like LANOX MX4, INOX MX5, MX8 and MX9 can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your equipment. Ready to get started? You can find INOX products at your nearest retailer—grab some today and give your machinery the care it deserves!