10-02-2024
The tasks performed by a tractor during daily operations are a true test for the machine. To ensure that the equipment operates successfully for many years, regular servicing, proper maintenance, and storage are essential. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about servicing LS Tractor in a nutshell. Learn how often you should service your LS Tractor and what specific aspects to pay attention to.
Before a new tractor is delivered to a farmer, it first goes from the factory to the dealer. Before being handed over to the customer, a so-called zero inspection, or pre-delivery inspection (PDI), is conducted. This inspection is usually entrusted to an experienced mechanic.
One might wonder: why does a new tractor, straight from the factory, undergo another inspection before being delivered to the customer? The answer lies in the transportation of the tractor from the factory to the dealer, which always carries some risk.
Once the tractor is in the hands of the customer, it’s crucial to remember that regular servicing, proper storage, and maintenance extend the lifespan of the machines, resulting in efficient and trouble-free operation.
When the equipment is not in use, especially during the winter months, it’s best to store it in dry and well-ventilated places such as a garage or under a shed. Storing agricultural machinery outdoors, where it’s exposed to adverse weather conditions, is not advisable. Covering them with tarps that trap moisture is also a bad idea – it can be harmful to various structural components.
Remember! Tractor inspection and servicing should only be carried out on a flat and level surface. Additionally, during engine inspection, the engine should be turned off, the parking brake engaged, and the equipment lowered to the ground.
Manufacturers recommend regular inspections at regular intervals, usually every few hundred engine hours. Regularity is crucial because it guarantees safety and efficient operation. Such inspections include checking the drivetrain, engine, hydraulic system, and electrical installation. The preventive maintenance depends on the intensity of tractor usage – the farm’s profile, frequency of use, and the type of work.
It’s best to perform preventive maintenance right after the season, especially if the tractor is not used in winter. This reduces the risk of discovering serious defects at the last minute before starting work in the next season. Even if the tractor is not used in winter, it’s advisable to start the engine for a few moments during freezing temperatures. For older tractors, you can remove the battery.
Failures are usually the result of certain events. Neglecting a small element can cost us the damage to the entire system, leading to unforeseen downtime and financial losses for the farm. So, it’s better to prevent than to cure. Even simple filter replacements can significantly extend the life of our machines. If we neglect timely replacement – in the best case, it will result in much higher fuel consumption. In worse situations, it can lead to premature engine wear or even immobilization. So, where to start?
As part of such an inspection, start with what’s visible to the naked eye, namely the general condition of the tractor. Check the condition of the paint, windows, headlights, and tires. Of course, the tractor should be clean because a layer of mud will prevent us from detecting any potential damage. Also, check the ground under the tractor for any signs of potential leaks.
One of the basic activities related to daily tractor operation is checking the engine oil level. The immense stresses to which tractor engines are subjected can lead to the appearance of micro-metal shavings in our engine oil. The oil filter’s task is to protect against these particles entering the engine block, where they could cause significant damage. Oil changes should be performed every 200 to 250 engine hours.
Check it with a cold engine or at least 5 minutes after turning it off. Always add oil of the same viscosity and from the same manufacturer. The oil level should be within the marked range on the indicator. Tractor engines have a much higher capacity than cars, making them more resistant to issues related to oil cleanliness and freshness.
Similarly, check the amount of oil in the front axle and gearbox. Never start the tractor with too low oil levels. Inadequate lubrication and cooling of the transmission can lead to premature wear or damage to machine components. In addition, dealing with the need to filter all tar-like substances, soot, etc.
It’s also worth thinking about hydraulics, which work every day under tremendous pressure. The vast majority of tractors work with additional equipment, using the tractor’s hydraulic system. Therefore, attention should also be paid to the level of transmission-hydraulic oil in the gearbox. If you don’t take care of timely hydraulic filter changes, it can cause leaks that could eventually immobilize the equipment until the seal is replaced. It is generally recommended to replace such a filter every 1000 engine hours. In addition to the filter itself, you should also clean the magnetic filter pads that filter metal shavings.
Next is the intake system and air filter. The main task of the filter is to catch impurities to prevent them from entering the engine. In harsh conditions, in a highly polluted environment, the air filter should be cleaned more often.
The older our vehicle is, the more likely the problem of a contaminated fuel tank becomes. Unfortunately, fuel at gas stations can vary in quality, and deposits accumulate at the bottom. Over time, they start to detach and clog the fuel system. Fortunately, every modern vehicle is equipped with at least one fuel filter, responsible for ensuring that the fuel pump pushes only clean fuel.
Fuel filter changes should be carried out every 400 to 500 engine hours, and it’s a good idea to do this after winter. The replacement is straightforward, but any leaks can worsen the machine’s operation or even prevent it from starting.
Absolutely, during daily tractor operation tasks, check the coolant level. Check it on the expansion tank. It should be between the maximum and minimum marks, preferably in the middle. Every 3 years or after 3,000 engine hours, it should be completely replaced.
Mesh radiators are essential elements. If you find insects, plant fragments, or a thick layer of dust on them, you must remove them. Similarly, we proceed with the radiators. Hindered airflow through the radiator can result in a dangerous temperature increase in the cooling system and potential engine damage.
In addition to the above-mentioned maintenance tasks, it’s essential to pay attention to what else needs to be considered when preparing for the new season. Here briefly are the points to address:
A malfunctioning electrical installation can be the cause of difficulties in starting a tractor that has not been used in winter. A greenish-white deposit on the wires leading from the battery to the starter and from the ground wire to the engine block indicates poor conductivity and the need for replacement. If problems persist despite a new battery, check the starter and glow plugs.
During daily tractor use, you should also check the operation of all switches and levers – PTO range, drive, and differential lock, brake pedal, direction selection pedal, and handbrake. Any disturbances in the smooth movement of levers and pedals are a warning sign that should be consulted with a specialist.
It’s also important to check the tractor’s lighting and sound signal. During the lighting check, remember all types of lights, starting from position and main lights, through turn signals, stop lights, and ending with work lights. During the daily check, we should also remember the anti-dust (exhaust) valve located on the air filter housing.
In addition to current faults, breakdowns, and consumable parts, another issue is not to create a danger to road traffic – this is about technical inspection. It applies to all motor vehicles, including agricultural tractors. The conditions for technical inspections are regulated by the road traffic code. According to it, a farm tractor must undergo its first inspection three years from the registration date, and it will be valid for the next two years. Each subsequent inspection should be carried out every 2 years.
The tractor inspection is carried out at special diagnostic stations. In the case of tractors with a total permissible mass of up to 3.5 tons, the technical condition of tractors is checked at the basic vehicle control station. For tractors with a higher mass, periodic technical inspections are carried out at regional vehicle control stations.
The procedure for inspection during technical inspection is similar to other motor vehicles:
We encourage you to carefully read the user manual for the specific LS Tractor model. It provides guidance on how to use the tractor optimally and suggests how to fully utilize its capabilities while ensuring maximum longevity and durability. Even if the machine is new, adhere to inspection schedules and the replacement of individual parts or oils.
Authorized LS Tractor Service Of course, servicing is also necessary in the event of a breakdown. The basis for effective farm management is efficiently operating agricultural equipment. If you want your equipment to work efficiently in the field – focus on early signals it sends you. So, if your tractor is signaling that something is wrong, such as when a warning light comes on – don’t postpone it! Check it as soon as possible.
Our workshops are equipped with modern tools and qualified staff, because service is an important part of our business. We treat each of our customers individually and start each service with an inspection and diagnostics, making the repair more efficient and effective. At LS Tractro, we offer care for agricultural equipment and carry out all repairs and inspections related to their operation. We guarantee a fast and professional service and satisfaction with the services provided.
If, for various reasons, you can’t reach us with a damaged machine, don’t worry! Our company is equipped with fast and convenient access to the customer. Traktor.com.pl is able to repair the machine at the customer’s location, thanks to a fully equipped mobile unit. Explore our full range of services on our website here.
