1. If you didn’t clean your machines immediately after the spring farming season, you should start with a thorough cleaning. Dust and dirt entering the tractor’s various systems can cause many problems, such as blocked air intakes or blocked cooling fans, resulting in overheating of the engine.
   
   
2. When the engine is cold, you should check the coolant level. Check for any leaks at the same time.
   
   
3. Check the oil filter, air filter, fuel filter and hydraulic filter. Clean or replace. Always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions for your specific tractor model. It is particularly important to double-check the air filter if the tractor has previously been used in dusty spring farming conditions.
   
   
4. Reduce the risk of heat stroke and a lack of oxygen in the cabin. Clean or replace the cabin filter. Is the cab fan working? Can the windows be opened and braced properly? It is better to replace a gas strut than to prop the window in the open position with a piece of wood.
   
   
5. Check the drive belts and chains on both tractor and attachment. Look for signs of wear or damage, and replace them if necessary.
   
   
6. Check the PTO shaft. Make sure it is properly lubricated and slides in and out well without friction. Look for any cracks, dents or other damage. Also check that the connection points are correctly adjusted and that no parts are loose or slack. Also inspect the protective covers to ensure they are in place and in good condition.
   
   
7. The essential tools. Check and lubricate all the moving parts and mechanisms, for example on the hay turner, the stringer and the compactor, before you head out into the field.
   
   
8. Check the towed disc mower/rotor disc mower/mower/mower machine/mower bar. Make sure that the oil is at the correct level and of good quality. If the oil level is too low, find and repair any leaks. In particular, parts that are in contact with the ground sustain heavy wear and can start to leak as a result of this wear. Changing the oil is recommended. If there is insufficient oil in the bar and any bevel gears, or if the system “runs dry”, the bearings will overheat. Check the cutting length and the condition of the blades. Also feel for any play in the bearings.
   
   
9. Remember safety. Use appropriate protective equipment when you are working with or around the tractor. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher readily available and that there are attachments for the extinguisher on the machine. If the tractor is equipped with belts or safety barriers, these must be intact and correctly installed.

Spare parts and tools when you are in a hurry

You should always have spare parts and any necessary tools to hand in the event of a breakdown during harvesting. It’s not a bad idea to build up a small stock of items that you know from experience you might need urgently.