Tractor Care Tips

Tractor Troubleshooting Guide – Common Issues and How to Fix Them

TPK Admin Agricultural Machinery, Farm Tractors, Tractor Care Tips , , 0 Comment
Tractor Troubleshooting Guide - Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Whether you’re tending vast fields in the heart of Gambia or maintaining a small farm on its outskirts, your tractor is likely central to your agricultural activities. It’s the powerhouse that makes modern farming feasible, but like all machinery, it’s prone to occasional hiccups. Fortunately, many common tractor problems can be diagnosed and remedied with a bit of know-how. In this guide, we’ll explore some typical issues tractor owners might encounter and offer advice on how to resolve them.

Tractor Troubleshooting Guide - Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Common Tractor Issues and Solutions

Starting Problems

Symptom: The tractor won’t start, or it’s hard to start.

Possible Causes: Battery issues, fuel supply problems, clogged air filters, or issues with the glow plugs (in diesel tractors).

Fix: Ensure the battery is charged and the connections are clean and tight. Check the fuel level and quality (diesel can degrade over time). Replace or clean air filters regularly. For diesel engines, checking and replacing glow plugs might be necessary.

Overheating

Symptom: The tractor overheats during operation.

Possible Causes: Low coolant levels, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a clogged radiator.

Fix: Regularly check the coolant level and refill as necessary. Inspect the thermostat and radiator for any blockages or malfunctions and clean or replace them if needed.

Power Loss

Symptom: The tractor loses power under load or has diminished performance.

Possible Causes: Dirty fuel filter, air intake issues, or transmission problems.

Fix: Replace the fuel filter and inspect the air filter and intake manifold for any blockages. For transmission issues, check the fluid level and quality—refer to a professional if complicated transmission repairs are required.

Hydraulic Issues

Symptom: Hydraulics are slow, weak, or non-responsive.

Possible Causes: Low hydraulic fluid, air in the system, or worn hydraulic pump.

Fix: Check the hydraulic fluid level and replenish if low. Bleed the system to remove air. Inspect the hydraulic pump and other components for wear and tear, replacing parts as necessary.

PTO (Power Take-Off) Problems

Symptom: The PTO doesn’t engage or lacks power.

Possible Causes: Faulty PTO clutch, low hydraulic fluid, or mechanical damage.

Fix: Inspect the PTO clutch for wear and adjust or replace it if needed. Ensure the hydraulic fluid is at the right level. Check for and repair any mechanical damages.

About Tractors PK

Tractors PK is proud to serve the agricultural community in Gambia and beyond. Our dedication to providing high-quality tractors and farm equipment is matched only by our commitment to excellent customer service. We understand the challenges faced by farmers and agriculture enthusiasts, which is why we offer an extensive range of products tailored to meet the unique needs of the Gambian agriculture sector.

Whether you’re in the market for a new tractor or seeking advice on maintaining your current machinery, Tractors PK is here to help. Visit our website or contact us directly to learn more about our offerings and how we can assist in enhancing your farming operations.

A tractor is an indispensable tool for any farm, but it’s not immune to problems. By understanding common issues and how to address them, you can ensure your tractor remains a reliable asset in your agricultural endeavors. Remember, regular maintenance is key to preventing many of these issues from arising in the first place. For those in Gambia looking for top-tier tractors and farm equipment, Tractors PK offers a comprehensive range designed to meet your farming needs. We’re here to support you in keeping your machinery in peak condition, so you can focus on what you do best—farming.

Safety Guidelines for Operating Tractors in Togo

TPK Admin Agricultural Machinery, Farm Tractors, Massey Ferguson Tractors, Togo, Tractor Care Tips , , , 0 Comment
Safety-Guidelines-for-Operating-Tractors-in-Togo

Agriculture is one of the most important sectors of Togo’s economy, and tractors are an essential tool for farmers to improve their crop yields and increase productivity. However, despite their usefulness, tractors can be dangerous if not operated safely. In Togo, there have been cases of tractors being involved in accidents that have resulted in injuries and even fatalities. To prevent such incidents, it is important to follow safety guidelines when operating tractors. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the safety guidelines you should keep in mind when using tractors in Togo.

Check the tractor before use

Before using the tractor, you should ensure that it is in good working condition. Check the oil level, fuel level, tires, brakes, and other critical components to ensure they are in good condition. It is important to do this to prevent accidents and ensure the tractor works efficiently.

Wear appropriate clothing

When operating a tractor, it is recommended that you wear appropriate clothing. This includes sturdy shoes, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and a hat. This will protect you from any debris that may be thrown up during operation and protect you in case of an accident.

Follow traffic laws

Tractors should be operated by traffic laws. This means that you should drive on the right-hand side of the road and follow speed limits. Additionally, you should use hand signals when turning or stopping, as tractors do not have turn signals.

Avoid steep hills

Tractors should not be used on steep hills or slopes, as they can easily tip over. Before using a tractor on a slope, it is important to ensure that it is equipped with a roll-over protective structure (ROPS) and a seatbelt.

Always have a helper

It is important to have a helper when using a tractor to help guide you and keep an eye out for any potential hazards. Additionally, if the tractor gets stuck or has an issue, the helper can offer assistance.

A tractor is a valuable tool for farmers in Togo. However, safety is of the utmost importance when using tractors. By following these safety guidelines, you can prevent accidents and injuries when operating tractors. Remember to always check the tractor before use, wear appropriate clothing, follow traffic laws, avoid steep hills, and always have a helper. By doing so, you can ensure that you are operating your tractor safely and efficiently.

Battery Care of John Deere, New Holland and Massey Ferguson Tractor

TPK Admin Tractor Care Tips
Maximum benefit can be obtained from the battery by following the instructions described below.

  • The tractor battery should never be used without the ‘bracket’; otherwise the battery could be damaged. Secure the battery clips tightly.
  • If there is white or blue substance on the battery terminals, wash the terminals with warm water and dry; and apply some petroleum jelly.
  • Remove all Vent Plugs of the battery and then look in each cell to see whether the plates are submerged in the battery solution or not. If not, then fill with distilled water up to the ‘Max’ point.
  • Before replacing the caps, check to make sure the Vent Holes on them are not closed; because the battery could be harmed if the holes are closed.
  • Never use hammer or heavy object to push wire clamps on the terminals. Otherwise, the battery will be ruined very soon.
  • The battery wires should never be loose. Otherwise, starting the tractor will be difficult.
  • Replace the faulty wire and/or clamps

Often farmers leave the engine running during meal breaks when the battery is weak, which wastes a lot of diesel. The tractor battery should always be well charged, because high power is required to start the engine. If the battery does not have the required power, the engine starts with difficulty, which also wastes diesel.
Battery MF-240/260/375 (water level)
Battery MF-385/385 4wd (inlets to pour distilled water)

 

 

 

Proper Air Pressure in the Tyres and its Importance

TPK Admin Tractor Care Tips
In order to get proper performance out of the tractor, the proper air pressure in the tires is very important because engine power is wasted when the air pressure is low or high, and required productivity is not obtained, either. It is important for every tractor owner to have an air gauge and a manual air pump handy.  Improper air pressure can cause the following harm:

  • Tire life is reduced and these crack at the sides.
  • It causes unnecessary load on the engine which overheats the engine.
  • The tractor emits smoke and does not pull well.
  • Diesel consumption is increased and time is wasted as well.
  • Parts of the field remain un-ploughed.
  • Rear tires slip during operation, which causes more wear out.
Use the instructions below to maintain proper air pressure in  Massey Ferguson tractors

Tractor Model Air Pressure Tyres Size
Front Tyres Rear Tyres
With Plough With Trolley With Plough With Trolley Front Tries Rear Tires
MF-240 26 psi 26 psi 14 psi 18 psi
6.00 – 16 6PR
12.4/11–28 6PR
MF-350 26 psi 26 psi 14 psi 18 psi
6.00 – 16 6PR
14.9/13–28 6PR
MF-260 28 psi 28 psi 14 psi 18 psi
7.50 – 16 6PR
14.9/13–28 6PR
MF-375 30 psi 30 psi 12 psi 18 psi
7.50 – 16 6PR
16.9/14–30 6PR
MF-385 30 psi 26 psi 12 psi 18 psi
7.50 – 16 6PR
18.4/15–30 6PR
MF-385 4WD 12 psi 18 psi 12 psi 18 psi
12.4–11–24 12PR
18.4/15–30 6PR

VERY IMPORTANT

If there is additional load on the front part of the tractor, as the front-end loader or front blade is used, inflate the front tires to 40 psi. Using oil or grease to clean the tires reduces their life. Water is sufficient to clean these.

Tractors PK is the best tractor dealer/company in Africa & the Caribbean.

Tractors PK is one of the top suppliers and exporters of Massey Ferguson Tractors and their compatible farm implements from Pakistan to across the globe including tractor models like MF-240 (50hp), MF-260 (60hp), MF-360 Turbo (60hp), MF-375 (75hp), MF-385 2WD and 4WD (85hp) at the lowest price. Usually, farming tractors used to pull a variety of farm implements to increase the farming process as well as the agriculture business.

Booking and Shipment of Massy Ferguson Tractors in Regions:

We serve customers in Africa & the Caribbean region especially in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, DR Congo, South Africa, Algeria, Sudan, Morocco, Angola, Ethiopia, Egypt,, Mozambique, Madagascar, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Malawi, Senegal, Chad, Somalia, Guinea, Rwanda, Benin, Burundi, Tunisia, South Sudan, Togo, Sierra Leone, Libya, Congo, Liberia, Central African Republic, Mauritania, Eritrea, Namibia, Gambia, Gabon, Lesotho, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mauritius, Eswatini, Djibouti, Comoros, Cabo Verde, Sao Tome & Principe, Seychelles, Barbados, Belize, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sint Maarten, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks, and Caicos, etc.

Contact Tractors PK

7A Queen’s Road, Lahore, Pakistan.

Phone: +92-320-2390-002 / +92-321-2390-002

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.tractorspakistan.com

Social Links: https://www.facebook.com/TractorsPakistan
https://www.instagram.com/tractors.pk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tractorspk/
https://twitter.com/Tractorspk
https://www.youtube.com/user/Tractorspk
https://www.pinterest.com/Tractorsfrompakistan/

Method and Benefits of Filling Water in the Tyres

TPK Admin Tractor Care Tips
The probability of tires to slip increases when the tractor is light and is operating on hard ground. It reduces the performance, which cause increases diesel consumption. Experiments show that proper tire grip on the surface, tractor performance increases by 10 to 25 percent. To increase the surface grip in the rear tires, filling water in the tires is recommended. Below is the method to fill water in the tires with a simple instrument.

Water Can Be Filled In the Tyre Using the Instrument

  • Raise the rear tires with the help of the jack, and raise the inflation valve to its highest position.
  • Remove the inflation valve from the tube’s nozzle and let the entire air out.
  • Now mount the water filling nut on the tube’s nozzle.
  • Connect the water filling tube to the tank as shown in the diagram. The water tank should be at least 5 feet above the instrument. Open the tank’s valve so water could flow in the tire’s tube.
  • Close the tank’s valve when the water starts to flow out the air pipe.
  • Detach the water filling instrument from the tire-tube and let the extra water flow out of it.
  • After the extra water is drained, place the inflation valve on the tube’s nozzle.
  • Inflate the tire to 12 – 14 psi.
1. Air 2. Pressurized entry of water in the tube 3. Pipe to fill water 4. Deflation pipe 5. Instrument shell
Precautions

  • In places where temperature falls to freezing point or below, NEVER water in the tires or mix Calcium Chloride in the water to fill in the tires.
  • Fill water in the tire at a place where there is a facility to inflate the tire with air too.
  • If water filled tires need to removed, then remove the water first and then remove the tire from the tyre first and than remove the tyre from the tractor. Otherise the heavy tyre will damage stud threads used to fasten the wheels.
 

Checking and Changing the Transmission and Hydraulic Oil for tractor

TPK Admin Tractor Care Tips
  • To check the transmission oil, it is important to park the tractor on a level surface and turn off the engine.
  • Remove and clean the small gauge (dipstick) under the driver seat with a cloth.
  • Reinsert and remove the gauge and hold it tilted to check the oil level. In case of low level, replenish the oil.
  • If you plan to use the tractor only to plough or pull trolleys, then maintain the oil level anywhere in the zone marked on the gauge as XX, as shown in the picture labeled ‘B’. if you wish to use the oil in the gearbox to operate any external instruments, for example front blade and tipping trolley etc, then in that case the oil mark should be at the ‘Max’ level ‘C’; as shown in the figure.

Very Important

  • You must have the transmission oil changed after hours from a reputable workshop.
  • Not changing the oil allows the iron dust, mixed with the oil, to ruin the gearbox and the hydraulic system parts.
  • After the first 600 hours, have the transmission oil changed by a recognized workshop.
  • Changing the hydraulic oil after completing every 600 hours, and clean the hydraulic pump filter with diesel.
  • MF240/350 has a capacity of 33 liters for the transmission/hydraulic oil, whereas MF260/375/385 can hold 36 liters, and MF385 4WD reservoir can hold 42 liters.
  • For external hydraulic components in the MF240/350, the oil capacity is 36 liters, whereas 39 liters in MF260/375/385, and 45 liters in MF385 4WD.
MF-240/260/375 Provision for changing Transmission / Hydraulic oil MF-385S/385 4WD Provision for changing Transmission / Hydraulic oil
Drain Plug Drain Plug
Opening for filling the Oil MF-240/260/375S Opening for filling the Oil MF-385/385 4WD

Tractors PK is the best tractor dealer/company in Africa & the Caribbean.

Tractors PK is one of the top suppliers and exporters of Massey Ferguson Tractors and their compatible farm implements from Pakistan to across the globe including tractor models like MF-240 (50hp), MF-260 (60hp), MF-360 Turbo (60hp), MF-375 (75hp), MF-385 2WD and 4WD (85hp) at the lowest price. Usually, farming tractors used to pull a variety of farm implements to increase the farming process as well as the agriculture business.

Booking and Shipment of Massy Ferguson Tractors in Regions:

We serve customers in Africa & the Caribbean region especially in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, DR Congo, South Africa, Algeria, Sudan, Morocco, Angola, Ethiopia, Egypt,, Mozambique, Madagascar, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Malawi, Senegal, Chad, Somalia, Guinea, Rwanda, Benin, Burundi, Tunisia, South Sudan, Togo, Sierra Leone, Libya, Congo, Liberia, Central African Republic, Mauritania, Eritrea, Namibia, Gambia, Gabon, Lesotho, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mauritius, Eswatini, Djibouti, Comoros, Cabo Verde, Sao Tome & Principe, Seychelles, Barbados, Belize, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sint Maarten, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks, and Caicos, etc.

Contact Tractors PK

7A Queen’s Road, Lahore, Pakistan.

Phone: +92-320-2390-002 / +92-321-2390-002

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.tractorspakistan.com

Social Links:
https://www.facebook.com/TractorsPakistan
https://www.instagram.com/tractors.pk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tractorspk/
https://twitter.com/Tractorspk
https://www.youtube.com/user/Tractorspk
https://www.pinterest.com/Tractorsfrompakistan/

Hydro-Static Power Steering System

TPK Admin Tractor Care Tips
This system is installed in the MF385/385 4WD tractors, which allows the driver/operator to control the steering system with ease. Hydro-static power steering system is a complete power steering system in which there is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels, which allows the steering wheel to be turned with only one or two fingers. This tractor is especially suitable for working with front-end loaders. In this oil system is supplied to the steering control unit through steering pump, due to which controlled quantity of oil reaches the right and left sides by the steering cylinder when the steering wheel is turned; and when the steering wheel is straight, the steering unit bypasses the oil supply.

NOTE:

Always use the reputable and reliable oil in MF350/260/375/385/385 4WD Tractors

A. Neutral Oil Flow When Tractor is Moving Straight
This is the neutral position of the steering unit. In this position the oil flows from the hydraulic pump to the steering unit, and because of the oil spool and sleeve hole being in straight position the oil returns to the steering pump. In this system two shock valves and two suction valves are fitted on the right and left sides of the steering unit. Shock valves are used between the steering rim cylinder and steering ring control unit to protect this system, whereas the suction valves are used to compensate any shortage of oil in the system.
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM OF ARBITRAL STEERING WHEEL UNIT (NEUTRAL FLOW)

B. Turning of the Steering when the Engine is Running
On first movement of the steering wheel the right and left turning holes become straight with each other, so that oil can be supplied to the oil hand pump. Subsequently, the second movement turns the steering and the hand pump. Simultaneously, the hand pump measures the quantity of oil and pushes it back towards the spool and sleeve. The oil coming back enters the spool valve through the grooves, which connect the holes together straightly so that the oil could go to the direction in which the steering wheel was turned. With the spool valve and sleeve holes being face to face with each other, the oil coming back from the steering cylinder returns to the circuit. The relief valve between the inlet and the spool inside the steering unit, which protects against the high-pressure created inside the pump, for example, due to an obstruction while the front wheels are turning. From the steering pump to the steering unit, there is a check valve installed on the way. This is a one-way valve that prevents high-pressure while the steering is being turned.
ORBITROL STEERING UNIT CIRCUIT (turning of the steering when the engine is running)

C. Turning the Steering when the Engine is OFF
The pump stops working when the engine is turned off, due to which the oil starts to pass through a bypass valve installed inside the steering unit between the supply and return holes. As the pump starts to function, the oil pressure shuts off the valve by pushing it onto its seat. When the pump cylinder is low, the oil returning from the steering cylinder towards the valve inlet side is bypassed. With the help of this function, the oil can move from one side to the other inside the steering cylinder to maintain uninterrupted steering control.
ORBITROL STEERING UNIT CIRCUIT (turning of the steering when the engine is OFF)
 

Checking and Changing the Steering Oil and Filter

TPK Admin Tractor Care Tips

MF-350/260
Mechanical steering has been installed in this tractor, in which to check oil in the steering box, remove the plug located on the steering box. Make sure the oil is completely filled with oil. Replenish if the oil level is low and tighten the plug back on.


Place to check / refill oil in the
steering assembly

MF-385/375/385 4WD 
Power steering has been installed in this tractor. To check the oil in this unit, remove the oil reservoir plug located next to the steering pump at front of the engine. If the oil trickles slowly out of the hole, place the plug back in and tighten. Replenish if the oil level is low.


Place to check / refill oil in the steering
pump MF 375/385/385 4WD

How to Remove Power Steering Oil

Remove the bolts located behind the steering box, remove the filter etc and drain the oil.

How to Replenish Oil

Remove the plug on the reservoir. Start the engine. Straighten the front wheels and then turn the steering clockwise one complete circle. Turn off the engine and replenish oil.

Oil Capacity

The steering pump reservoir in MF385/385 4WD can hold up to 2 liters of oil. Change the power steering oil with the filter after every 250 hours.
How to change power steering filter MF-385/385 4WD

Storing the Diesel

TPK Admin Tractor Care Tips
If diesel is to be stored in drums, then tilt the diesel filled drums as shown in the picture below. Front end of the drum must be 3 to 4 inches higher than its rear end, so that all unwanted deposits like sand, rust, dust settle at the back end, and clean diesel comes out from the front.
Storing the diesel on smaller scale
Storing the diesel on a larger scale

Method and Sequence of Changing the Engine Oil and Filter in Tractor

TPK Admin Tractor Care Tips
  • Before changing the engine oil, it is important for the tractor to be properly warmed so oil is thinned and carries out the iron and carbon particles along with it.
  • Park the tractor on a level surface and turn off the engine.
  • Remove the drain plug located under the engine sump and drain the oil completely.
MF-240/350/260
MF-375/385
  • Remove oil filter with Filter Remover.
  • Clean the filter body thoroughly with a cloth, remove the old rubber ring and replace with a new ring.
  • After filling the new filter with oil, tighten with the filter body.
Oil Filter MF-240/350
Oil Filter MF-260
Oil Filter MF-375/385/3854WD
Slowly fill fresh oil through the oil-inlet until it starts to come out of the oil drain plug hole. Immediately re-plug the drain tightly.
Oil Filter MF-240/350
Oil Filter MF-260
Oil Filter MF-375/385/385 4WD
  • Now pour more oil until it reaches the “Max” level marked on the dipstick.
  • The oil level must be somewhere between the “Min” and “Max” marks on the dipstick. However, it must never be below the “Min” mark or above the “Max” mark.
Location of checking the engine oil MF-240/350
MF-240/350/260 (MIN, MAX)
MF-375/385 (MIN, MAX)
  • Always use the oil in the engine accordingly.
  • The MF-240/350/260 engines hold 6.8 liters of oil, whereas MF-375/385/385 4WD hold 7.5 liters.