Maintenance Of Tractor, Uses, Description

Hello, welcome to this blog on the maintenance of tractor in agriculture.

Table Of Contents

1. Tractor description.
2. Functions or uses of tractor
3. Daily Maintenance of Tractor
4. Periodic Maintenance of Tractor.
5. Revision Questions

Tractor Description

• A tractor is a powerful and expensive multipurpose motor vehicle used for lifting or pulling farm implements.
• It is equipped with a governor system.
• It has a power take off (P.T.O) shaft used in drawing Farm implement like ploughs, harrows, harvesters planters, etc.
• It has hydraulic control system which lifts mounted implements under the control operator.
• It consists of an internal combustion engine which uses diesel or petrol without spark plugs.
• It has four wheels with rubber tyres.
• Popular brands of models of tractor are David Brown, Massey Ferguson, Ford and fiat.

Functions/uses of the Tractor

Here we take a look at the various functions and the uses of the tractor:

1. Transportation of Farm inputs, materials and Farm produce/haulage with trailer attached.
2. It operates water pump for irrigation or other farm purposes.
3. Lifting of coupled implements through the hydraulics system.
4. Pulling of Farm implements like ploughs, etc.
5. Tilling the soil with appropriate implement attached.
6. Planting seeds when coupled with planters.
7. Spraying seedlings when coupled with sprayers.
8. Harvesting crops when coupled together with appropriate machines for harvesting.
9. It can be a stationary power source for equipment like shellers and grinders.
10. Provision of electric power.
11. Can be used to operate milking machines.
12. Can be used for mowing lawn with mowers.
13. Can contribute to improved profitability by reducing labour cost, improving quality and quantity of produce and allow an increase in the size of the farm.

Daily Maintenance of Tractor

Maintenance practices that can be carried out daily on the tractor include the following:

1. Keep the tractor clean by removing all trashes or mud from it at the start or at the end of operations.
2. Check water levels daily and top it when necessary.
3. Check oil level daily and top it when necessary.
4. Inspect the tractor everyday before starting.
5. Check tyre pressures daily before operations.
6. Check electrolyte of battery everyday and top when necessary.
7. Adhere strictly to manual or manufacturers instructions.
8. Do not overload the tractor, i,e, operate at appropriate speed for farm operations.

Periodic Maintenance of Tractor

Maintenance practices that should be carried out periodically or at regular intervals on the tractor include the following:

1. The tractor should be service at regular intervals.
2. Worn-out tyres should be replaced and tyre pressure engaged regularly.
3. Ensure that nuts, screws or shield are checked and tightened at regular intervals.
4. Replace worn-out or weld broken parts of the tractor.
5. Adhere strictly to manual or manufacturers instructions.
6. Employ competence and experienced tractor operator.
7. Routine and regular changing of the engine oil.
8. Air filter should be cleared when necessary.
9. Parts like the linkages, steering and other movable parts should be greased occasionally.
10. Oil filter should be changed during each service.
11. Fuel injector should be serviced or changed when necessary.
12. Fan belts should be replaced or adjusted.
13. Wash and clean the caburator regularly.
14. Always pack the tractor in a shed.

READ ALSO – Operation and Maintenance of Farm Machinery: Tractors, Plows

Revision Questions

1. The precautions you would take to keep the tractor operating safely and ensure its durability.
2. (a) Describe briefly five daily maintenance practices of a tractor. (b) state five periodic Maintenance of Tractor.
3. State five functions and uses of the tractor in agriculture