Spring maintenance for your ride on trencher

In much of the U.S., temperatures are beginning to warm up and the ground is starting to thaw, you’re probably anxious to get your ride-on trencher fired up and hit the spring season hard. Whether you and your equipment hibernated for the winter, or you fought the elements together, it’s time to show your trencher some love to make sure it’s ready to work.

There is an extensive list of components you’ll want to check out before getting started this spring. The list below will provide you a general overview, but for the best place to determine what needs to be done on your particular model, consult your operator’s and maintenance manuals.

General checks for ride-on tractors

  • Make sure the operator presence system is working properly
  • Double check the torque on your machine’s lug nuts — make sure everything is nice and tight
  • Make sure the sprocket nuts are properly torqued
  • Check your tires and rims or tracks for damage
  • If you have a tracked machine, check the track’s tension
  • Grease or oil all lubrication points
  • Ensure all the lights are in good working order
  • Top off your windshield washer fluid
  • Check the cabin’s air filter
  • Test your service and secondary brake
  • Check the brake fluid level
  • Inspect the machine’s electrical harness for any signs of damage or abrasion
  • Look at the ROPS on your machine – if you notice any bending, cracking, breaks or signs of flexing, get in contact with your dealer right away
  • Honk the horn to make sure it works

Engine and drivetrain

  • Look at the air cleaner – is it clean?
  • Check the following oil levels and for any signs of leaks
  • Engine oil
  • Axle oil
  • Planetary oil
  • Gearbox oil
  • Make sure the machine’s coolant levels are where they are supposed to be
  • Clean debris from the radiator/grille
  • Drain the water/fuel separator

Hydraulics

  • Check your hydraulic oil levels
  • Look for any leaks
  • Make sure all hydraulic functions are working properly

Trencher (if equipped)

  • Ensure the trencher and cutters are securely mounted
  • Check the tension on the digging chain
  • Make sure the chain is lubricated properly
  • Inspect cutter and teeth and replace is necessary
  • Inspect the condition of the trencher cleaner assembly or restraint bar and make any necessary adjustments

Backhoe (if equipped)

  • Make sure the backhoe is securely mounted
  • Check the boom and swing lock functions
  • Ensure the remote engine shutdown is working properly
  • Verify that the remote engine start does not allow the engine to start if any ground drive or attachment drive controls are out of neutral

Plow (if equipped)

  • Make sure the blade bolts are tight
  • Check the oil levels on all three shaker reservoir
  • Ensure the shaker box shield is correctly installed
  • Verify the transport lock is working right

Rockwheel (if equipped)

  • Check the condition of the cutter wheel shield and spoil deflector
  • Make sure the rotating cutting teeth are in good condition
  • Make sure the cutting segment bolt is torqued

Reel carrier (if equipped)

  • Make sure the reel carrier is securely mounted

It is also a good idea to review the manuals, especially Section 40 in your Vermeer operator’s manual. This section covers prepping the work area, preparing the machine, required personal protective equipment and includes some safety messages.

Have a great spring!

Visit www.Vemeer.com for more information on the ride-on trencher options we offer.

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