Cotton harvesters put a lot of stress on several parts that must work together to perform optimally. Routine cleaning and lubrication decrease fire risks, reduce downtime, and improve field productivity.
Row-unit chokes are more frequent in high-humidity conditions, especially early in the morning and after greasing. This is a result of the higher moisture content of seed cotton.
- Keep It Clean
Cotton harvesters are complicated equipment, requiring regular maintenance to stay in top working condition. Routinely cleaning engine compartments to prevent fires, greasing metal parts with rust-preventive grease, and performing inspections all help keep your harvester operating at peak efficiency throughout its life span.
Before and after each day of work, most cotton producers thoroughly clean from top to bottom of their cotton pickers. This ensures optimal picking efficiency, crop cleanliness, and quality. It also greatly decreases the risk of a fire in the machine.
The cooling package on your cotton harvester is essential for keeping the machinery cool in hot and humid conditions, which reduces fuel consumption and extends engine life. The system is comprised of heat exchangers, air-cooled condensers, and a coolant tank.
If the coolant in your cotton harvester isn’t properly maintained, it can lead to overheating and damaging components within the machinery. To keep your machine running at peak performance, it’s important to clean the coolant regularly with a specialized cotton harvester cooler cleaner.
Another common issue that can negatively impact the performance of your cotton picker is the accumulation of lint, trash, and other debris. If left unattended, these materials can create a fire hazard, resulting in damaged components that can increase downtime and reduce productivity.
In addition, a fire that starts on a cotton picker can quickly spread and cause a total loss of the vehicle. If the blaze occurs near hydraulic lines or fuel tanks, it can easily result in a rupture and accelerate the fire’s speed.
At the first sign of smoke or a burning smell, operators should immediately stop the cotton harvester and evacuate the area. They should also raise the module and basket chambers and turn off the fans. If possible, operators should back the cotton harvester into a previously picked section of the field to avoid spreading the fire further. Finally, they should alert emergency personnel that a fire is occurring and request assistance.
- Lubricate It Regularly
Long days on the cotton fields can result in a lot of debris build-up within and around various components of your harvester. This isn’t just unsightly from an aesthetic perspective—it can also create fire hazards and reduce the performance of critical machinery.
For this reason, you should thoroughly clean your cotton picker every morning and evening before and after work. This may require a bit more time and effort than simply rolling through the field all day, but it will encourage reliable performance throughout the day and extend its lifespan.
Several parts of the cotton harvester can easily become choked with dust, plant material, and lint during harvesting. Chokes can lead to decreased efficiency, poor quality, and costly repairs. This can cause downtime, which ultimately impacts your profitability and production.
Some techniques that can help prevent chokes include starting the day with clean row-unit cabinets, lowering spindle cleaner application rates, and using a lower ground speed. Another possible solution is to use a higher percentage of grease applications, especially during the beginning of the season and as temperatures increase.
A cotton harvester’s cooling system is integral to its operation and longevity. If the cooling package becomes clogged with debris, it can cause a variety of issues, including an increased risk of fires and decreased machine performance.
The cooling package consists of heat exchangers, air-cooled condensers, and a coolant tank. The cooling system needs to be cleaned regularly to remove any residue and protect the equipment from heat damage. Mesabi’s line of high-performance cooling systems provides a wide array of options to meet your cotton harvester’s unique requirements.
A properly functioning steering linkage is essential for precise harvesting. However, a steering system’s drag links, tie rod ends, and wheel bearings can wear out if they’re not lubricated on a regular basis. Performing these maintenance activities can reduce excess play and extend the life of your cotton harvester’s steering system.
- Perform Regular Inspections
In addition to cleaning your machine, inspecting it each morning and night before and after each day’s work is important. A regular inspection will help you identify potential problems before they cause major damage, so it’s important not to skip this step! Checking your cotton picker on a daily basis will allow you to keep it operating at its optimal level and reduce downtime.
Inspecting your cotton harvester for fire hazards and other problems will help you prevent them from occurring in the field, saving you time and money. For example, a dirty air filter will force your engine to work harder and use more fuel, which can lead to increased maintenance costs and environmental issues.
Additionally, if you notice any shaking or vibration of your cotton harvester, this could indicate that a part is in need of repair or replacement. When a problem occurs in the field, it is more difficult to fix, so replacing the damaged part before it breaks down is best.
It is also crucial to check for fire-related issues in your cotton picker, as these can cause serious damage if not addressed quickly. For example, a burned-out hydraulic hose or melted fuel lines may result in a fire that threatens the safety of operators and others in the field. This is why it’s important to unload your basket, module chamber, or surge hopper when you see that these components are on fire.
Performing these maintenance steps on your cotton harvester can greatly reduce the risk of fire and increase its lifespan. Watch the complete video below for more tips and information on maintaining and extending your cotton picker’s lifespan!
- Keep It Safe
As you may have guessed, maintaining and extending the lifespan of your cotton harvester requires more than just routine care. It also requires proper safety procedures. Be sure to read the operator’s manual and follow any caution stickers on your machine.
When you work on the cotton harvester, removing any debris that could be a fire hazard before starting is important. This includes removing large objects like rocks and twigs. Also, be sure to clean up any oil and fuel spills. These liquids can mix with cotton lint and cause a fire that can be difficult to control. It’s a good idea to clean the cotton harvester thoroughly twice a day during harvest season.
Additionally, be sure to use caution when stepping onto any ladders that are attached to the cotton harvester. Always climb and descend ladders facing them and holding onto handrails. Additionally, never walk or stand directly under power lines. If electricity “jumps” from a power line to a metal object, such as the wet basket in this case, it can kill you.
Another important safety tip is to always keep your eyes on the field. It’s easy to get distracted while working on the machine and miss a nearby obstacle or another hazard. Also, be sure to wear a hard hat and ear protection when working on the cotton harvester.
The family who lost their son in this accident works on a 2,000-acre farm that produces cotton, corn, and alfalfa. They employ three full-time employees and six seasonal workers who help during the peak harvest season. They also raise two purebred hogs. The family claims their son was raised on the farm and is familiar with operating machinery. Manufacturers should include safety training materials with every piece of cotton harvesting equipment. This could help owners recognize hazards and ensure that their workers are properly trained to safely operate their new equipment. This incident might have been prevented if the family had received such materials with their new cotton harvester. They might have recognized the danger of working near high-voltage power lines and moved the cotton modular builder away from them.
