What are the key elements in increasing your tractor’s lifespan?
- Operations and usage
- Regular inspections
- Adequate fluid levels
- Proper cleaning
- High-quality spare parts
As one of the most versatile and reliable pieces of agricultural machinery, plenty of farms use a tractor in the Philippines. Whether it’s a backhoe, bed former, furrower, cane grabber, cassava harvester, land leveler, paddy wheel, rotaslasher, or other implements and attachments — numerous tasks are made easier with a tractor. But just like other farm equipment, they also require proper usage and care. If you want to know the important factors in increasing your tractor’s lifespan, keep on reading!
Operations and Usage
Proper usage is key when it comes to increasing the lifespan of your tractor. It might be tempting to go beyond the limits of this equipment due to the benefits it brings, but this could only do more harm than good. Use the tractor for the type of terrain and the type of work it was made for.
Pushing it to the limit will only significantly reduce its life span. Instead, ask your supplier if they can recommend a more advanced tractor for high-intensity applications. Other than that, only use the machinery for its intended purposes.
Regular Inspections
Daily inspections are key to prolonging the life of your tractor because you can spot problems in their early stages. This way, you can perform the necessary actions — whether it’s a part repair or replacement. This helps you minimize the impact on the vehicle and prevent further concerns. But if you don’t take the time to do regular inspections, you might only spot an issue when it’s already too late.
When inspecting your tractor, look for signs of excessive wear and tear. If something seems off, delay the operation of your equipment and have it checked immediately by a competent person before resuming work. For instruction on how to perform a pre-operation check, consult the manual.
Adequate Fluid Levels
Just like other vehicles, your tractor also needs to have an adequate amount of fluids to ensure proper operation. This includes the oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid. For instance, if you don’t have an adequate amount of coolant, your tractor might overheat — which could lead to engine damage. Fluids are also vital for protecting moving parts and reducing friction. These are important factors in increasing the lifespan of your tractor.
If you’re only using your equipment for a few hours a week, a weekly inspection is suitable. But if your tractor is a part of your daily tasks, be sure to check the fluid levels every day. Other than these, make sure to replace the fluids according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Proper Cleaning
Next, you also need to make sure that you’re keeping your tractor clean. Debris and other contaminants can contribute to the formation of rust and cause premature wear and tear on your equipment. A good cleaning will help your tractor last longer.
Other than that, make sure that you also check the filters. For instance, the air filter prevents dirt from making its way to the inside of an engine, but it won’t work properly when it’s clogged. This could lead to a less efficient engine combustion process — which impacts the power and fuel efficiency of your tractor.
High-Quality Spare Parts
Aside from your daily efforts in taking care of your tractor, you might also need to replace some parts from time to time to keep it in peak condition. Other than the fluids, you also need to change the belts, which could loosen or crack over time. Old brakes are unsafe to use, too. Don’t forget the filters, which you also need to replace regularly. Aside from maintenance, you might also need spare parts for repairs to increase the life span of your tractor.
To do this, you need to keep high-quality spare parts on hand. Fake ones might not fit your tractor properly and might even break down sooner than later. To ensure that you’re getting the best products, consult your supplier if they provide spare parts for purchase.
Key Takeaway
Usage, daily inspections, maintenance, cleaning, and parts replacement are key elements for increasing your tractor’s lifespan. While enjoying the benefits of your equipment, make sure to give it the proper care it deserves, so you can use it for years.
If you need more tips, you can send us a message here at Ford Tractor. As an importer and distributor of trusted agricultural machinery, you can trust us when it comes to your tractor needs. Aside from providing you with the right farm equipment, we also offer reliable after-sales service.
We have more than 70 in-house mechanics nationwide that can respond to your service needs. When it comes to repairs and maintenance services, we make sure that our mechanics are regularly trained in the right skills to keep your equipment in peak condition. Other than that, you can also rely on us when it comes to high-quality parts that will last a long time.
