What are the causes of overheating farm machinery?
- Malfunctioning thermometer
- Radiator problems
- Coolant issues
- Low engine oil level
- Broken head gasket
- Old and dirty filters
- Overloading
Farm machinery can help with various tasks — whether it’s land preparation, planting, harvesting, and others. But these can suffer from overheating issues if not properly maintained and used. Operators and owners should be aware of the causes of overheating farm machinery, so they can be avoided. If you’re interested, keep on reading to learn more!
Malfunctioning Thermometer
The temperature gauge on the dashboard informs you about the temperature of the engine. If it malfunctions, you won’t be aware of the engine temperature, which means that you might not see that the engine is already overheating.
If you experience thermometer issues, it’s recommended it take it out and place it into a pot of boiling water to test it out. If the gauge doesn’t change, it means that you need to replace the thermometer.
Radiator Problems
The radiator is an important part of farm machinery because it helps remove excessive heat from the engine. The coolant that circulates through the engine is cooled by the radiator. But a dirty radiator can instead cause your tractor to overheat. For example, if the cooling fins are dirty, there won’t be enough airflow to reduce the temperature of the coolant.
For this reason, it’s important to keep the radiator clean and free from dirt which can constrict the airflow.
Coolant Issues
Another main cause of overheating is having low coolant. Coolant is important because it cools the engine. That’s why it’s important to check the coolant level before you operate a tractor.
If you notice that there isn’t enough coolant, give the engine some time to cool down completely. Then remove the radiator cap and check the coolant level. Refill with the same type of coolant. Keep in mind that the wrong type of coolant can sometimes cause overheating problems, so always choose the coolant that is approved by the tractor manufacturer.
Check if the coolant hose is blocked because even if you add coolant, the tractor will still overheat. It should be clean and dust-free. Other than that, make sure that the water pump that circulates the coolant is not damaged.
Low Engine Oil Level
Engine oil helps control engine temperature by minimizing friction and lubrication of all working parts of the engine. Over friction can result in a lot of heat, which can result in overheating. That’s why a low engine oil level is one main cause you should look out for.
Remember to only use the engine oil recommended by the manufacturer. If you use other engine oils, this may cause unwanted effects on internal engine components. Don’t overfill the oil, as this can also result in problems, such as white exhaust smoke and internal damage. Prevent dirt from contaminating the oil and routinely change it according to the recommendation of the manufacturer.
Broken Head Gasket
One of the symptoms of a damaged head gasket is an overheating engine. In this case, you should remove the radiator cap and let the tractor idle. Be on the lookout and see if there are major bubbles, as this can mean that the head gasket has cracked. In this case, you need to replace the component to fix the problem.
Old And Dirty Filters
Always check the air filter, and make sure that there is no dirt and other particles that block the filter. If there is, this can cause the engine to overheat. Always remove the dust and dirt that has accumulated underneath the filter and on the trap, so you can prevent overheating.
Overloading
Loads that are above the farm machinery’s capacity can lead to an overheating engine. That’s why it’s important to load items according to the farm machinery’s capacity as the extra load would require more power, leading to higher temperatures in the engine. If you often overload, it might be better to upgrade your equipment, so it can handle the loads.
Key Takeaway
To prevent your farm machinery from overheating, and disturbing your farm work, it’s important to be proactive about maintenance. Keep it in peak condition by keeping up with oil changes, checking coolant levels, changing the filters, routine cleaning, and inspecting the components often. Not only will routine maintenance prevent overheating, but also prevent other mechanical issues as well. Now that you know the causes of an overheating tractor, you can avoid them on your farm!
If you’re interested in purchasing farm machinery in the Philippines, you can send us a message here at Ford Tractor! Aside from providing high-quality machines, we can also offer great after-sales service. We can help bring your tractor in peak condition, and also offer affordable spare parts if you need them! This way, you can prevent overheating and rely on your tractor for a long time.
