6 tips for cleaning and maintaining the tractor correctly

Well-maintained agricultural machinery is not just a matter of vanity, but also a capital investment: those who regularly maintain their tractors not only help to preserve the value of the machine, but also avoid breakdowns and repairs. Cleaning the tractor helps to detect and repair damage hidden under dust and dirt at an early stage, so that operational reliability and occupational safety can be guaranteed in the long term. But how do I best clean and maintain my tractor? We reveal 6 tips to help you wash it properly.

Tip 1: The right timing

Cleaning tractors is often an unpleasant task and is therefore often postponed by many companies. Ideally, however, cleaning should be carried out regularly to keep the tractor in optimum condition. The interior of the cab and windows should be cleaned as often as possible: During the season, daily cleaning is recommended. The outside should always be cleaned after periods of use (e.g. sowing and harvesting) or when particularly dirty. In addition, the tractor should always be cleaned when it is transferred from one farm to another. This minimizes the risk of spreading diseases and allows the tractor to be checked for damage before and after external use.

Tip 2: Cleaning the cabin

Cleaning the cab is often neglected, but it is an essential part of machine maintenance if you want to prevent dirt and dust from damaging the electronics and hydraulics. It is best to clean the cab regularly with a vacuum cleaner; alternatively, you can also use a broom and hand brush. Cleaning the cab also includes cleaning the windows to ensure a clear view at all times. The cabin filters should also be cleaned regularly to prevent mold from growing.

Tip 3: Remove coarse dirt

Humid weather and difficult soil conditions? This often leaves traces on the tractor in the form of coarse soil deposits. For optimum cleaning, these should be removed before the wash cycle. Ideally, the dirt should be completely dry - then it can be easily removed with a broom with soft bristles. Alternatively, the dirt can also be blown off the tractor with a compressor. Do not forget to open the connection flaps of the drives etc. to remove the dirt here too.

Landmaschinen wäscht man am besten mit dem Hochdruckreiniger

Tip 4: Wash the tractor properly

To get the outside of the tractor really clean, it now needs to be washed. Stubborn dirt that cannot be removed with a broom or compressor is best soaked once before the actual cleaning (with suitable cleaning agents if necessary). After the soaking time, you can use a high-pressure cleaner. A hot water high-pressure cleaner is ideal, as it has a higher cleaning performance and reduces the drying time. However, it is also possible to clean with cold water. Sensitive components should not be treated with a high-pressure cleaner, but gently wiped with a damp cloth. Finally, check all components (including maintenance flaps and covers) for dirt and rinse if necessary.

Tip 5: Let the tractor dry

After washing, the tractor must of course dry. To shorten the drying time, residual water can be extracted or blown off. The tractor should then be allowed to dry in an airy, dry hall. Important: At sub-zero temperatures (e.g. after cleaning the tractor during winter service), it is advisable to store the tractor in a heated hall to prevent icing from the wash water. The drying time should be used to check the tractor for any damage.

Tip 6: Well greased

Greasing the tractor is particularly important after washing in order to push the water out of the bearings and ensure smooth operation of the machine. Depending on the application and design of the machine, the grease gun can be used to apply various types of grease to the joints and bearings. If your machine does not have a central greasing system, you should make sure that you do not forget to grease any components. By the way, greases containing lithium are particularly good for lubrication.