Maintenance - Grease, Tyres, Cleaning Axle breather Should any axle oil leaks develop, the axle breather should be removed first and checked to make sure it is not blocked. Some breathers have a small ball fitted inside which is prone to seizure, particularly when spreading fertiliser. Greasing Grease nipples are located as follows and all nipples should be greased every 50 hrs. Prop shafts - 2 on each universal joint and 1 on the centre sliding section Hydraulic pump drive shaft - 1 on each joint and 1 on the centre sliding section Fan drive shaft - 1 on each joint, 1 on sliding section and 2 on support bearings Track rod ends - normally sealed for life but may sometimes be fitted with nipples Steering ram ball joints - on axle end of ram(s) Handbrake cable - 1 Footbrake linkage - Underneath RH front corner of cab Axle king pins - 4 on front axle (4 also on four wheel steer rear axle) Axle steering swivels - there are two nipples on each double joint. The easiest way to access them is to jack the front end of the machine (or rear in the case of 4WS units) off the floor and turn the steering into full lock (The steering stops may also need to be screwed right in). The wheel can then be rotated to expose each nipple. A grease gun with a narrow end will be required. Tyres The low pressure tyres are normally preset at 10 psi (0.7 bar). The pressure may be reduced in adverse conditions to as low as 6 psi (0.6 bar) depending on the load being carried. However the main thing to watch is that the tyre side walls do not crease when loaded. If the machine is being used for long periods on the road the pressure should be increased to 14 psi (1 bar). Row crop tyres should be inflated to 35 psi (2.4 bar). Cleaning Great care should be taken in cleaning the machine, particularly after spreading fertiliser. Some types of fertiliser are very corrosive and if not cleaned daily, problems will soon be encountered. Mud and crop debris should be cleaned away from the steering swivel and brake calipers on a daily basis to avoid damage to axle oil seals and bearings. The wiring system is most vulnerable and connections should be checked regularly. The radiator is also susceptible to corrosion and every effort should be made to keep fertiliser out of the radiator core. After washing off, leave engine running for a while so that the engine compartment dries out. Some types of fertiliser spreaders are prone to throwing fertiliser forwards or making a lot of dust. If this is the case with your spreader it is advisable to fit a sheet or screen in front of the spreader to stop it getting into the engine compartment. Coating the chassis with a mixture of oil and diesel, or a proprietary anti-corrosive coating agent, after cleaning, pays dividends if you spread large amounts of fertiliser. It also pays to go round the machine with the grease gun and an oil can on a daily basis when the machine is being used intensively for spreading fertiliser in damp conditions. Please remember the warranty does not cover problems caused by corrosion! < 43 >