As spring awakens the earth with vibrant colours and rich aromas, Oilfast is poised to provide farming machinery with top-tier fuels and lubricants specifically designed to address the diverse needs of your farming operations. Below are a few key spring farming checks to perform; read on for more information.
Prioritising Safety: All operators and personnel must be well-acquainted with the equipment they’ll be handling. Take the opportunity to provide a comprehensive refresher on safety protocols, ensuring everyone knows the locations of emergency shutoffs for augers, tractors, welders, and other vital machinery.
Engage in meaningful discussions about critical hazards such as entrapment, entanglement, burns, and torque injuries. Creating a welcoming environment where employees feel confident enough to ask questions and express concerns is essential.
Thorough Farming Machinery and Equipment Cleaning
Maintaining clean equipment is crucial! Dirt, grease, and debris can obscure issues like worn components or rust. Regular cleaning helps us spot potential problems early on, preventing escalation.
Helpful Cleaning Tips: Avoid using pressure washers to clean sensitive areas near electronic control nodes, wiring harnesses, and sensor housings. The force of the water, combined with residues, can compromise the electrical system over time. After a thorough cleaning, applying a rust inhibitor in high-wear areas will help safeguard our investment and extend the longevity of our machines.
Inspect Key Areas of Machinery
1. Hydraulics: Check for leaks and ensure connections are tight. Pinhole leaks can be hazardous and are a common cause of farming machinery and equipment downtime.
2. Belts and Hoses: Look for cracks, frays, or wear. If you find any signs of wear, reinforce the lines with flexible fire hoses or corrugated plastic pipes.
3. Tyres and Tracks: Make sure the tyres are properly inflated, check the tread depth, Check the tyres’ proper inflation and tread depth and look for cracks.
4. Undercarriage: Examine it closely, as it often causes equipment fires. Remove any debris or buildup.
5. Frames and Axles: Watch for hairline cracks, as they can lead to significant problems if they fail in the field.
Check and Replenish Farming Machinery Fluids
- Fluid Maintenance: Regularly check and refill key fluids, like coolant and hydraulic fluid.
- Engine Oil: Check the oil level and replace any old or dirty oil.
- Coolant: Look for the correct proper levels and check for any discolouration that may indicate contamination.
- Hydraulic Fluid: Ensure fluid levels are adequate and check for leaks.
- Transmission Fluid: Ensure levels are correct and the fluid is clear.
Lubricate Moving Farming Machinery Components
Purpose of Lubrication: Lubricating parts reduces friction, prevents wear, and protects against rust.
- Key Areas to Lubricate: Focus on bearings, axles, pivot points, and chains.
- Frequency: Lubricate based on how often you use the equipment and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Preparing for Storage or Transport
Storage:
- Drain essential fluids carefully.
- Shield exposed components to safeguard against weather elements.
- Place in a dry, secure location for optimal preservation.
Transport: Ensure equipment is securely fastened on trailers or trucks to prevent any potential damage.
Choose Oilfast for fuels, AdBlue and Lubricants this Spring with Shell, FUCHS and OilMaxx lubricants, licensed AdBlue and premium fuels, including Red Diesel, DERV, Kerosene and HVO. Emergency delivery is available for 100 – 950 litres.
Get in touch with Oilfast on 0330 232 0101 or email the team on enquiries@oilfast.co.uk.
Find out more about Oilfast Farming here and Lubricants here.
Based in England contact our sister company OilMaxx.
