Wondering how you can maintain your utility vehicle? Whether you rely on your utility vehicle just for simple transportation around your property or job site, or you use it to haul materials, proper maintenance is essential to its proper function. Luckily, keeping your utility vehicle in great shape isn’t too difficult with a little care and effort. Here are several good ways to keep your utility vehicle maintained.
Change the oil and oil filter
Your utility vehicle needs regular oil changes, just like the family car. In fact, keeping an eye on the oil is one of the most important utility vehicle maintenance tasks. Be sure to top off the oil as needed and change the oil and oil filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Take some time to check the oil levels before taking your vehicle for a ride so you never put unnecessary stress on the engine.
Change the engine air filter
Your utility vehicle won’t run as well as it should with a dirty, clogged air filter. Air filters are easily accessible, so you can check them regularly. Look closely at the filter box during your check and clean out any dirt or debris inside.
Check the coolant level
While you don’t need to check the engine coolant before every ride, try to stick to a regular schedule of inspection. During your check, look at the lines and fittings to make sure they’re in good condition. These little checks can prolong the life of your vehicle’s engine, keeping the seals cooled and lubricated and boosting the efficiency of the engine.
Lubricate the fittings
You should notice grease fittings, or Zerk fittings, on all pivot points of your vehicle. As long as they’re well oiled, they keep your utility vehicle running smoothly. Use a grease gun to keep your fittings lubricated, and always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for recommendations on what grease to use and where to apply it.
Maintain the battery
Many utility vehicle owners leave their vehicles parked in storage for the winter only to find that the battery’s dead by spring. Utility vehicle batteries need to charge regularly, and leaving the battery to die over the winter usually necessitates getting a new one.
If you’re storing your utility vehicle for the winter, establish battery maintenance practices to keep it charged. Be sure to check the status of the battery on a regular basis and look for corrosion around terminals. Going the extra mile to care for your battery will extend its life and prevent premature replacement.
Check the brakes
One good way to keep your utility vehicle maintained is by giving the brakes some attention. Check the brake pads’ thickness, the quality of the lines and brake fluid levels on a regular basis. If any element of the brakes appears faulty, visit your local equipment service center immediately, since functioning brakes are essential for your safety.
Want to learn more about how you can maintain your utility vehicle? Contact Bailey Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc. today. We’ll help you keep your utility vehicle in great condition so it’s ready to go whenever you need it.
Routine tractor maintenance is the best way to keep your tractor out of the repair shop while ensuring it’s capable of handling your everyday needs. But do you know what that maintenance entails or when it should be performed? If not, keep reading.
This post will cover everything you need to know about tractor maintenance:
Tire pressure: Running a tractor with low tire pressure increases wear and tear and decreases fuel efficiency. Be sure to check your tire pressure before starting it up for the day, and add air if the tires are below the recommended levels.
Air filters: Your air filters can be the difference between a working engine and one that’s destroyed by contaminants like dirt, sand and even manure. These filters get dirty and should be changed every 500 hours. If you notice a loss in power or if your tractor is smoking, replace them sooner.
Fuel filters: Your fuel filters also go a long way in protecting your engine from dangerous contaminants by preventing debris from entering the fuel itself. We also recommend replacing these filters every 500 hours or so.
Hydraulic systems: Built-in hydraulic systems are essential for running front loaders and other equipment. Be sure to check the hydraulic lines every 200 hours, and change the hydraulic oil every 500 hours. You’ll also want to make a habit of periodically inspecting the hydraulic-oil level and topping it off if necessary.
Engine oil: Speaking of oil, you can’t forget about your engine oil. Prevent the need for tractor repairs by changing your oil and oil filter every 200 hours.
Coolant: Just like your motor oil, the engine coolant collects contaminants as time goes on. This debris causes great wear and tear on your coolant system and can result in premature breakdowns. Flush the coolant system, and fill it with new coolant every two years to eliminate the contaminants.
Belts: Pretty much every aspect of your tractor relies on a belt to keep it operating. These belts are built to last, but they will wear down over time due to high heat and friction. We advise checking your belts periodically for any signs of cracking or glazing. Replace them right away if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
Hoses: Coolant hoses and hydraulic lines are also hardy, but they are other components that will also eventually fail. Failing hoses and lines lead to leaks and subsequent repairs. Check the hoses periodically for any signs of damage, and replace them at least every two years.
Paint touch-ups: You may notice a few rust spots while you’re tuning up your tractor. Don’t ignore these! Rust only gets worse with time and can result in more than mere cosmetic issues. Touch up your paint as needed to prevent rust and corrosion.
Does your tractor need help?
Whether you need some professional maintenance performed or reliable tractor repairs, come to Bailey Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc. Our wide range of services ensures your tractor runs its best all year long. Call today to schedule your appointment.
If you’ve researched engine manufacturing, or if you’ve spent much time around a machine shop, you’ve probably encountered the term “line boring.” If you’re not familiar with this terminology, you may wonder what exactly is line boring an engine. Here’s what you need to know.
What it is
Line boring is also referred to as align boring. This is a specific engine machining process used to make collinear bores. The bores (holes) are enlarged as needed to align them with each other and properly align the machine.
Why it’s important
Collinear bores are essential parts of many machine parts, such as turbines, engine blocks and presses. If the parts do not align perfectly, often the machines will not work properly or may not work at all. Therefore, it is necessary to use line boring to make collinear bores.
How it’s done
To create collinear bores, technicians use line boring machines. This machinery enlarges an existing hole to create perfectly straight alignment. The cutting tools used are able to create precise finishes for complete accuracy.
How long it takes
Line boring can be a complex process. While some jobs can be completed in a few hours, others require more extensive effort. In some cases, technicians must review engineering layouts and create custom line boring systems. These jobs may require several months to complete.
When it doesn’t work
After years of operation, some machinery bores become damaged or worn. When this occurs, line boring can be used to realign the machine. However, a simple widening of the bores isn’t always enough. At times, machinists must use repair sleeves to fit the bore to match other bores, rather than widen the others. This sleeve creates the necessary collinear bores for proper functioning of the machinery.
In other situations, technicians must use custom boring bars for line boring. This situation occurs when standard boring bars will not fit the machinery. This may be due to limited space or the design of the machine. In these instances, technicians create custom boring bars to fit the specific application.
Who can do it
Line boring requires in-depth knowledge of the machinery and processes involved. Only technicians who are trained in these methods should attempt to create collinear bores. If your application requires line boring, seek the assistance of a trained professional. These experts will be able to safely and effectively operate the proper machinery to accomplish the line boring required.
We know line boring
Do you need precision expertise for your line boring application? For accurate collinear bores, contact the professionals at Bailey Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc. Family owned and operated, we’ve been the area’s premier heavy-duty equipment repair service since 1984. We specialize in meeting all of your equipment repair needs, whether it’s farm equipment, utility equipment, trucks, cylinders or something else entirely. We offer on-site repair, line boring services, welding, machining, hose assemblies, steel sales and other machine products. Give us a call today for more information. Reach our friendly staff with any questions or to schedule your next service at 541-989-8505.
Trying to decide whether you should repair or replace your heavy-duty utility vehicle? The decision to invest in full replacement or in further utility vehicle repairs depends on the vehicle’s current condition and service history. Here are three important questions to ask regarding heavy equipment repairs so you’ll be able to make a confident repair-or-replace decision.
Why were repairs made?
Any vehicle, from the family car to heavy-duty equipment, requires some amount of routine and preventative maintenance. In the case of utility vehicles, oil changes and mechanical adjustments are regular necessities, as is more frequent lubrication than you’d have with other vehicles.
As you’re making the decision to buy new or to invest in heavy equipment repairs, get a thorough picture of the vehicle’s maintenance history. You’ll be able to discover whether the vehicle’s been out of service for an extended period of time due to routine maintenance or something more problematic like accidents or malfunctions. Just like with average cars, utility vehicle accidents can cause ongoing problems that are usually high-cost and inconvenient.
What was the quality of repair?
While you’re examining the vehicle’s history of maintenance and repairs, be sure to inspect the record of the technicians who have worked on the vehicle. Skill level and experience of heavy-duty mechanics is much more important than with those who work on the average car, since there’s more intricate components involved in heavy-duty vehicles.
As long as repairs were made by a reputable service provider, you can feel confident in them. It’s likely economically practical to invest in repairs rather than complete replacement if you can trust the overall quality of work performed in the past.
What are the repair trends for the vehicle?
Analyze the trend of repairs for the vehicle. Pay attention to repair frequency and whether more repairs have been required over time. If you notice any ongoing issues, there may be major problems with one set of components of the vehicle. Look at the downtime required for each repair, since the time your vehicle spends in the shop is time that it can’t be on the road making you money.
Consult a reputable heavy-duty vehicle mechanic to get a better idea of what to expect with your vehicle, and take a more thorough look at the service history of other vehicles with similar models and years. There can be a trend of specific breakdowns and required repairs in certain models, which means it’s probably a good idea to invest in a new rig rather than wait for inevitable repairs.
There’s a big difference between the cost of making utility vehicle repairs and investing in complete replacement. In some cases, it can be the right move to buy brand-new if the vehicle is truly at the end of its useful lifespan. It’s always smart to get a professional opinion before making a final decision. Reach out to the team at Bailey Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc. today to explore your options and discover if repairs are the right choice for your equipment.
Summer is here, and over the next few months, heavy equipment operators are going to be working in some pretty grueling conditions. It’s important to keep equipment operators cool so they can stay comfortable, productive and safe throughout the hottest days of the year. This means maintaining air conditioning systems and being proactive about resolving any noticeable issues that arise.
Here’s an overview of what you should know about heavy equipment maintenance in Lexington, OR, specifically when it comes to the air conditioning system.
The basics
There are some essential components to air conditioning maintenance for heavy equipment that you must be aware of when working on your machines:
Cleaning: It’s important to keep the condenser clean and free of debris. This will help to prevent a lot of the most common types of failure for air conditioning systems. As you clean the system, just make sure the fins don’t get folded over if you use high-pressure washing applications.
Dealing with fluids: It’s not uncommon for hydraulic fluid or oil to get on the condenser, in addition to other types of debris. This could be a result of a leak or a more significant hose rupture. When first inspecting this problem, it might not actually look that bad, but it will have a significant effect on the heat rejection of the condenser.
Reversing fans: To help keep dry debris from getting into condensers and coolers, you could attempt to use reversing fans. These can be effective at keeping that debris at bay, but there are some limitations with regard to the ability to keep oil residue away.
Inspections: You should prioritize regular inspections of the air conditioning system, even if there aren’t any actual action steps that need to be taken afterward. Someone needs to inspect the condensers and coolers regularly to make sure they’re clean and operating efficiently.
Filters: All filters must be maintained and cleaned on a regular basis. Cabin air filters should be included in this. The cabin air filters might not be as easy to inspect as the condenser, but keeping them clean can help ensure the productivity and efficiency of the machinery. The frequency with which you need to check and maintain those filters will depend on the specific conditions in which the machinery most commonly operates.
Leaks: It’s not enough to just clean up after any leaks that are present in the system—you also need to find them and put them to a stop. In some cases, this might mean replacing some of the fittings. Finding the leaks can be difficult—we recommend using a fluorescent dye in the refrigerant oil, which will make it easier for you to spot where the leak is coming from when you use an ultraviolet light to trace it.
For more information about air conditioning maintenance for heavy equipment in your Lexington, OR facility, or to schedule heavy equipment repair, get in touch with Bailey Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc. We look forward to working with you soon!
