Grain Cart Harvest Checklist

Preparing your grain cart can prevent down time and make your harvest safer and more efficient. Use this checklist to help guide you as you inspect your grain cart before the season.

Visual Assessment

• Conduct a visual assessment of your grain cart. Look for any broken or damaged parts, cracked welds, or debris from the previous season. Fix or replace broken parts and clear the debris from your grain cart.

Wheel Nuts

• Check ALL wheel nuts for correct torque setting. Torque ¾" nuts to 400 ft-lbs and 22mm to 640 ft-lbs.

Hitch

• Be sure the tractor pin has the proper fit for your hitch.

  • Standard Hitch:Tractor pin should be at least ¼" smaller in diameter than the pin hole in the grain cart hitch to ensure enough free movement when traversing uneven terrain.
  • J&M's Swivel Ball Hitch:Tractor pin should fit snugly within the ball. The tight fit will provide smoother operation while the articulation of the ball will accomodate uneven terrain.

Power Take-Off

• Check telescoping PTO for adequate extension. With the tractor hitched to the cart on flat level ground, the PTO should have approximately 10 inches extended from the collapsed (shortest) length.

• If equipped with a Comer PTO, check the PTO slip clutch for correct adjustment for all grain carts equipped with an 18", 20" and 22" diameter auger. Standard spring length for 18" grain carts is 1-5/16" (overall spring length only, excluding the nut). For carts with 20" and 22" diameter augers, tighten overall spring length to 1-1/4". All Weasler cut-out clutches are not adjustable.

Hydraulic Cylinders & Hoses

• Run all functions of the hydraulic cylinders and inspect fittings and seals for leakage. Use cardboard or wood to check for hydraulic leaks.

Lubrication

• Refer to the operator's manual to check gearbox oil level.

• Exercise horizontal and vertical cleanout doors. Lubricate hinge points if necessary.

Lighting & Safety Features

• Plug the grain cart wire harness into the tractor receptacle and make sure the cart lighting functions correctly. The auger spout light is activated by a click button located near the hinge of the auger. In older models, the auger spout light is activated through a mercury switch located at the harness connection under the discharge spout. The auger spout light should automatically turn on when the auger is in the unload position and turn off when the auger is returned to the storage position. If the auger spout light does not turn on or shut off properly, the click button or mercury switch may need repositioned.

• Check that the safety chains are properly installed. Use the bolt-torque chart listed in your operator’s manual for the correct torque value.

• Ensure all guards and shields are in place.

Tires

• Ensure all tires are inflated to the specified air pressure given in the operator’s manual.

Tracks

• Inspect the belt for any defects. If any defects are found, contact the J&M Service Department at (419)375-2376.

• Check the tension and alignment of your belts. If the tracks need adjustment, refer to the track’s operator’s manual for the adjustment procedure of your specific model of tracks.

• Refer to the operator’s manual for lubrication instructions for grease points and oil bath hubs.