Technical


Where cylinder mowers are used, the operators must set the cylinder and bottom blades correctly, or they will create


additional loads in the hydraulic system


cylinders, but it is perhaps less obvious that the hydraulic system is also getting additional wear and performance will drop off, failure occur and costs will rise accordingly.


Rotary decks also need regular inspection, and the deck adjustment should be checked regularly. Often, only the front wheels are adjusted, which can result in the deck being lower at the rear. This increases the load on the deck, and reduces performance. Debris wrapped around bearing spindles can result in premature bearing seal damage and resulting failures.


Damaged blades can be out of balance, causing vibration damage to bearings, housings drive motors and transmissions. Rollers do wear and need to be replaced. Failure to do so means additional wear of the deck, more load on the machine and a shorter working life.


Regular operator checks will ensure that the machinery is ready for use, that it is, in fact, safe for use and that all the routine maintenance checks and tasks have been carried out. This has to result in a machine which will last longer, work better and give a better return on the investment made in purchasing it.


Getting it serviced: Of course, it is not just the operator maintenance which needs to be carried out, as this is only a basic check. Every year, machinery requires a full service by a trained competent technician. Factory training courses teach how to correctly diagnose faults and identify potential issues. Having your machine serviced by a dealer is a good way to give it a health check. Be sure to get the filters and oil changed to protect the expensive hydraulic system.


Check all the fault codes on the engine and management systems so the machine will work properly next season, and replace any worn or damaged parts with the genuine articles, so they fit correctly and have been made to the right specification. This can be critical to performance, and to safety, so do not cut corners when it comes to servicing and repairs!


It is at the annual service where all those daily checks will either have saved you money, or the lack of any regular checks will cost you dearly. Those less accessible greasing points may now be seized, or have created excessive wear, meaning that expensive parts now have to be purchased.


As we head into the new season, many will be


Whilst time is money, and there is grass to cut, you still need to make time for daily checks and regular maintenance


” PC APRIL/MAY 2017 I 119


looking at winter servicing bills and wondering why they are so high. As trainers, we see just how few operators carry out thorough checks and maintenance. Some do not have either the facilities or tools to carry out basic tasks, whilst many others are never shown what they should be doing, or trained to do it correctly.


Pre-season training is a great way to get things started on the right foot, especially if you have new machinery to introduce to your staff. Use the supplier’s installation training to highlight the daily and weekly checks and make sure that the operators have the tools and time required to carry them out correctly.


Whilst time is money, and there is grass to cut, you still need to make time for daily checks and regular maintenance. Not only will this result in better performing machinery, but it will save you money by prolonging the effective working life of your machinery.


”


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129  |  Page 130  |  Page 131  |  Page 132  |  Page 133  |  Page 134  |  Page 135  |  Page 136  |  Page 137  |  Page 138  |  Page 139  |  Page 140  |  Page 141  |  Page 142  |  Page 143  |  Page 144  |  Page 145  |  Page 146  |  Page 147  |  Page 148