Combine and tractor fires
Combine and tractor fires cause over $20 million in property losses each year and millions more because of lost time and downed crops during the busy harvest season. Fires not only cause huge losses and waste time, but also cause 40 or 50 serious injuries each year, and occasionally a person is killed because of a farm machinery fire. Prevention and preparation are two keys to preventing serious machinery or life loss.
For a fire to occur, three things must be present: air, a combustible material, and a heat source. Since it is impossible to eliminate air around a farm machine we must focus on keeping the machine clean of possible fire-causing materials and eliminating all possible sources of heat that could lead to a fire.
Today farm equipment is larger and increasingly relies on the use of hydraulics to drive the equipment. With the increased use of hydraulics we see more oil leaks around pumps, oil lines and motors which attracts plant chaff and leaves and increases the risk of fire.
Begin every harvest season with a clean machine. Pay special attention to the engine and engine compartment, 75% of all machinery fires start in that area. Use a pressure washer to remove all caked-on grease, oil, and crop residue. A clean engine will run cooler, operate more efficiently, and greatly reduce your chance for fire. During harvest, frequently blow any dry chaff, leaves, and other material off the machine with compressed air.
Also, clear off any wrapped plant materials on bearings, belts, and other moving parts. Pay close attention to your machine operator’s manual and follow all instructions and schedules for lubrication and routine maintenance. If you notice any leaking fuel or oil hoses, fittings, or metal lines, make sure to replace or repair them immediately.
Combine and tractor fires can be caused by several heat sources. The most common is exhaust system surfaces that contact a flammable material. Make sure your exhaust system including the manifold, muffler, and turbocharger are in good condition and free of leaks. When checking your oil and performing other daily maintenance, quickly scan any exposed electrical wiring for damage or signs of deterioration. Replace any worn or malfunctioning electrical component with proper parts from your dealer. The arcing of electrical wires on a farm machine will generate extremely high temperatures. A badly worn bearing can glow red-hot. Any rubber belt subjected to intense heat from a worn part can burst into flames.
Farm equipment should have an on-board fire extinguisher. Your best source of protection is to have a fire extinguisher on the machine. A combine should have at least one fully charged ten-pound ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher on the combine and a five-pound unit is recommended for tractors. Select only extinguishers with an Underwriter’s Laboratory approval. Mount the extinguisher where it can be reached from the ground. Check your extinguisher periodically. To function effectively, the gauge must show adequate pressure to expel the powder inside.
Any extinguisher that has been even partially discharged must be fully recharged before it’s used again. During even a brief discharge, the tiny dry chemical particles will create a small gap in the internal seal of the extinguisher valve. This tiny opening will cause any remaining pressure to leak out in a few hours or days.
