Productivity Improvements with Pre-harvest Equipment Inspections
A combine, regardless of its color is not very productive if it is sitting in the field waiting to unload. From combines and trucks to tractors and grain carts, a successful and efficient harvest season is only as possible as the weakest link in the machinery shed.
Although most repairs can be accomplished within a few hours, any downtime during harvest season puts the crop and profits at risk from quality loss and inclement weather. The financial risks of not having made preventative maintenance inspections and repairs can far outweigh the short-term gain of ignoring potential problems with your equipment.
Many farmers found that they could significantly reduce harvest machinery downtime if they put more effort into pre-harvest inspection and maintenance.
If you have a dealer, like Redline Equipment, inspect your combine, either in the shop or on your farm, the process takes a technician six to eight hours to work through 150 to 200 checkpoints, depending upon the brand of harvester and the need for any repairs.
WHAT IS CHECKED DURING HARVEST EQUIPMENT INSPECTIONS?
A complete inspection is an important preventive way to make sure equipment is safe for use and that all systems are working properly.
In general, Redline Equipment technicians will check the following components using both diagnostic tools and an expert eye:
- Battery
- Engine performance
- Safety features such as deflectors and sweeps
- Steering components
- Brake systems
- Exhaust system
- Cooling system
- Fan belts
- Engine support
- Radiator guards
- Transmission function
- Oil level and condition
- Tires, wheels and tracks
- Gauges and lights
- Undercarriage and drive train
- Hydraulic system
- Auger/side-body attachments
- Front & rear attachment connections
WHAT DO REDLINE EQUIPMENT TECHNICIANS LOOK FOR?
Redline Equipment technicians check all the components of a piece of equipment, emphasizing safety. A technician can not only test for safety but can also consider ways to increase equipment productivity and efficiency. Once you’re certain of safety, it is up to you to communicate what you want to accomplish with your equipment. This will ensure that our technicians tailor the inspection and service to meet your specific needs.
Only the highest quality OEM, CASEIH parts on the market are used by Redline Equipment technicians along with dealer warranty covering parts and labor.
Combines have many working parts, so you will need to pay close attention to any wear or damage, especially if a post-harvest season inspection wasn’t done.
- The first thing to look at is the feeder house. Check for chain wear and the condition of hydraulics surrounding it.
- Then proceed to check under the main body shields. Remove shields to locate concaves, sieves and hydraulic hoses and pumps.
- Proceed to the top of the combine and check the grain tank condition. Examine any grain tank extensions and note the type. Some combines will have aftermarket or power folding extensions. Verify these parts are up to your standards prior to purchasing a combine.
- While running, they check for any signs of leaks from the engine, hoses or hydraulics. Check for any cracked or worn hydraulic, coolant and fuel lines.
- Locate the engine plate, verify the specifications, and make sure that the engine meets emission standards for your jurisdiction.
- When the machine is off, remove the air filter. Check the operator's manual for the manufacturer's recommendation on proper replacement times. If regularly replaced, the air filters should not appear dirty.
- When going through the cab, in a combine, there can be value-added options that need to be inspected: displays, receiver, activations, etc. Make sure displays turn on and function properly and are not damaged - these accessories need to function properly to get the greatest return on your precision farming investment.
- When inspecting rubber tires, check make, size and quality of tread. Make sure to check the rims for any cracks or deficiencies.
- When inspecting tracks, you will need to check for missing rubber/tears, the depth of tread and the rollers and drive sprockets for excessive wear. These may need to be replaced before it is field ready.
- While looking at the undercarriage, check the drive train for any leaks and stress points from being towed. You will also tell if it has rear wheel assist when viewing the rear drive train.
Harvest equipment is a significant investment, so it is worth fitting maintenance and inspections into your work schedule. You’ll potentially save yourself thousands of dollars in repairs. Get ahead of the game and save yourself the trouble of dealing with failed equipment.
Sometimes, the value of expert advice is priceless. An expert is more likely to notice when parts or systems are damaged beyond what an untrained eye can spot. It is not uncommon for heavy equipment to break down, many of the causes are preventable. Here are some of the top reasons harvest equipment breaks down.
- Poor maintenance: Failing to replace belts or forgetting to check oil levels, for example.
- Poor electrical connections: An inspector can detect electrical issues early, before equipment breaks down and causes you to lose productive hours in the field.
- Not replacing worn parts: By fixing only one broken part, you are only temporarily taking care of the issue. Other worn parts need to be inspected to prevent further damage and future costs.
- Ignoring warning signals: Always ask a technician to investigate a warning signal. Ignoring a warning signal can lead to major equipment damage or serious injury.
Redline Equipment Service Technicians receive the latest service training for all your equipment needs, from engine to drive train, attachments to technology, we can ensure your equipment is at peak productivity and safety. Remember, any season, any reason, any time… in the shop or in the field, Redline Equipment is there when you need them.
SOURCES:
Case IH
Richie Bros. Auctioneers
Progressive Farmer
Certified Service Technicians, Redline Equipment