Proper Greasing and Inspection to Avoid Farm Equipment Damage
Daniel Stansbury, General Service Manager at AG Revolution, emphasizes that regular farm equipment maintenance is key to ensuring reliability and longevity. While tractors have fewer moving parts than combines, consistent care is still essential, especially during busy periods like harvest.
Operators can often detect maintenance needs before scheduled service through both visual inspections and machine “feel.” Stansbury notes that changes in vibrations or unusual sounds from belts, pulleys, and bearings can indicate issues such as slippage, wear, or overheating.
Black streaks on pulleys or excess grease around bearings can signal problems that may lead to downtime if ignored. Modern machines also provide electronic fault codes, which should be documented and shared with a dealer for timely resolution.
Over maintenance is also a risk, particularly with greasing. Excess grease can cause belts to slip or sealed bearings to fail. Properly following manufacturer recommendations is critical to avoid damaging components.
Routine maintenance should include a thorough annual inspection, such as AG Revolution’s PM360 program, which examines every part of the machine, rates potential repairs, and provides a detailed estimate.
Daily walk-arounds are also recommended to monitor oil levels, check for leaks, inspect wear on belts, pulleys, and knives, and identify any early signs of mechanical issues.
Maintenance intervals are best determined by engine hours rather than just calendar time. Adhering to hour-based intervals for oil, filters, and gearbox fluids ensures optimal performance and prevents contaminants from reducing efficiency or causing damage.
Cleaning equipment should be done carefully. Compressed air is ideal for daily cleaning, while pressure washers should be used sparingly, avoiding electrical components and seals to prevent water damage.
For used equipment, evaluating past maintenance is crucial. Reviewing service history, performing oil analysis, and conducting third-party inspections help determine if the machine has been properly maintained and what repairs may be necessary.
By combining proactive inspections, correct maintenance schedules, and careful cleaning, growers can maximize uptime, extend equipment life, and safeguard their investment. Following these practices ensures farm machinery remain reliable and efficient throughout their service life.
Watch the video below to see and hear what Stansbury has to say about maintaining your farm equipment.