Machinery
Section 5 - Carry Out Routine and Non Routine Maintenance

This section on carrying out routine and non routine maintenance will contain information on the following:

Tractors start deteriorating immediately after manufacturing. In order to reduce the speed of deterioration and wear you need to carry our routine maintenance of the key systems of the tractor.

Most tractor manufacturers will set service intervals - what maintenance is required at what time interval.

Poor maintenance of the air cleaners can cause a choking effect on the engine and result in power reduction.

Poor maintenance of the cooling systems will result in engine overheating which will increase wear of the components.

Poor maintenance of the battery can result in failure to maintain charge and therefore failure to start the tractor.

Poor maintenance of the brakes can result in loss of control and serious accidents.

Poor maintenance of the transmission fluid levels can result in transmission failure and expensive workshop bills.

Poor maintenance will also result in down time for the tractor which most farms can not afford as usually these things go wrong in the middle of a busy harvest season.

Typical Service Schedule - 10 hours (or daily)

Carry out 10-hour maintenance tasks and:

Carry out 10 and 50 hour maintenance tasks and:

In addition to all the tasks listed for 10, 50 and 300 hours:

Clean off the tractor with a water pressure washer.

The tractor needs to be stable during maintenance.

There should be a minimum of 2m available around the tractor for the work to be carried out safely.

Dealing with hazardous chemicals and substances: e.g. storage and disposal in accordance with COSHH regulations.

When using and dealing with any hazardous chemicals or substances there are key issues you need to be aware of:

You can get the information on any substance from the Safety Data Sheet for the substance.

Flammable Substances

In accordance to the COSHH regulations all flammable substances should be stored in fire resistant lockable containers, preferably outside the workshop area.

Any chemicals should be stored in a lockable chemical store, the store should be insulated to maintain temperature(some chemicals may respond to temperature changes).

Any waste materials should be disposed of by a licensed contractor –

Substances can pass into the body by four main ways:

When working in the workshop you will come in contact with materials and substances which can affect your health and safety.

Personal Protective Equipment for Tractor Mechanics

Steel toe-capped safety boots – these will protect your feet from falling tools and materials, these should also have good grip to avoid slips and falls.

Coveralls

These should be supplied to protect your own clothes being contaminated by oils, detergents, thinners, paints and dusts.

Ear Defenders

When a tractor is running within the workshop or activities like grinding, will induce high noise levels.

Respirators may be required when removing dust from machinery or working on dusty machines like combine harvesters or hay balers. You may be using substances that give off fumes which will also require respirators to be used, where ventilation is inadequate.

Gloves should be worn when handling substances like oil, petrol, diesel or greases and many other substances to ensure that the substances do not pass into your body through the skin. Specialist gloves are required for hot work like welding or soldering.

Safety glasses should be worn to protect your eyes from dust particles when working on or under machines and when using grinders or drills. A welding face shield is always required to protect eyes from bright light and sparks.

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

It is the employer’s responsibility to supply suitable PPE and train the employees to use it. It is the employees duty to use it correctly.

Always put materials and tools away after use.

Never: