End-of-Season Storage Preparation
The preparation carried out to protect an electronic retrofit kit before a period in which the tractor will not be used for a long time. The aim is threefold: to prevent the battery from discharging, to close off points open to moisture and to stop the mechanism from seizing up. A few minutes of preparation eliminates most of the fault-finding at the start of the season.
The short list to apply is this:
- Battery: during a long stop, disconnect the battery post or connect a maintenance charger. If there is a system drawing standby current, this step is even more important.
- Connections: inspect the connectors visually, dry any that are wet; apply a thin protective coat to the ground point.
- Mechanism: move the lever and the cable through the full range a few times, then leave the mechanism in an unloaded position. A cable left permanently under tension tires the spring.
- Housing: clean the unit, but do not aim pressurised water directly at the seal and the socket opening; make sure water cannot pool on it.
- Remote control: do not leave a battery-powered wireless remote control fully discharged; store it in a dry and cool place.
At the start of the season the first job is to run the kit unloaded and verify the travel range and the direction behaviour. If you see it struggling to reach the end points, clear the mechanical binding before moving on to calibration.
The context where this term is used: Converting a tractor hydraulic lever to electronic control