In Part 1 of this hay equipment maintenance series, we covered addressing fuel and fluid concerns, and reviewing, repairing and replacing parts. Next, we’ll cover three more tips for making the most of your hay equipment that you can perform over the summer.
1. Change tires, swap batteries and check for flashers.
Changing fluids and replacing baler equipment is crucial, but when it comes to routine maintenance, there are blind spots many operators miss. One of the most commonly overlooked maintenance best practices involves checking tires for proper inflation.
Your tires may be new, but weather changes can easily cause fluctuations in tire pressure. Maintaining correct tire pressure helps save on more noticeable costs, such as fuel and new tire purchases.
Along with tires, batteries should be recharged or replaced if they are no longer holding a charge. You can drastically improve performance and prolong equipment life spans by using a high-powered charger or putting your battery on a battery tender while your equipment is in storage. Don’t forget tractors that have been in storage or idle for some time run the risk of running out of charge.
Lastly, once you’ve performed all other routine maintenance, consult any potential warning lights or flashers that have been on. These lights act as catchall systems that help you spot any maintenance you might have otherwise missed, such as replacing burned-out bulbs or repairing any broken parts. As always, if you can’t determine the cause of a warning light, it’s best to consult your dealer for more information.
2. Invest in simple upgrades.
Maintaining your equipment is a good first step toward a productive baling season, but there’s more you can do to get the most out of your machines. If you’re looking to improve your uptime and boost your forage quality, consider the following performance kits available from Case IH:
- On-board moisture sensors monitor crop moisture accurately from the comfort of your tractor cab.
- Crop preservative applicator systems allow you to maximize the number of acres baled per day.
- Chain oiling and automatic greasing systems can drastically improve equipment uptime and reduce the amount of maintenance required to keep your machine running at maximum efficiency.
- Endless belts help you to achieve maximum bale consistency every time, for balance and durability.
- Roller windguard kits ensure smooth and even crop flow as well as faster ground speed to help you get more done in less time.
Taken together, these upgrades can be a game-changer for your hay baling productivity and long-term ROI — allowing you to focus on the task at hand instead of excessive equipment maintenance.
Consult with your dealer.
Crossing every item off your machine maintenance checklist can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Your local Case IH dealer can help you diagnose any equipment issues and assess what routine maintenance needs to be done to help your equipment operate at peak efficiency all season long. Doing so will save you in the long run on what could otherwise become costly repairs and maintenance issues.
Case IH makes it easy to browse parts online at www.mycnhstore.com. For more information about how to make the best bales possible all season long, talk with your local Case IH dealer.