Don't forget to grease your tractor

Each season, a farmer’s operation depends on a different selection of equipment: at harvest, combines ensure crops are gathered efficiently; during selling season, grain dryers get products to market; and come next growing season, planters get it all started up once more.

To maintain your farm’s important machinery, it’s important to check each piece of equipment each season. As you do this, though, don’t forget one very important machine you rely on throughout the entire year: your tractor. 

Your tractor plows, tills and plants. It pulls trailers and pushes other equipment. Because of its all-purpose duties, a tractor can be especially prone to dirt and debris, putting components and moving parts under the strain of extra friction. All this means a structured, routine grease program is crucial for keeping your tractor protected and performance-ready. 

Now is the perfect time to step up your tractor maintenance program. Below is a list of parts that may need extra grease lubrication to keep your tractor working its hardest: 

• Ball joints
• Bearings
• Steering cylinder ball joints
• Steering components 
• Hitch pivot points 

 When giving extra attention to these parts, remember to follow these grease best practices: 

1. Analyze your needs. Not all greases are created equal. Allow time to reflect on what you need your grease to do, and what conditions it will encounter, including potential temperature and moisture level fluctuations. Be sure to talk through your needs with your local Cenex® dealer for expert advice. 
2. Check compatibility. Greases with different thickeners will not work with each other. Instead, incompatible products will break down in equipment or a greasing system, causing significant problems. Therefore, if you’re changing greases, use the chart below to check for compatibility before combining a new grease with an existing grease. To ensure effective protection and consistency down the line, take a photo of your current grease’s packaging and show it to your Cenex dealer when selecting product. 
   
3. Read the directions. Be sure to read the directions for your grease gun carefully. Some models come with anti-debris filters that can restrict flow if the wrong cartridge is used. 
4. Use a high-quality grease. A premium, lithium complex grease like Blue Gard® 500+™ or Red Protect XT™ oxidizes less quickly, which means it lasts longer, is more durable and needs replacing less often. Higher quality products are also equipped with better detergents that keep the oil cleaner, preventing soot and dirt from slowing operability. 

By taking time now to ensure best maintenance practices are in place for your tractor today, you’ll save yourself time and money down the road. To help determine which grease suits your equipment needs, contact your LOCAL CENEX LUBRICANTS RETAILER.