Before the beginning of the new season, it is necessary to check the function of the press, usually according to the manufacturer's instructions. We have prepared re-commendations for you on what points to focus on.
What steps to carry out before the season
- Cleaning the machine from the remains of pressed matter and other impurities. Visually inspect parts of the main frame and press chamber for cracks or tears.
- Clean all chain drives, both the main ones and the small ones (e.g. pick-up drive).
- Carry out a check for leaks of gearbox oil fillings or their replacement.
- Check the condition and tightness of the on-board hydraulic circuit of the press. Alternatively, top up the oil level or replace it. Check the condition and tightness of the hydraulic hoses.
- Lubricate the lubrication points sufficiently, all cardan shafts and their plastic covers
- Let the press run for about 15-20 minutes, then turn it off. And with the press stationary, perform a test to see if some gearboxes with bearings are not overheating. There are self-lubricating bearings in some drive housings, and as they later start to engage when dry, their temperature rises and there is a risk of seizing or fire (e.g. angular gearbox from the main drive to the knotters.)
- Check the tightness of all main screw connections, or secure the pins with pins or cotter pins against the risk of falling out and subsequent damage.
- If necessary, perform maintenance of knotters according to JUTAHelpDesk
- Check the functionality and condition of toothed or friction clutches on drives.
- Clean the antechamber and the main pressing chamber again and remove possible rust.
- Check whether all protective covers or other covers are on the machine.
- Check the functionality of the chassis and brakes. Check if there are any leaks and use the drain plug in the lower part of the air tank to drain the remaining condensed water.
What control steps to take after the season is over
Of course, we try to clean the machine from the remains of the harvested material. Under no circumstances do we leave the bale in the press until the start of the next season (subsequent removal of the bale after the winter shutdown is very difficult, usually the material decomposes or starts to rot on the surface, various fungi and molds start to flourish). Due to moisture, the material begins to decompose.
During pressing, the press becomes clogged with a thick layer of dirt. Regular cleaning of the press by blowing with compressed air after the end of the pressing shift plays a role here.
- Clean the press of all dirt and residues of the pressed material
- When washing with a high-pressure cleaner, there is a risk of water seeping under the seals or bearings. I simply let the machine run for 15-20 minutes to prevent this. If the press is equipped with central lubrication, run a manual test to force any unwanted water out of the bearing housings. If the water freezes, the covers will crack and water will enter the bearing.
- Depressurize the hydraulics by releasing the press chamber of the press.
- Lubricate the lubrication points sufficiently, all cardan shafts and their plastic covers or pins.
- Apply oil to the polished part of the chamber from where the material passes through, this will prevent corrosion. On the surface where the paint is peeling or scuffed, I clean and apply paint.
- I park the machine under the roof and in a dry place. If I can't do that, I cover the main part of the press with a tarp and secure it against drift, rain and wind.
- Early on, while I have an overview of the condition of the press, I will secure the necessary parts that I will need for subsequent maintenance or repair. If I order early, I can take advantage of pre-season winter discounts. I avoid not dealing with parts at the last minute.
- I stand the press on the support leg, if possible I put the axle with the wheels in the air, thereby eliminating long-term stress on the tires due to the machine's own heavy weight.
- Do not leave leftover spools of twine lying around the yard. Accumulate and protect from the influence of weather conditions. It is best to store on a pallet, the coils should not lie down, but stand up to avoid their subsequent deformations.
