Harvest waits for no one. When the crop is ready, your machinery needs to be ready too. A breakdown during harvest doesn’t just cost you in repair bills – it costs you in lost time, lost grain, and lost sleep. Here’s our pre-season checklist to make sure your gear is good to go.
Engine and Drivetrain
Start with the basics. Change the engine oil and filter, even if it’s not quite due. Fresh oil for the start of a heavy season is cheap insurance. Check the air filter and replace if it’s looking tired. Inspect all belts for cracking, glazing, or fraying, and check tensioners. Top up coolant and test the radiator cap. Inspect fuel lines and fittings for leaks or perishing.
Hydraulics
Check hydraulic fluid levels and condition. If it’s dark or smells burnt, it’s time for a change. Inspect all hoses, fittings, and rams for leaks. Test all hydraulic functions under load – sometimes a leak only shows up under pressure. Make sure quick-release couplings are clean and sealing properly.
Electrical
Test the battery and charge or replace if it’s marginal. Clean terminals and check cable connections. Test all lights, indicators, and warning systems. Check wiring looms for rodent damage, especially if the machine has been sitting in the shed. Make sure the alternator is charging properly.
Tyres and Wheels
Check tyre pressures and adjust to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the work you’ll be doing. Inspect tyres for cuts, cracks, and sidewall damage. Check wheel nuts are torqued correctly. Look for any signs of bearing wear – wobble, play, or unusual noise when spinning the wheel by hand.
Sprayer Check
If you’re running a HARDI sprayer as part of your pre-harvest or in-season programme, now is the time to get it dialled in. Flush the entire system with clean water and inspect all nozzles for wear or blockages. Replace any nozzles that aren’t delivering an even spray pattern. Pressure-test the pump and check for consistent output across the full boom. Calibrate your application rate and do a test run before you’re relying on it in the paddock. A sprayer that’s off by even a small margin adds up to significant chemical waste over a big area.
Safety Gear
This one gets overlooked but it shouldn’t. Check PTO guards and shields are in place and secure. Make sure the fire extinguisher is charged and within date. Test the handbrake. Check that ROPS (roll-over protection structure) bolts are tight. Make sure mirrors and reversing cameras are clean and functional.
Implements and Attachments
Don’t forget the gear that attaches to your tractor. Grease all fittings on implements. Check cutting edges, tines, and wear parts. Inspect three-point linkage pins and bushes. Test PTO-driven implements and listen for any unusual noises. Replace worn or damaged parts now, not halfway through harvest.
Book a Pre-Season Service
If you’d rather have a professional run through the lot, that’s what we’re here for. Spotty’s Mechanical offers pre-season servicing for tractors, headers, sprayers, and all farm machinery. We’ll go through everything systematically and give you a full report on what’s good, what needs watching, and what needs fixing now.
Don’t leave it until the week before harvest. Book early by calling 08 6002 8850 so we can get your gear sorted while there’s still time.