Get Harvest Ready
A few checks now can help prevent unwanted downtime when harvest gets moving.
Once harvest gets moving, every hour counts. The last thing anyone needs is a preventable breakdown or a last-minute scramble for parts when the crop is ready to come off.
Taking the time to clean, inspect and service your machinery before the season starts gives you a chance to catch wear, leaks and other small problems before they become bigger ones in the paddock.
Start With a Clean Machine
A thorough clean is one of the simplest places to begin. Dust, grain, chaff and built-up grease can hide oil leaks, loose fittings, cracks and worn components that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Cleaning around the cooling system, engine bay and moving components makes the machine easier to inspect and gives you a clearer picture of anything that may need attention before harvest begins.
A Quick Pre-Harvest Check
Check fluid levels, filters and signs of leaks
Inspect belts, chains, bearings and hoses
Clean the radiator and cooling package
Check tyres, wheels and visible hardware
Test lights, cameras and warning systems
Inspect guards, shields and safety equipment
Check the front or attachments for wear and damage
This checklist is only a general guide. Always follow the maintenance schedule and inspection procedures provided in your machine’s operator manual.
Don't Forget the Front
The front is where harvest begins, so its condition can have a big influence on how smoothly and consistently crop feeds into the machine. Worn, damaged or poorly adjusted components can contribute to uneven feeding, crop losses and unnecessary strain further through the harvester.
Before the season starts, inspect the knife sections, guards, fingers, reel, belts, chains and drive components fitted to your front. Check hydraulic hoses, attachment points and visible hardware for wear or damage, and complete any adjustments or lubrication according to the operator’s manual.
Electrical and Safety Checks
Before machinery heads back into the paddock, test the lights, cameras, warning alarms, displays and other electrical systems the operator relies on. Inspect battery terminals, wiring and visiable connections for corrosion, rubbing or damage.
Make sure gaurds and shields are secure and that safety equipment is present and serviceable. Check fire extinguishers and follow the machine's operator manual and current local requirements before operating during harvest.
Keep Essential Parts Ready
Even a well prepared machine may need wear parts during the season. Having the correct filters, belts, knife sections, gaurds or other commonly replaced parts ready can save valuable time when harvest is underway.
Requirements will vary between machines,so record the make, model and serial number before ordering. The Farmers Centre Narrogin parts team can help identify and source the right parts for your machinery before the season begins.
Local Support for Harvest
Harvest preparation will look different for every machine and every operation, but getting started early gives you time to deal with worn parts, servicing and small issues before the pressure is on.
If you need help identifying parts, sourcing service items or working out where to begin, speak with the Farmers Centre Narrogin team. Visit us at 29 Fairway Street, Narrogin, or call 08 9881 1777.
A little preparation now can save plenty of running around when the crop is ready to come off.
