A Guide to Routine Maintenance Methods for Wheat Combine Harvesters
A wheat combine harvester is a combined-operation machine that integrates wheat reaping, threshing, separation, cleaning and other operations into one. Because the wheat combine harvester has many functions, a complex structure and a short working season, good maintenance and winter storage of the wheat combine harvester should be carried out.
I.Lubrication
(1) Carry out lubrication strictly according to the lubrication points, cycles and oil types required in the lubrication diagrams and tables in the combine harvester's accompanying manual.
(2) Before lubricating, wipe clean the grease nipples, filler caps, lubrication points and the dust and oil dirt around them.
(3) Frequently check the sealing condition and working temperature of sealed bearings; if oil leakage or an abnormal rise in temperature is found, replace the oil seal in time.
(4) Apply lubricating oil in time to the articulating points of all pull rods and lever mechanisms.
(5) Chains should be oiled and lubricated before the start of work each day.
(6) For a new or newly overhauled combine harvester, after the trial run is finished, drain all the oil from the gearbox, clean it thoroughly and add new oil. During operation, check the oil level once a week and top it up in time when it is insufficient.
II.Maintenance of the radiator
The main reason affecting the working efficiency of a combine harvester is engine overheating, and engine overheating is mostly caused by a seriously blocked radiator, so maintenance of the radiator should be strengthened.
Generally, most combine harvesters are fitted with a hooded radiator. Because harvesting work raises a great deal of dust and debris, the air intake holes of the radiator hood are easily blocked by debris. Deal with this in time: turn the handle at the lower left of the water hood in the direction of the arrow, so that the upper and lower wind deflector plates completely close the air intake passages of the radiator and the debris falls off by itself; when the blockage is serious, wash the radiator holes with water at a certain pressure before each shift to maintain good ventilation.
III.Winter storage of the wheat combine harvester
During operation, a large amount of dust and dirt accumulates inside the mechanism, so after the harvest season ends, good winter maintenance of the wheat combine harvester must be carried out. Doing the storage work well can extend the service life of the combine harvester.
(1) Remove debris
(1) Thoroughly clean all component parts of the machine and all joints, paying special attention to cleaning the straw walkers and removing residual material on the return pan.
(2) Clean and wash the return pan of the machine.
(3) Remove residual material from the cylinder and concave.
(4) Be sure to clean the grain tank and all grain elevators of grain completely.
(2) Complete lubrication: Lubricate according to the lubrication schedule, then turn the machine a few times. Apply graphite grease or petroleum jelly to all joints to prevent oxidation.
(3) Some parts and components of the wheat combine harvester should be removed and stored separately.
(1) Take off the bar screens and store them after careful cleaning.
(2) Take off all belts and store them indoors in a dry, cool place.
(3) Remove the chains, and after cleaning, soak them in beef tallow or paraffin at 60-70°C for about 15 minutes, until the chain sleeves, pins and rollers are fully lubricated, then store them properly.
(4) Remove the battery and store it indoors in a dry place; it must be charged every month, and the electrolyte level and the specific gravity of the electrolyte must be checked.
(5) After cleaning, store properly the variable-speed pulley, the speed-change shaft, the knife guard beam and the cutter bar of the continuously variable transmission.
(6) Jack up the harvester and lower the tire pressure to the specified value.
(4) Check whether there are places on the machine that need repair, and repair them in time if there are.
(5) The machine should be parked in a dry warehouse and, as far as possible, not placed outdoors. In addition, chemical fertilizers and other chemical supplies should not be stored in the warehouse at the same time.