Maintenance of agricultural machinery after floods: essential procedures and care

The initial maintenance of agricultural machinery that has been submerged by floods is a fundamental process to ensure the functionality of the equipment. After a flood, equipment may be exposed to various risks, such as areas affected by landslides or under damaged structures that could fall. Therefore, the guideline is to be careful to carefully assess the location where the machine is before starting any procedure.

A common mistake is trying to start the machine, causing damage to the engine, which may be compromised by water or mud; or in the electrical part, such as overheating of harnesses or short circuits. The first step when supervising machines affected by flooding is to cut off the electrical current. It is important to disconnect the battery and the main switch to avoid the risk of a short circuit or accident. Next, it is necessary to carry out cleaning to remove mud and silt accumulated in the machine, allowing damage to be assessed and maintenance to be planned.

It is essential to carry out a detailed check of the electrical and mechanical parts. All harnesses, connectors and electronic modules must be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol and products intended for cleaning electrical contacts to remove residue and oxidation. As for the mechanics, it is necessary to drain all engine fluids and during replacement check for the presence of mud. If identified, it is recommended to seek assistance from the dealer for a more thorough assessment and maintenance. If the presence of mud is not identified, the fluids must be replaced, along with the lubrication of all grease fittings to eliminate possible contamination or the presence of impurities in the components. To ensure safety and avoid damage to the environment, drained fluids must be collected and disposed of in suitable containers.

After carrying out all initial checks and cleaning, it is time to turn on the machine. If there are problems, such as resistance or heating, it is recommended to contact the dealer. At the dealership, it will be possible to disassemble the equipment and carry out a thorough inspection.

Massey Ferguson, a brand belonging to the AGCO group, has provided a guide with step-by-step guidance to be followed to carry out initial maintenance on machines affected by the floods (see below and in the pdf at the end of the text). It is important to emphasize that the measures do not cancel a specialized analysis carried out by the concessionaire, a fundamental initiative to guarantee a safe and efficient return to operation.

By Bruno Pianca, AGCO Service Manager

Maintenance of equipment after flooding

This material aims to provide initial maintenance information on products affected by floods. Always prioritize asking your local dealer for help for a more detailed inspection of machines affected by floods, but if there is a need to move in an emergency condition, follow the guidelines in this material.

Guidelines:

✓ Do not turn on the machine before carrying out an assessment to avoid compromising components, regardless of the flood level.

✓ Keep the battery disconnected (without the cable).

✓ Wear eye protection, safety clothing and safety gloves when working.

✓ Clean the maintenance components and the surrounding area carefully before starting maintenance work.

✓ Dirt and contamination can cause system malfunction.

1st stage

After draining the water, the first action to be taken is to remove the battery cables and thoroughly clean the equipment.

2st stage

Perform an electrical system check:

✓ Check electrical harnesses/cabling;

✓ Clean the grounding point connectors;

✓ Clean the modules;

✓ Clean the fuse box (replace any fuses that are faulty);

✓ Check battery voltage and current. Note: when cleaning electrical components, use isopropyl alcohol. After drying, use contact cleaner and install again

3st stage

Carry out preventive engine maintenance:

✓ Replace the oil filter element;

✓ Replace the lubricating oil;

✓ Replace centrifugal filter (if equipped);

✓ Replace the air filter element (primary and secondary);

✓ Inspect the pipes, hoses and collectors (intake);

✓ Inspect intercooler;

✓ Replace the fuel filter element;

✓ Replace the fuel;

✓ Check the radiator fins;

✓ Check the condition of the fan (possible breaks or cracks);

✓ Check the thermal insulation blankets (if equipped);

✓ Check the condition of the belts and their tension;

✓ Replace Arla 32 (if equipped);

✓ Replace the SCR filter elements (if equipped);

✓ Inspect the SCR tubes and hoses (if equipped).

If you identify any contamination from flooding during inspections or replacement of the filter elements (especially if the filter or muffler were submerged), contact your dealer so that they can carry out a more detailed analysis of the turbo compressor, pipes and collectors (exhaust), muffler, injectors, valves and combustion chamber.

NOTE: If you identify water in the intake system or inside the engine, NOT starting the engine, in these cases it is extremely important that you seek help from your nearest dealer.

4st stage

Check all levels, according to your equipment model. In addition to the level, also observe the appearance and color of the fluid. If there is contamination, drain the tank/reservoir and clean it before refilling. If any fluid is contaminated, replace it, run it for a few hours, then drain all the fluid and replace it again.

✓ Crankcase oil

✓ Fuel

✓ Coolant

✓ Arla (urea)

✓ Reducers

✓ Broadcast

✓ Box/cutting bar

When in doubt, always check the operator's manual or seek assistance from your dealer.

NOTE: If you identify any contaminated fluid, replace it. If it is not contaminated, but just below the minimum, then top up to the correct level.

5st stage

✓ Check the hydraulic system.

✓ Check hoses and hydraulic components if they are free of leaks;

✓ Replace the filter element (if necessary);

✓ If there is oil contamination, replace the oil, run for a few hours, then drain all the oil and replace again;

✓ Clean the vents.

6st stage

Check the transmission and axles:

✓ Clean the breathers (reducers/transmission);

✓ Replace the oil (if necessary);

✓ Check if there is any contamination in the transmission/clutch (if necessary, remove the inspection cover and clean with a water jet).

If you identify any contamination from the flood during inspections, contact your dealer so that they can carry out a more detailed analysis of the set.

7st stage

Lubricate all grease fittings.

8st stage

Perform a cab check (if equipped):

✓ Replace the air filter element;

✓ Clean the Seat;

✓ Clean the upholstery/carpet.

NOTE: clean with products that combat bacteria, mold and germs.

NOTE: After carrying out all necessary checks and replacements, reconnect the battery, see if it will not display any error codes on the panel/monitor.

Start the engine for the first time and if you identify any resistance in the engine, stop immediately and seek assistance from your dealer. If you do not identify resistance, proceed with starting, check the appearance of the engine oil and Diesel (if there is a change, then replace it again) and let the engine reach working temperature (approximately 80°C).

Replace the electrical harnesses if they become hot after operating the equipment.

Improper disposal of potentially harmful waste can threaten the environment. Potentially harmful waste used with AGCO machines includes items such as oil, fuel, fluids and batteries. Use leak-free packaging to collect fluids. Never use drink or food containers that could have fluids confused with food. Never dump harmful waste into the ground, drains or water supply sources.