Harvest is one of the busiest and most demanding times of the year for UK farmers. With long days, tight weather windows and machinery working at full capacity, every minute counts. A single mechanical issue can quickly disrupt operations; delay harvesting and increase costs.
The good news is that many harvest breakdowns can be prevented with regular maintenance, the right agricultural lubricants, and a proactive approach to machinery care.
In this guide, our lubricants experts share practical tips to help keep your farm machinery running smoothly throughout harvest.
Harvest places significant demands on tractors, combines, trailers, telehandlers and other essential equipment. Long operating hours, heavy loads, dust and high temperatures all increase the likelihood of wear and component failure.
Taking time to carry out routine checks can help you:
Preventative maintenance before and throughout harvest is far more cost-effective than dealing with breakdowns in the field.
Lubrication is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your machinery.
High-quality agricultural lubricants reduce friction, manage heat and protect critical components from premature wear.
Before harvest begins, make sure you're using lubricants that meet your manufacturer's specifications and are suitable for your machinery and operating conditions.
If you're unsure which products to use, speaking to a lubricants specialist can help ensure your equipment is properly protected.
During harvest, engines often run for extended periods under heavy loads.
Make checking engine oil part of your daily routine.
Before each day's work:
Using the correct engine oil helps protect moving parts, improve efficiency and reduce the risk of engine damage.
Hydraulic systems power many of the functions farmers rely on throughout harvest.
Inspect:
Low or contaminated hydraulic oil can reduce performance and lead to expensive repairs if left unchecked.
Grease protects bearings, joints and moving parts from excessive wear and contamination.
During busy harvest periods, ensure all recommended grease points are lubricated according to your manufacturer's maintenance schedule.
Pay particular attention to:
Regular greasing takes only a few minutes but can significantly reduce wear during prolonged operation.
Harvest creates dusty working conditions that can quickly clog air filters.
Dirty air filters restrict airflow, reduce engine efficiency and increase fuel consumption.
Inspect filters regularly and replace or clean them as recommended by the manufacturer.
Overheating is one of the most common causes of machinery downtime during harvest.
Before and during the season:
Keeping engines running at the correct temperature helps maintain performance and reliability.
Unexpected maintenance is sometimes unavoidable.
Keeping essential products on-site allows you to respond quickly and minimise downtime.
Consider keeping:
Having the right products readily available can save valuable time when every hour of harvesting counts.
A simple visual inspection before work starts can identify small problems before they become major failures.
Look for:
A five-minute inspection each morning can prevent hours of downtime later in the day.
Choosing the right products is only part of the equation.
Working with an experienced lubricants supplier means you'll have access to expert advice, reliable product availability and recommendations tailored to your machinery and workload.
At Rix Petroleum, we work with farmers across the UK to supply high-quality agricultural lubricants sourced from trusted, industry-leading manufacturers. Our team can help you choose the right products to keep your machinery running efficiently throughout harvest and beyond.
How often should I check engine oil during harvest?
Engine oil should be checked daily during harvest, particularly when machinery is operating for long hours under heavy loads.
What are the most important lubricants to keep on the farm during harvest?
At a minimum, it's advisable to keep engine oil, hydraulic oil, transmission oil and multi-purpose grease readily available, along with any specialist lubricants recommended by your equipment manufacturer.
Can the right lubricants reduce machinery downtime?
Yes. Quality lubricants reduce friction, protect against wear, manage operating temperatures and help prevent component failures that can lead to unexpected downtime.
Why is greasing so important during harvest?
Greasing protects bearings, joints and moving components from wear and contamination, helping machinery operate reliably throughout the busiest period of the farming calendar.
Harvest is too important to leave machinery reliability to chance.
By carrying out regular maintenance, using the correct agricultural lubricants and performing simple daily inspections, you can reduce downtime, improve efficiency and help protect your machinery throughout the season.
If you'd like advice on selecting the right lubricants for your tractors, combines or other agricultural equipment, the Rix Petroleum lubricants team is here to help.
