Tractor Implement Care
Proper tractor implement maintenance is important. It keeps the implements operating correctly, prevents unnecessary wear, and extends their lifespan. But knowing that tractor implement care is important is one thing. Knowing what maintenance tasks to do is another!
Here at Johnson Fleet and Farm, we strive to make your life easier. That's why we created the following basic guide to tractor implement maintenance. If you have any questions or want to shop tractor implements for sale, visit our dealership. We are located in Yulee and Fernandina Beach, Florida, and Homerville, Georgia. We also proudly serve those in Jacksonville and St. Augustine, Florida.
Check The Owner's Manual
Start by seeing what the manufacturer recommends. After all, who knows the implement better than the company who built it? See if there are any suggested maintenance tasks, a maintenance schedule, and cleaning products to use/to avoid.
It's also important to understand the model's limitations. Overloading, overextending, or otherwise overworking it is not only unsafe - it can drastically speed up the wear and lead to damage. Know the implement’s performance potential and stay within those limits.
Keep A Record Of Implement Use
You likely have multiple tractor implements. These tend to be used at different times and with differing regularity. One might be used on a daily basis, while another may be used once or twice a month. It's helpful to keep a record of how often you use each implement. This information will help you stay on top of each individual model's maintenance needs.
Plus, it'll help you remember to do certain tasks if the implement hasn't been used in a long time. For example, it's wise to check the oil condition, check the oil levels, look for any condensation buildup, and make sure there are no issues that could cause a performance problem.
Use The Right Power Take Off Shaft Length
The Power Take Off (PTO) shaft gets power from the tractor to the implement. It needs to be at the right length in order to work properly. Too long and it can damage the tractor's internal PTO drive or the implement clutch and gearbox. This can be an expensive repair and can also void the tractor's warranty. Too short and the PTO shaft could disconnect from the implement, causing damage. Make sure it’s at the right length for optimized performance.
Regularly Grease The PTO Shaft
Failing to consistently grease the PTO shaft could cause the universal joints to fail, cause the shaft to seize, and destroy the implement's gearbox. Try to grease it after about 20 hours of normal work and more often if it’s used in tougher conditions.
Check The Clutch
The clutch is installed on the PTO driveline. When it's too loose, the wear discs will face increased strain and need replacement sooner. When it's too tight, it can cause gearbox or PTO failure. Make sure it's set correctly. You can always get assistance from a dealership, such as Johnson Fleet and Farm, to get it right.
Check The Shafts And Belts
It's important to look over the shafts and belts. Check that there are no foreign materials in them. This can cause sped up wear. If there are dry materials caught in them, they could catch fire due to the friction made in these systems. It's also helpful to check the belts. Replace them as needed.
Nuts, Bolts, And Washers
These all need to be properly tightened. But they can get loose thanks to the vibration that occurs during normal implement operation. Check them occasionally and re-tighten as needed.
We hope you found this basic guide to tractor implement maintenance helpful. For more advice or to shop tractor implements for sale, head over to Johnson Fleet and Farm. Our expert staff can answer questions, give advice, and make the shopping process easy. We have dealerships in Fernandina Beach and Yulee, Florida, as well as Homerville, Georgia. We also proudly serve those in Jacksonville and St. Augustine, Florida.