Checklist: How do you prepare your vehicles and machines for harvesting?

Now that the harvest season is about to begin, we would like to help you prepare properly, order the right (spare) parts and give you advice. After all, good preparation is half the battle. Check the various parts on and in your machines and vehicles using the checklist below. We have grouped the most relevant topics so that you can easily find the right information that is of interest to you.

1. Hydraulic toplink 

Toplinks are part of the three-point hitch of a tractor. The three-point hitch consists of: two lifting arms and the toplink above. The purpose of the toplink is to support the implement and adjust the angle. Hydraulic toplinks offer a number of benefits compared to mechanical toplinks. In this article, we have listed the main reasons why farmers are increasingly choosing the hydraulic option.

2. Knives 

You have probably already made many preparations for harvesting. Checking the knives in the cutter bar is a key part of any good preparation. We explain how you can check the cutter bar in three short steps and, if necessary, how to easily replace the knife sections.
Read how to check and easily replace the cutter bar in this article.  

3. Bearings 

Nothing is more annoying than a bearing that breaks. Because if a bearing fails, your machine is immediately stuck. Finding out the cause of the bearing failure can help you avoid problems in the future. Read about the common causes of bearing damage here.

Bearing maintenance is very important to prevent machines from breaking down prematurely. Proper assembly and adjustment are, of course, essential to bearing performance. But maintenance is also key: it prevents safety hazards, avoids unplanned downtime and keeps repair costs down. Read how to properly handle rolling bearings here.

In most cases, bearing failures are not caused by improper mounting or overloading, but by too little, the wrong or contaminated lubricant. Read how to choose the right lubricant for bearings here. 

4. Batteries 

Proper use and maintenance of a battery is important for its service life. If a battery is properly maintained, it can last six years or longer. This saves a lot in replacement costs, but requires proper use and maintenance. Read our 5 tips and tricks on how to do this here.

Nothing is more annoying than a tractor that won't start! Especially if you just got through the cold winter months, you probably think your tractor can handle anything. But you may end up needing a new battery anyway. And this needs to be arranged quickly. Because standing still is not an option. Read how to select the right battery here.

5. Lighting 

When working in the dark, it is important to have the correct lighting. This ensures that you can work safely and efficiently and reduces the chance of accidents and damage. How much and what kind of light is needed to do your work properly depends entirely on the type of work. Read more about choosing the right work light to do your work properly here.

Wondering why you should choose LED lighting? LED lights are becoming increasingly popular, and that also applies to LED work lights. This is because LED lights offer many advantages compared to halogen lights. Read about all the benefits here.

6. Hydraulic cylinders 

Hydraulic cylinders are used in a variety of applications, both light and heavy. This means it is very important to choose the correct cylinders for your hydraulic system. You can find various standard hydraulic cylinders in our online shop. Is the right type not listed? Then design it yourself using our online configurator. Read how it works here. 

Suppose you have a defective hydraulic cylinder and cannot continue with your work because of this. You want help finding the right hydraulic cylinder immediately. How do you find the correct hydraulic cylinder as fast as possible? Read our tips on how to choose the right hydraulic cylinder here. 

We are also happy to help you prepare for the harvest season with our wide range of products, various delivery options and Kramp product specialists with the right knowledge. Would you like to know more? We are ready to help you. Contact a Kramp specialist for advice today. Alternatively, you can contact a Kramp dealer near you or send us an email at knowledgecenter@kramp.com.