Follow regular driveline maintenance schedules to maximize sprayer performance
The key to smooth operation of any machinery is regular maintenance, and Apache Sprayers are no exception. Taking care of routine maintenance on manufacturer-recommended schedules is important to sustaining productive, efficient field operations over the life of your sprayer.
Nowhere is that regular maintenance more important than the sprayer’s driveline, the collection of components that delivers power to the wheels and keeps the machine running in the field. Technology today can help in keeping track of important maintenance timeframes; however, it’s up to the operator to follow those timeframes, says Equipment Technologies Service Specialist, Tyler Gordon.
“The scheduled maintenance app on the Apache display, now an option on new machines, can tell you what you need to do based on hour intervals,” Gordon said. In-cab displays themselves are optional on all Apache Sprayers, but every machine is wired for one. That makes it easy to add a display later on.
Be sure to grease every 40 hours
Even with the most advanced diagnostic tools, it’s up to the operator to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedules. First and foremost, routine driveline maintenance on Apache Sprayers starts with greasing the line’s eight universal joints every 40 hours of use. “When we talk about greasing the driveline, we also grease any axle or chassis frame component in that same 40-hour interval,” Gordon said, adding these tasks are typically always included in a routine inspection.
In addition to the universal joints on the driveline, it’s important to check the sprayer’s rear differential every 500 hours, the same interval for engine oil changes and any planetary wheel drives and wheel gear dropboxes.
Stay on schedule
The number of hours of use and overall treatment of a sprayer has a lot to do with its maintenance needs over time. With tasks like scheduled driveline maintenance, it’s important to stick closely to the manufacturer’s recommended timeframes, even if the calendar doesn’t match the machine’s overall use. Failing to do so can be costly in the long run.
“Operators will sometimes wait until they get to 500 hours, even if we recommend maintenance every year or 500 hours. If they put 200 hours on it a year, they’ll just wait until the second year,” Gordon said. “But, oil breaks down over time. Once it’s in a component like a rear differential, the oil gets debris in it over time and starts breaking down. It doesn’t matter if the machine doesn’t run as much. Once the oil is in there, it’s exposed and taking on that debris.”
“Failing to take care of regular maintenance like this always comes back to bite you.”
The Owner’s Manual for each Apache Sprayer includes a Lubrication and Maintenance chapter with manufacturer’s maintenance schedules. See more on driveline maintenance in the Apache Sprayers yearly maintenance checklist.
