What to look out for when working with agricultural machinery in winter
2025. January 17.When the cold and frosty weather sets in, it is easy for certain agricultural activities to become a problem. Power equipment can be a bit tricky, as not all of it will start, which can put a serious damper on your plans for the day.
So the important thing is to make sure that the equipment is in working order in winter, so that it starts up every time you start work without a problem, so that you can get the job done, even in extreme conditions.
What to look out for?
For tractors, there are two things to consider when operating in winter. One is that it must be fail-safe every morning and in every situation. An important factor in this respect is the functionality of the fuel supply system and the units that supply power to the electrical equipment. In our country, diesel fuel for all seasons is now available at filling stations. In principle, this should be able to withstand temperatures down to -20 degrees Celsius, so you can use your power machine up to that temperature. Although it is rare for temperatures to drop that low in Hungary, if they do, we can improve the cold-flow properties of diesel with a special additive. Effajta additives can also be purchased at any petrol station, even in small quantities. This can be an important consideration for those who have little agricultural machinery and do not need tens of litres of additive. If there is no antifreeze in the fuel, then 5 litres of petrol (at 5%) or antifreeze can be added to 100 litres of diesel. But always check the amount on the label. The other problem to be aware of is that when it is too cold, the paraffinic hydrocarbons in diesel can form crystals. These clump together, clogging the fuel filters and preventing the diesel from flowing freely. For this reason, it is a good idea for everyone to keep a spare fuel filter cartridge with them.
What happens in case of high humidity?
In the cold winter weather, it often rains and precipitates, making the atmosphere humid. This can cause the fuel used to be replaced by outside air, which can freeze overnight. Up to 0.1 litres of water from the air can enter the fuel tank of tractors and freeze in the morning due to heavy frosts, clogging the fuel supply system.
That’s why it’s important to refuel the machine before the daily shutdown, so that air is forced out of the machine’s enclosure, minimising the possibility of water ingress and freezing. In addition, condensed vapour can cause corrosion on older types of metal tank equipment, which can lead to blockages. In the case of plastic tanks, the same vapour is present, although there is no corrosion to worry about, and the moisture can be easily drained off through the water separation filter.
What else can help?
A good way to prevent blockage problems is to drain the sediment from the fuel tank before the winter. This can be water or other contamination. Also check whether the inlet filter needs to be changed. If it seems that it is not a bad idea to fit new parts, replace the inserts in the main filter, the coarse filter and the air filter, as well as the associated seals. Last but not least, a daily check of the condition of the fuel lines should not be missed. For older ones, it’s important to be aware that they can harden from the cold and crack and break easily.
The importance of power supply
To keep a farm machine running properly and reliably in winter, you need a battery with the right electronics. Modern lead-acid versions are low maintenance. Simply check the electrolyte level, sometimes even clean the battery casing and connection cables and ensure that the contacts are in perfect condition. Other than that, there’s not much to do in the battery in freezing weather.