Valve care on agricultural machinery

The hydraulic system requires careful maintenance, especially with regard to the connection valves, which must always be working correctly.

With the modernization of agricultural machines, their systems have evolved together, but they have also brought some concerns. One of these concerns is the contamination of the hydraulic system oil and its effects on the components that make up this system.

The characterization of contamination of hydraulic fluids is confirmed by the premature wear of the internal parts that make up the hydraulic system, causing serious material damage, in addition to periods of machine downtime for maintenance at times when they are most required.

The modernization and motorization of agricultural tractors transformed these machines into high technological potential, therefore, maintenance became more demanding and specialized labor in both maintenance and operation became a necessity for all components and systems to function perfectly. .

If we go back in history, we can confirm that the first tractors were large and heavy, which made both self-propulsion and implements difficult, and their systems were not as efficient, but thanks to this evolution, these machines were filled with technologies to make life easier for those who use them.

In most agricultural tractors, the activation of various components is carried out using the hydraulic system. And for them to perform tasks using the hydraulic system, agricultural tractors have steering systems, a three-point hitch lifting system, a power take-off drive system, a differential lock drive system, and auxiliary front traction drive. and remote control system. This last system mentioned is what we will talk about.

The system is commonly called remote control hydraulic lift, being connected to a hydraulic cylinder or motor to the implement, with hydraulic hoses with quick-connect terminals as hydraulic fluid conductors.

The types of remote control valves that attach to agricultural tractors vary depending on the available power, required flow and pressure, type of pump (open or closed center) and technology embedded in the machine.

In the open-center hydraulic pump condition, the actuator is allowed free movement while the pump flow is returned to the tank at low pressure; unlike the closed center system, in which the fluid is not returned to the tank while it remains idle. They are also classified by the type and size of connection, size and operating range.

They come into operation according to the pressure offered and the force of the return spring, and can assume various positions between the limits of fully open and fully closed. The pumps can be activated through an electrical command to a solenoid, by muscular, mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic force. When used in hydraulic motors, for example, they must have a free return to the reservoir, to promote free flow of fluid, thus avoiding overheating of the system.

The remote control hydraulic lifting system works very well when: maintenance, such as changing oil, hoses, pumps, connections, valves, cylinders, hydraulic motors and other components, is carried out by a team qualified for this and in an appropriate location, as the minimum impurities that remain will contaminate the oil and, consequently, the pump casing will occur.

Therefore, to prevent breakdowns, you must know the hydraulic system, how it works, carry out maintenance and use oils as recommended by the manufacturers.

Most problems with the hydraulic system occur due to a lack of qualified labor and even carelessness made by the maintenance team.

Of course, the continuous use of components that work under high pressure causes natural wear and tear, but correctly carried out maintenance will promote proper functioning, guaranteeing the useful life of the system.

PURPOSES OF THE REMOTE CONTROL HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

Tractors are designed to pull, push, drive and transport agricultural machinery and implements. And the main purposes of a remote control hydraulic system are:

VALVE CARE

When coupling and uncoupling the quick coupler (male x female) the biggest problems occur. In this case, the reasons that lead to contamination of the hydraulic oil are:

 Cleber Muniz de Brito, BM Consulting and Training

Article published in issue 162 of Cultivar Máquinas.