Lubricate all points mentioned in the lubrication chart if the tractor is to be stored or left standing for any length of time. This will protect against rusting.
Starting Engine and Diesel Engine: If the machine is to be stored or left standing for a long period of time, the lubricating oil may drain away from the cylinder walls and piston rings. This lack of lubricant permits the rings and liners to rust. It also permits unnecessary wear caused by metal-to-metal contact between the pistons, rings and liners when the engine is started before fresh oil has reached these surfaces. The lack of lubricant may not cause any noticeable change in engine operation after it has been started but it does contribute to shorter engine life.
The oil film should be renewed once a week by running the starting engine and the diesel engine until they are thoroughly warm. This will circulate the oil and prevent rusting from condensation.
Transmission, Differential and Final Drive Compartments: To prevent damage to gears, bearings and seals, the oil film in these compartments should be renewed at least every 30 days. This may be done by driving the machine a short distance while the engine is being operated to renew the oil film on cylinder walls and piston rings. If the machine cannot be moved, or if it has been blocked up for storage, the same result may be accomplished by shifting the transmission into all gears while running the engine with the machine resting on blocks. Safety note: Be sure the blocking is secure.
It is not necessary to operate until the transmission oil becomes warm, but ample time should be allowed for the oil to circulate thoroughly.
Battery: Keep the battery charged by running the engine once a week or by taking the battery to your AVSpare dealer for charging.
When replacing a battery that has been removed, make certain the ground cable is connected to the correct battery terminal. Failure to connect the ground cable to the correct terminal will result in damage to the electrical system. See the topic, WIRING DIAGRAM.
Fuel Tank: If the machine is to be stored or left standing longer than a normal work day, fill the tank with clean fuel to keep out moisture laden air. This will prevent condensation and rust from forming inside of the tank. If the machine is to be stored with the fuel tank not completely filled, commercially available rust preventative vapor phase inhibitor crystals should be placed in the tank filler strainer to prevent moisture and rust from collecting. Remove the crystals before the fuel tank is to be refilled with fuel.
Cooling System: If the temperature will be below freezing, the cooling system should be drained if it has not been serviced as indicated in the topic, COOLING SYSTEM.
Tires: Tire service life can be greatly extended by using the proper storage practices. The proper storage methods are especially important during periods when machines are not being operated, particularly when these periods extend over two weeks in time.
Before extended storage, clean and carefully inspect all tire surfaces. Breaks or cuts should be repaired, especially those in which the underlayers of fabric are exposed. Moisture may be absorbed through these breaks and cause rapid deterioration during storage.
The factors which cause and accelerate tire deterioration during storage are: sunlight, heat, air current, ozone (caused by operation of electrical equipment), oil, moisture, water, dirt and weight.
The following procedure is recommended for storage of tires, whether it be for prolonged periods or for periods possibly as little as two weeks under extreme conditions.
- 1. When it is necessary to store tires while mounted on vehicles, block the vehicle up so that the weight does not rest on the tire. Reduce air pressure to 50 per cent of operating pressure.
- 2. Where vehicle cannot be blocked up, check air pressure in the tires frequently and maintain at proper pressure.
- 3. Each tire in either of the above cases should be protected by a cover of canvas or similar material or painted with a synthetic rubber paint. This protection keeps water from working its way into small fractures where it can freeze and cause extensive damage.
- 4. When stored inside tires should be kept in a cool, dark, dry area and free from air currents.
- 5. Never store tires near electrical devices such as electric motors or switches. They are an active source of ozone which deteriorates rubber.
- 6. Do not store tires in the same or adjoining rooms with gasoline and lubricants. The solids, fluids, or vapors from them are readily absorbed by the rubber causing it to deteriorate.