PREPARING MACHINERY FOR VINTAGE
Preparations for Vintage 2010, particularly overhauling harvesting head modules or towed harvesters, should be well underway. Timely and thorough maintenance prior to commencement of the vintage, should ensure minimal downtime during the harvest.
The topics listed below provide a brief guide to items which should be closely considered during the overhaul process. For specific information, it will be necessary to consult your relevant equipment dealer.
Harvesting head
Preparation of the head should begin by running all operating parts if possible, to inspect for incorrect or defective components. Any doubtful or worn parts should be replaced. It is much more cost effective to replace or repair any component at this time, rather than face a breakdown in the “heat” of harvest.
Once any problem areas have been identified and dealt with, all belts, covers and guards should be removed to enable close inspection. A thorough clean is also a wise move before commencing any further maintenance. Experience has shown that the final clean of machinery at the end of Vintage is often very basic, normally carried out by tired workers glad to see the last grape picked!
Further maintenance falls into the following categories.
Conveyor belts
Begin with a thorough inspection of conveyor belts, as these can be sent off for repair whilst any other maintenance takes place.
Belts should be examined for burning on the back surface caused by slipping drive rollers;
all cleats should be inspected for tearing (most can be re-welded satisfactorily); and side ribbing, if fitted, should be checked. Joiner cleats can also be a source of problems, and these must also be checked for wear or other damage. The wire used to join cleat halves should be replaced each season.
As a final point regarding belts, all running surfaces and housings in which the belts turn should be examined for wear. Instances have occurred where incorrectly folded cleat joiner wires have worn through the sides of stainless steel conveyor housings.
Following re-installation of belts, they should be correctly aligned and tensioned.
Conveyor bearings and rod post bearings.
As these components operate in wet, acidic and abrasive conditions, it is unusual to find bearings which have survived a complete vintage without some internal damage.
Again, the cost of replacing all of the bearings within a harvesting head is normally minimal when compared with the lost time and frustration of a bearing failure during the harvest.
Hydraulic systems.
Hydraulic oil should be changed at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals, along with any filters fitted. Failure to maintain clean oil will lead to the premature wear of many expensive hydraulic valves and other components.
Particular attention should be given to hydraulic hoses. These are often overlooked, and damage such as rubbing, bubbles, swollen crimp ends or loose fittings, can result in oil contamination. Hose clamps and cable ties, which are used to prevent hoses from moving, should be checked and replaced if loose or broken.
Chassis/frame members including drawbars.
These items should all be closely inspected for cracking or distortion, as the stresses imposed on framework, particularly on steep slopes, can be quite severe.
Self propelled or towing tractor.
These units should be fully maintained to the manufacturer’s recommendations, with particular attention to the hydraulic system notes above.
Items such as tyres, engine oil and filters, engine coolant, radiator cleanliness, fuel filters and chassis lubrication, all require close inspection.
Detailed maintenance requirements should be available from your relevant machinery dealer.
Industry training on harvesters / machinery
Pellenc Australia has a strong commitment towards operator and maintenance training and we have therefore developed a range of training tools in conjunction with our Occupational Health and Safety Consultant. Training is delivered at our premises here in Adelaide and in regional locations in accordance with demand.
Course content includes classroom type presentations delivered in a consistent manner by the use of prepared printed workbooks and CD’s.
Our presenters are also able to carry out written (or oral in the case of literacy problems) assessments to a consistent set of criteria of all vineyard staff, and detail to supervisors and managers any problems found during the assessment which may require further action.
These sessions are supplemented by as much practical, or in field training as required, until our assessors are satisfied that every person involved with the tool is satisfactorily trained.
This investment in training is repaid by having good operators, making the best and safest use of their machinery.
Training materials and aids are normally left with managers or supervisors on completion of these courses, to enable follow up or refresher courses to be carried out on site. New employees can also be trained by the local management as and when required.
Frank O’Riley (Dip. Eng)
Technical Director
Pellenc Australia P/L