Scheduled maintenance is a key element in ensuring the longevity and efficiency of agricultural and special vehicles. These vehicles often operate under harsh conditions on a daily basis, putting a strain on every mechanical component.
Benefits of Scheduled Maintenance
- Breakdown Prevention: Through regular checks, potential problems can be identified and resolved before they become costly and time-consuming failures. A simple periodic check can prevent unexpected breakdowns that could bring your business to a halt.
- Operational Efficiency: A vehicle that is well maintained operates more efficiently, consuming less fuel and producing fewer emissions. Scheduled maintenance helps maintain optimum vehicle performance.
- Safety: Well-maintained vehicles are safer to operate. Ensuring that all parts are working properly reduces the risk of accidents caused by mechanical malfunctions.
Critical Components to Monitor
- Transmissions: Regular transmission checks can prevent serious problems, ensuring that vehicles maintain their desired performance. Replacing the oil and filters and checking the lubrication levels are essential.
An oil that does not meet the specifications suggested by DANA can lead to overheating or premature wear of the components.
A low oil level is an indication of some sweating, leaks or sweating often have a more serious underlying problem that can be resolved in time.
It is important in electronically managed gearboxes to respect the calibration intervals of the control units, the alignment of the electronic components with the mechanical components is the basis of good transmission performance. - Axles and Cardan Shafts: These components are subject to continuous wear. Regular maintenance allows you to detect any signs of wear and replace critical parts before they cause more serious problems.
Crosses, joint pins, oscillating supports must be greased periodically to avoid seizures and sudden breakages.
Check that the nuts and bolts of the wheels and cardan shafts are always tightened to torque. - Hydraulic Systems: For vehicles with hydraulic components, it is essential to regularly check the pressure and condition of the hydraulic oil. Leaks or contamination can lead to serious malfunctions, scheduled filter replacement is essential in this type of application.
Check the integrity of the hoses and always check for abnormal vibrations, a vibrating hose indicates air intake or a malfunction of some valve, apparently not serious problems if resolved in time. - Schedule Maintenance: Establishing a maintenance calendar is a great strategy to ensure that all necessary checks are carried out. Before starting the engine, take a walk around your vehicle and take a look underneath, remember that your safety and its always come first.
