Healthy air con – the key to cab comfort

As harvest creeps closer and temperatures rise, air con dials will inevitably be turned to maximum. AP Air sales manager Mike Beswick offers the following top tips to keep systems

As harvest creeps closer and temperatures rise, air con dials will inevitably be turned to maximum. AP Air sales manager Mike Beswick offers the following top tips to keep systems working well.

Firstly, test your air conditioning before you need it. When out of use during winter, refrigerant can escape the system, reducing cooling capacity. Get your system serviced and the receiver drier changed every two years in agricultural vehicles.

This protects the system from running low on refrigerant (the average vehicle loses 10–15per cent every year.) Changing the receiver drier prevents parts from failing or wearing out and breaking down into the system. Make sure the cabin­filter is changed during the service, as this plays a vital part in purifying air within the cabin.

Use an anti-bacterial ‘one shot bomb’ at least once a year to clear the evaporator and air-ducts, to avoid bacteria build up. Also, regularly check drive belts on the compressor for wear or damage, as this could pose a risk to your compressor

Finally, check the exterior grills at the top of the cab and remove leaves and other debris to prevent them from clogging the air-conditioning system.

In addition, open the engine compartment and check the condenser. If necessary, use a hose (not a pressure washer) to clean out any debris that could clog the condenser and make it less effective.