Tractor, as the core power of agricultural mechanization, have always played an irreplaceable role. Currently, in the market, traditional farm tractor, flexible mini tractor, and high-horsepower special tractor have formed a complementary pattern, jointly supporting the full-scene operation demands from plains farmlands to hilly and mountainous terrains. In tractor operations, faults in the steering system directly affect operational safety, especially for farm tractor undertaking heavy-load tasks, where hydraulic steering failure has become the second most common problem after clutch failure. This article proposes a systematic solution based on agricultural machinery maintenance big data from three dimensions: design principles, usage scenarios, and maintenance key points.
1. Regularly replace hydraulic filter elements for the farm tractor (suggested every 500 hours)
The hydraulic system of farm tractor is exposed to high-dust environments in the fields for a long time, and hydraulic oil contamination can lead to problems such as stuck steering valves and internal leakage in oil cylinders. The case of a grain cooperative in Henan Province in 2023 shows that farm tractor that did not replace the filter elements on time had their steering pumps wear out at a speed 2.7 times faster. For mini tractor, due to the small capacity of the hydraulic oil tank (usually 8-12L), it is recommended to shorten the filter element replacement cycle to 300 hours.
2. Avoid overloading for the farm tractor
Excessive load on the suspension system of farm tractor can trigger multiple risks:
The sealing ring of the steering cylinder accelerates aging and increases the leakage probability by 40%. For mini tractor, due to the strength limitation of the chassis, overloading is more likely to cause deformation of the steering link.
3. Prevent frequent activation of safety valves of the mini tractor
Abnormal activation of safety valves in the tractor hydraulic system usually stems from two aspects:
Operational level: Continuously applying the steering wheel for turns for more than 5 seconds
Mechanical level: Bearing of the steering column getting stuck increases system resistance
Through a trinity strategy of precise maintenance, standardized operation, and technological innovation, the rate of farm tractor steering faults can be significantly reduced. Whether it is large farm tractor or mini tractor, only by establishing a preventive maintenance system can they ensure efficient operation during critical periods such as autumn harvest.
