Just as important as your daily and weekly maintenance
routines, your monthly Apache upkeep is essential to keeping repair costs low
and avoiding the unexpected break downs when your time in the field is so
important. In addition to the daily and the weekly checklists, check out what else you should be maintaining:
Adjustable axles
Torque the axle bolts to prevent the male axle tube from
moving in the center axle. Adjust the on-the-go axle bolts to 18 pounds and the
manual adjustable axle bolts to 80 pounds. This maintenance routine is only
required on the adjustable axles.
Axle bolts
Deflection from the wheels on hillsides put added stress on
the dropbox to axle bolts and the planetary to axle bolts. This makes it
important to check both. Torque the dropbox to axle bolts to 260 pounds, and
torque the planetary to axle bolts to 140 pounds.
Check the hydraulic filter
The indicator on the hydraulic
filter can be seen from the right side of the machine if you are standing to
the right rear of the cab. The green section on the hydraulic filter indicator
shows that it has plenty of capacity, but the red section indicates that the
hydraulic filter needs changed. To properly check the filter, make sure the
machine is running before you perform this maintenance check.
Clean the radiator
The 2012 and 2013 models are
equipped with reversible engine fans. To clean out the radiator, start the
machine and step outside to the left rear corner of the engine and locate the
switch by the batteries. It is a momentary switch so you need to press and hold
the switch in. This will make the fan stop, reverse rotation and then speed up
to blow debris from the radiator.
Air Intake Filters
The Apache has a sensor on the engine that will alert you on
the console screen when there is an air intake restriction, but it is a good
idea to check the air filter on a monthly basis. To do this, tilt the hood to
access the air filter. Here is a video on more detailed instructions.
The cab air filters need attention too; however, they are
often the most neglected filters. Clogged filters will decrease the air
conditioner’s performance and air quality in the cab, so take the time to
perform monthly checks on the cab air filters and change if necessary.
For access to the cab air filters, remove the screws on the
rear panel and remove the panel for access. Look for both the charcoal filter
and the recirculation filter and replace when necessary.
Inspect booms
Take a moment to inspect the booms for damage before you leave
for the fields. Repairs are much easier in the shop. Also, pressurize the wet system
with water to check for any leaks that could cause a problem in the field. Inspect
the wet system hoses from the pump to the booms for rub points and soft spots
resulting from use and weather. Replace as needed.
While you are inspecting for leaks, a quick check of the
hydraulic hoses on your Apache could help you catch any potential catastrophes
resulting from hydraulic failure on the sprayer. Look for rub points on the
hoses and fittings and check for any hoses on the boom that could get caught in
a pinch point when folding.
Following a regular maintenance program will keep you out of
the shop and in the fields when it matters most. Here is a monthly maintenance
checklist for your Apache 20 Series to help ensure you don’t forget an
important step. If you are operating an older Apache model, additional or
different maintenance will be required.
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