How to Safely Perform Maintenance on Cotton Harvester Parts
Cotton harvesting machines are worked hard, so they need regular maintenance to remain efficient and safe for operators. But what’s the best course of action for tackling maintenance tasks? The following are tips to help you stay safe while performing maintenance and installing cotton harvester replacement parts.
Disconnect from power sources
Cotton harvesters are large pieces of equipment. As such, they can be dangerous when in use or being worked on. With that in mind, make sure to disconnect the part from its power source, regardless of whether the maintenance needed is to fix a broken belt or a damaged spindle or to replace a dead battery. Be aware that sometimes something like a slipped belt or jammed gear can appear to have no power. If what appears to be a breakdown is really be a simple jam or slip, you could get injured if the machine powers up all of a sudden.
If you’re working on a detachable cotton harvesting unit, be sure to disconnect it from the rest of the machine—especially the part with the engine. While detaching it requires more time, this is the safest route.
Purchase quality parts
There are several reasons why a harvester may fail, including buying low quality replacement parts and parts that are not meant for your specific job. Wrong or weak parts can mean early part failure, and headaches for you and your team. Stop buying the same low quality replacement parts! Of course, the high quality, manufacturer-approved cotton picking replacement parts you’d get from a BBB-accredited maker and supplier will cost more up front, but this will save you money and time down the road.
Avoid working alone
Even if one person on your crew says they can perform cotton harvester maintenance just fine on their own, insist they work as part of a team. Their offer is all well and good and the extra manpower could be used elsewhere, except that working as part of a team is a way to stay safe. These machines are heavy and made up of many moving parts, so it’s best to have other people around to help get the job done, watch for potential accidents and power down the system and get help should an emergency arise.
While you’re the type of person who takes the proper precautions to stay safe when performing maintenance and repairs, you never know when something could go wrong. You could be under equipment when the hydraulic system gives out or the jack fails, or a piece of your clothing might get caught up in a gear. Work in a team for safety’s sake!
Stay in communication
Communication is key when working on and around heavy machines. The job requires constant communication with your team—whether they are there with you or elsewhere on site—letting them know where you are and what your plans are at all times. That way, if you fail to report in at a certain time or are not responding to calls, they will come check on you.
If you are in search of reliable and high-quality cotton harvester replacement parts, call or visit the team at Certi-Pik, USA today!