Fire protection for agricultural machinery: Combatting risk from dust and straw with compressed air

Breakdowns in agricultural machinery are inconvenient at the best of times, but during harvest season - when every second counts - they can be disastrous. The risk becomes even greater when accumulated dust and straw cause a combine harvester to overheat, potentially leading to a fire. Regular cleaning with compressed air is a highly effective way to prevent such incidents from occurring. In our latest blog post, we explore why portable compressors are an indispensable tool for active fire protection in the field.

 

Cleanliness is a critical factor in agriculture, particularly when operating combine harvesters. These powerful machines encounter enormous amounts of dust every day during harvest, which can accumulate on key components such as belt pulleys and radiators. But why is it so important to clean off this debris on a regular basis? Read on to find out. 

 

During the threshing process, belt pulleys heat up, and the dust accumulated on them can also reach high temperatures. This creates a risk of hotspots, which, in worst-case scenarios, can lead to fires. To combat this danger, there is a simple yet highly effective solution: daily cleaning of the harvester using compressed air. In addition to belt pulleys, several other critical components require routine cleaning.   

 

To ensure safe and efficient operation, the following areas should be cleaned daily:

 

When it comes to tackling hard-to-reach places on agricultural machinery, a compressed air lance is an indispensable tool. It uses compressed air to remove dirt, dust, debris, and other deposits from surfaces. 

 

1.) Compressor: 

The process begins with a compressor that draws in and compresses air. The compressed air is then fed into the hose for the compressed air lance.

 

At the end of the compressed air lance is a nozzle that concentrates the airflow. Depending on the size and shape of the nozzle, the air stream can vary, allowing for precise handling of different cleaning tasks.

 

The high pressure creates a powerful air stream that blows dust and dirt off surfaces. 

 

The advantage of a compressed air lance lies in its efficiency. Compared to traditional cleaning methods, such as brushing or wiping, the compressed air lance can easily remove stubborn dirt without damaging surfaces. Moreover, unlike pressure washers, it doesn’t use water, making it ideal for cleaning moisture-sensitive components such as electrical systems and hydraulic components.

Alongside daily cleaning before and after use in the field, agricultural machinery should receive a deep clean at the end of the season. The golden rule is simple: machines going into winter storage must be spotless. Dirt left on the machine during prolonged periods of downtime can lead to paint damage and promote rust formation. 

 

To ensure that agricultural machinery – such as combine harvesters, balers, seeders, or forage wagons – functions perfectly in spring, it must be cleaned thoroughly. Gentle cleaning with compressed air prevents potential problems from arising and enables early detection of damaged or missing parts. Dust and particularly feed residues that cling to the machine also attract mice, which love to nest in recesses. These small rodents often damage cables and circuitry, which poses a significant fire hazard for when the machinery is next used.     

 

In summary, cleanliness is not just a matter of aesthetics; it is a fundamental aspect of maintaining a safe and efficient agricultural working environment.  

 

MOBILAIR compressors from KAESER play a key role in this regard. Built for durability and simplicity, they deliver reliable, energy-efficient performance that makes clearing of dust, straw, and debris quick and easy.

These portable all-rounders are exceptionally versatile. Whether stationed in a machinery hall or operating in the field, MOBILAIR compressors provide a reliable source of quality compressed air exactly where and when it is needed.