TRIBOTECHNICAL DIAGNOSTICS OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES

The main objective for the present companies is to ensure reliability and operation of machines with minimal costs. These factors are associated with monitoring of the technical condition of machinery. The technical condition of machinery can be, for example, evaluated on the basis of analysis of used lubricants, within the tools of tribotechnical diagnostics. There are several tribotechnical methods how to assess the current technical state of the used lubricants (viscosity, water content, flash point, content of particles, acidity). One of the modern methods how to detect wear particles is LaserNet Fines which is a suitable technique for machine condition monitoring. In terms of condition monitoring it is necessary to find out extension and type of concrete wear. Even with simple methods it is possible to reveal serious problems which could cause damage of machines. Furthermore, in case of damage of machinery, lubricants have a negative influence on environment, especially in the context of soil, water and food chain contamination. Rigorous application of tools of tribotechnical diagnostics can properly ensure reliability and increase of maintenance efficiency. The objective of the paper is to show the description and examples of tribotechnical methods used for determination of the technical state of used lubricants utilized in agricultural machinery.