Your Hydraulic Reversible Plough is a major investment, designed for the rigorous demands of primary tillage. However, even the most robust models, like the Shakti High Tech Mount plough, are vulnerable to damage from rust, dirt, and neglect during the off-season. Proper seasonal care—both for storage and pre-season readiness—is critical for maximizing longevity and ensuring zero downtime when the clock is ticking for spring planting.
Here is your must-follow checklist for storing and preparing your reversible plough.
Part 1: Winter Storage Checklist (Post-Season Care)
The goal of storage is to protect metal from moisture and prevent hydraulic failure.
1. Thorough Cleaning
- Remove All Soil and Residue: Use a pressure washer or scraper to meticulously remove all traces of soil, mud, and residue from the frame, mouldboards, and linkage. Caked-on soil holds moisture and chemicals that promote rapid corrosion.
- Dry Completely: Allow the implement to dry fully before proceeding to the next steps.
2. Rust Prevention
- Protect Working Surfaces: Apply a generous layer of rust-preventative grease or used oil to all exposed, bare metal parts—the mouldboards, shares, points, and landsides. This protective film seals the metal from air and moisture.
- Paint Touch-Ups: Wire-brush any areas of the frame where paint is chipped down to bare metal. Apply a coat of rust-inhibiting primer and paint to seal these vulnerable spots.
3. Hydraulic System Protection
- Cylinder Retraction: Before parking, clean the chrome rods of the hydraulic cylinders thoroughly. Then, retract the cylinder rods fully if the design allows, or wipe them with hydraulic oil or grease before disconnecting the lines.
- Protect Couplers: Disconnect the hydraulic hoses from the tractor. Cap the open ends of the hoses and the tractor's quick-couplers to prevent dirt and moisture ingress into the system.
4. Lubrication and Inspection
- Grease All Points: Locate every grease nipple (zerk) on the headstock, pivots, and linkage. Pump them full of fresh, clean grease until old, contaminated grease is forced out.
- Check Fasteners: Inspect and tighten all bolts and nuts, especially on the mouldboard assemblies and frame joints, as constant vibration can loosen them.
5. Proper Storage Location
- Store the plough indoors in a dry shed or barn. If outdoor storage is unavoidable, park it on blocks (not bare earth) and cover it with a breathable tarp.
Part 2: Pre-Season Readiness Checklist (Spring Preparation)
Before the first day in the field, a quick check ensures optimal performance.
1. Hydraulic Reconnection and Testing
- Check Fluid: Ensure your tractor's hydraulic fluid reservoir is topped up and that the fluid and filters are clean.
- Re-Connect and Test: Connect the hydraulic hoses and slowly cycle the plough to check the reversal action. The flip should be smooth, complete, and lock securely in both directions. Check for any leaks that developed over the winter.
2. Re-Lubrication and Inspection
- Regrease: Apply a fresh round of grease to all pivot points to ensure smooth movement after months of inactivity.
- Check Wear Parts: Inspect the shares and points. If they are worn or dull, replace them before entering the field. Starting with sharp parts reduces draft and saves fuel.
3. Alignment Check
- Check Leveling: Ensure the plough is correctly leveled and aligned with your tractor's three-point linkage. Verify the front furrow width setting is still accurate for your tractor's width—this is crucial for straight plowing.
By adhering to this comprehensive checklist, you protect the high-quality components and precision engineering of your implement, guaranteeing that your valuable Shakti High Tech Mount plough is ready for heavy work the moment you need it.
