Witham Group experts share top machinery tips ahead of this harvest season
11th July 2024
Despite the ups and downs of the recent weather, the summer harvest season is finally upon us, with British farmers and agricultural contractors set to reap the rewards of their hard work. But are machines harvest-ready?
The Witham Group experts advise that before the combine harvesters roll, farmers should ensure that their machinery is ready for the long days and demanding conditions ahead.
With a few simple maintenance checks, farmers and agricultural contractors can avoid costly breakdowns and maximise harvest efficiency.
The power of proper lubrication
The Witham Group, a UK lubricant manufacturer with over 100 years of experience in agriculture, knows a thing or two about oil and the importance of proper lubrication on all working parts of machinery.
Its experts say that using high-quality lubricants extends machinery life, improves fuel economy, and protects vital components, ensuring peak performance throughout the season.
They added that preparation is key to avoiding issues and ensuring reliability in the field.
Top machinery tips for this harvest season
The Witham Group has shared a range of tips for farmers and contractors ahead of the harvest season. They include:
•Engine care: Regularly check and replace engine oil and filters, ensuring proper oil levels and a clean air filter.
Witham Group’s engine oils, offer a wide range of agricultural engine oils and are approved to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications, offer high-quality raw materials, are carbon neutral blended and are recommended for all types of agricultural machinery, vehicles and equipment.
•Transmission & hydraulic systems: Maintain optimal performance of these vital working parts by checking transmission/hydraulic fluid levels and replacing filters if needed. Inspect pipes and fittings for wear.
Witham’s MD, Nigel Bottom, said: “Using the correct viscosity and grade of oil in modern transmission and hydraulic systems, ensures proper operating temperatures and helps prevent overheating. We always recommend the right oil for the specific application, so make sure you are well prepared and take advice if needed.”
•Combine header hero: When inspecting your combine header for wear and tear, use a lubricant for anti-corrosion protection.
During disassembly, liberally grease mechanisms and ensure you consider all the latest offerings from long lasting non-toxic, lanolin based greases to specific greases that will ensure continuous free movement of the header.
•Belts, pulleys & bearings: The harsh harvest environment demands proper lubrication for all pulley bearings and belt tensioners.
Complex Greases, lithium or calcium, are a high-performance solution for high pressure and temperature compromised situations.
•Chains: Keep your drive chains operating smoothly with proper tension and lubrication. Chain Oils offer a heavy-duty, with “Anti- fling” additive, provides excellent lubrication and chain protection.
Trusted partner for peak performance
The Witham Group is one of the largest independent lubricant manufacturers and paint suppliers in the UK.
It is a privately owned, family run business with its head office and lubricant manufacturing site based in Lincoln and a distribution warehouse, trade shop and paint decorating centre based in Soham, Cambridgeshire.
The Witham Group is a preferred supplier to most UK farming groups, offering a wealth of experience and exceptional products and customer service.
The owners said: “We are very proud of our heritage and over the past 100+ years we have grown a strong reputation built on quality products, looking after our people, our customers and leading the lubricant industry with our environmental credentials.
“We operate throughout the UK and abroad, supplying our products and services to a full range of industries including agriculture, road haulage, marine and off-highway plant industries, plus we also supply many other sectors such as manufacturing, heavy engineering, motorsport, green energy, country estates and horticultural businesses.
“We are extremely proud to have been awarded the Royal Warrant in 1991, for the goods and services we supply to the Royal Estates. The Royal Warrant helps underline our company’s commitment to maintaining and building its reputation as producers of the finest quality lubricants and paints and suppliers of excellence.
“Ensure a smooth and productive harvest season with The Witham Group – your trusted partner in agricultural lubricants.”
To find out more about the best oils and greases for harvest, for technical enquiries and advice or to arrange a personal visit, contact The Witham Group online.
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