Summer tractors ingeniously 'beat the heat'
During the summer months, high temperatures frequently cause various malfunctions in tractors during operation. By observing the following points, operators can effectively minimise the occurrence of faults.
1. Cooling to prevent tyre blowouts.
During summer's high temperatures, tyre rubber is prone to ageing, which can lead to blowouts in severe cases. Therefore, while driving, tractor operators should regularly check tyre pressure. Should tyres become overheated or pressure excessively high, the vehicle should be parked in a shaded area to cool down. However, avoid dousing tyres with cold water, as this may cause blowouts during subsequent operation.
2. Cooling to prevent engine stalling. High summer temperatures combined with high engine speeds can hinder heat dissipation, potentially causing engine seizure. This may result in difficulty restarting the engine after brief shutdowns. Should seizure occur, the driver must immediately stop the vehicle to allow cooling and rectify the fault.
3. Monitor the water temperature gauge to prevent water depletion. During hot weather driving, constantly monitor coolant levels and the temperature gauge. If low levels are detected, idle the engine to cool it down before adding water. Avoid immediately opening the radiator cap to prevent scalding.
4. Prevent engine oil degradation. Lubricants thin under heat, reducing their oxidation resistance and accelerating deterioration. This can lead to failures like bearing seizure or crankshaft seizure. Therefore, replace the lubricant in the crankcase and gearbox with summer-grade oil. Regularly check both the quantity and condition of the lubricant, replacing it promptly when necessary.
5. Clean engine exterior oil residue promptly. Excessive oil buildup on the engine exterior impedes heat dissipation, creating potential hazards for component failure. Use a high-pressure spray method with a non-corrosive engine cleaner to thoroughly clean all engine components.
