Essential Maintenance Tips for a Perfect Finish

Ploughing is one of the most critical jobs on the farm, setting the foundation for the entire cropping season. To ensure you achieve the best possible finish and avoid costly downtime, your plough needs to be in top condition. A well-maintained plough not only works more efficiently but also reduces fuel consumption and wear on your tractor.

Here are some essential maintenance tips and tricks to get your plough ready for a successful season in the field.

1. Pre-Season Inspection: The All-Important Walk-Around

Before you even think about hitting the field, give your plough a thorough inspection. This isn’t a quick glance; it’s a detailed walk-around to spot any potential problems early.

• Check the Frame and Headstock: Look for any signs of cracks, bends, or damage. Pay close attention to welds, as these can be stress points.
• Inspect Hydraulic Hoses and Cylinders: Check for leaks, cracks, or signs of wear on all hoses. Ensure hydraulic cylinders are clean and free from damage. A smooth-working hydraulic system is crucial for consistent depth control.

2. Focus on the Working Parts: The Finer Details

The business end of your plough takes a lot of punishment. Proper maintenance here is key to a quality finish.

• Check and Replace Worn Parts: The points, shares, and mouldboards are designed to wear. Check their condition regularly. Worn parts increase draught, leading to higher fuel use and a poor finish. It’s often more economical to replace a worn part than to run it for a few more acres.
• Adjust Skimmers and Coulter Discs: The skimmers and coulters are vital for creating a clean furrow. Check that they are correctly positioned and sharp. A blunt coulter will tear the stubble rather than cut it cleanly, leading to poor trash burial.
• Check the Landside and Rear Wheel: The landside keeps the plough running true. Ensure it’s not excessively worn. On a semi-mounted or trailed plough, check the condition of the rear wheel and its bearings.

3. Lubrication: The Lifeblood of Your Plough

Greasing is simple, yet it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent premature wear and failure.

• Grease Regularly: Consult your owner’s manual for the correct grease points and intervals. Key areas include the headstock, pivots, and any moving parts.
• Check Bearings: Make sure all bearings are well-greased and running smoothly.

4. Setting Up: Achieving the Perfect Furrow

Even with a perfectly maintained plough, incorrect setup will ruin your work.

• Correct Tractor Setup: Ensure your tractor’s tyre pressures are correct and the linkage is set up properly. A level tractor is essential for a level plough.
• Plough Pitch and Level: The pitch of the plough affects how it enters the soil. A simple way to check is to watch the furrow: if the front bodies are not taking a consistent bite, or the soil is not turning over cleanly, an adjustment is likely needed.
• Working Depth: Set your working depth correctly. Ploughing too deep increases fuel consumption unnecessarily, while ploughing too shallow will not bury trash effectively.

A small amount of time spent on maintenance and setup before and during the season will pay huge dividends in the long run. By keeping your plough in top condition, you’ll get a better finish, save on fuel, and ensure a more productive season.

If you have any questions about your Kverneland plough or need assistance with parts and servicing, don’t hesitate to contact the expert team at DA Forgie.