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L.Evans & Son, Hereford

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Preparing Your Potato Harvester for the Season

Preparing Your Potato Harvester for Peak Performance

At L. Evans & Son, we know that a successful harvest starts long before the first tubers leave the field. Proper pre-harvest preparation of your potato harvester can prevent downtime, improve crop quality, and extend the life of your machine.

In this guide, we’ll take you through a practical pre-harvest checklist to ensure your harvester is ready for the demands of the season, helping you get the most out of your equipment and your crops.

Key Pre-Harvest Checks

1. Inspect Belts, Chains & Rollers

  • Check for wear, cracks, or fraying.
  • Replace or adjust as needed.
  • Why it matters: Worn belts or rollers can cause crop damage or machine downtime during peak harvest.

2. Check Hydraulic Systems

  • Inspect hoses, connections, and fluid levels.
  • Look for leaks and signs of wear.
  • Why it matters: Proper hydraulic performance is critical for smooth operation of all moving components.

3. Clean & Inspect Separation & Cleaning Systems

  • Remove old soil, debris, and residues.
  • Adjust cleaning sieves and shaker settings.
  • Why it matters: Clean and correctly adjusted systems produce higher-quality crops and reduce post-harvest sorting.

4. Test Terratrac Or Tyre Systems

  • Inspect tracks or tyres for wear.
  • Check track tension and alignment.
  • Why it matters: Proper traction prevents slippage, soil compaction, and damage to both machine and field.

5. Check Electrical & Sensor Systems

  • Test all lights, sensors, and electronic controls.
  • Why it matters: Sensors help maintain automation and ensure consistent performance during long harvest days.

6. Lubrication & Greasing

  • Apply grease to all moving joints, bearings, and pivot points.
  • Why it matters: Reduces wear, improves efficiency, and extends the lifespan of critical components.

Tips For A Smooth Start to Harvest

  • Document Adjustments: Keep a record of settings and adjustments – this helps replicate optimum performance next season.
  • Operator Briefing: Ensure operators understand machine functions, adjustments, and safety procedures.
  • Schedule a Pre-Harvest Service: Consider a professional farm machinery service with L. Evans & Son to identify hidden issues before they cause downtime.

Taking the time to perform these pre-harvest checks can make a big difference in operational efficiency and crop quality. At L. Evans & Son, we’ve seen farmers reduce field stoppages and improve crop output simply by following a structured preparation routine. A little attention now saves significant headaches during the busy harvest period.

FAQ's

How often should I perform a full pre-harvest check?

Conduct a full pre-harvest inspection at least once before the season begins, ideally a few weeks ahead, and repeat critical checks as required during the harvest.

We strongly recommend using genuine farm machinery parts for optimum performance and longevity, as non-approved parts can reduce efficiency and risk damage.

Don’t ignore leaks. Small leaks can lead to major failures. Contact our service team immediately to inspect and repair the system.

Ensure tracks or tyres are properly tensioned, and consider adjusting harvester settings for field conditions. Some machines like the The Terra Trac system helps distribute weight evenly.

Contact The Team To Book In A Farm Machinery Service