Plough pre-season maintenance checklist
Use the following checklist to ensure rippers are ready for use and to minimise downtime
This article provides some basic information on pre-season and daily checks needed to keep deep rippers in optimal working conditions. The information assumes the plough is using the #9 Shank Assembly, however, the basic information is applicable to all ploughs in the Agrowplow range. More detailed information is available in the plough operators manual.
Refer to your parts manual for part numbers if you are using a plough with a different assembly.
On this page
- Cracks in swing arms and shank carriers
- Blades and shinguard wear
- Lift cylinders phased
- Shank carrier mounting bolts
- Air in the hydraulics
- Hydraulic cylinder gland cap secure
- Hydraulic pressure
- Nitrogen bottles charged
Cracks in the swing arms and shank carriers
How to check
Visually check the swing arms and shank carriers for cracks.
When to check
As part of a daily pre-start check or after hitting a rock reef
How to fix
Order replacement parts:
Wear on the blades and shinguards
How to check
Visually inspect the blades and shinguards for signs of wear. Check that all the tungsten teeth are still present, that the tungsten grit has not worn down or off the top, sides, and undersides, and that the blade and shinguard body has not been worn down.
When to check
As part of a daily pre-start check or pending conditions.
How to fix
Re-apply tungsten grit if the blade or shinguard body is not yet worn. Otherwise, order replacement parts:
Lift cylinders phased
How to check
Fully lift and lower the wheel arms, then hold on relief for 2 to 3 seconds. Repeat this process 3 times to phase all the wheel lift cylinders.
Lift the plough to the maximum height at the end of each row.
When to check
As part of a daily pre-start check and a full lift at the end of each row.
Shank carrier mounting bolts
How to check
Use a socket wrench to check the bolts are properly secured.
When to check
Once per week or when any bolt is replaced.
How to fix
Tighten the bolts with a 30mm socket wrench. See Agrowplow Torque Guide for more information.
Air in the hydraulics
How to check
Lower the hydraulic pre-charge to 0PSI and lean with your body weight on the shanks. The shanks should be tight and not break back when you apply your weight.
When to check
As part of a daily pre-start check and periodically though the day as the pressure will change significantly with ambient temperature.
How to fix
See: how to purge air from the hydraulics
Hydraulic cylinder gland cap secure
How to check
Visually inspect the cylinder gland caps to make sure the tack weld on the cap is present and secures the cap.
When to check
As part of the daily pre-start check.
Hydraulic pressure
How to check
Visually inspect the pressure gauge to ensure the pressure is within acceptable limits.
Note: the following values are for the #9 Hydraulics Shank working in a reasonably clean country. See Hydraulic Shank Operational Limits in the operator's manual for more information.
| Accumulator pre-charge | Minimum pressure | Maximum pressure |
| 115 bar (1660psi) | 125 bar (1800psi) | 150 bar (2200psi) |
| 140 bar (2030psi) | 145 bar (2100 psi) | 165 bar (2400psi) |
When to check
Periodically throughout the day.
Nitrogen bottles charged
How to check
Pre-charge the hydraulic system to above the pre-charge pressure in the accumulator. Then slowly release pressure from the system and watch the gauge for when it changes speed.
See Accumulator Pre-Charge Pressure and Testing in the operators manual for more information.
When to check
As part of the pre-season check.
How to fix
Use a nitrogen charge kit to recharge the bottles. The recommended charge is 120-140 bar.