Maximizing the Efficiency of your Tractor’s Air Conditioning System

There’s no hiding from the sun when you’re sitting in a tractor cab during spring planting. Don’t get us started on the summer rays. Your tractor’s Air Conditioning needs to be working at maximum efficiency to create a comfortable working environment during operation. To get your Air Conditioning running in tip top shape, first you need to know how it works.

So, how does your tractor’s Air Conditioning process work to keep you cool?

Your tractor runs a closed loop Air Conditioning cycle starting with the Compressor. Your Compressor is responsible for using refrigerant and turning it into a high-pressure, high-temperature gas.

Tip: To get a good indicator of the Compressor and internal system conditions, take a look at the refrigerant oil color. Black oil indicates carbonization caused by air (moisture) in the system. Brown oil indicates copper plating caused by moisture in the system. And finally, grey or metallic oil indicates bearing wear or piston scoring. Piston scoring may be attributed to high head pressure caused by system moisture.

After running through the Compressor, the refrigerant in the form of a hot gas runs through the Condenser where it is cooled down and turned into a liquid.

The Receiver Drier then absorbs the extra liquid before the refrigerant travels to the Evaporator and Expansion Valve. It is important that the Receiver Drier is working correctly so that it can properly filter out any contaminants and moisture that may be in the system, preventing internal corrosion.

Tip: The Receiver Drier should be replaced anytime the A/C system is opened and never leave the fittings uncapped prior to installation. When performing any service on the HVAC, always make the receiver drier the last component replaced.

The Expansion Valve lowers the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant. It also divides the system into two zones, high pressure, and low pressure. The most common block valve failure is a loss of gas charge inside the power element head. Plugged Expansion Valves cannot be flushed out and must be replaced.

Tip: When replacing a capillary type Expansion Valve make sure the capillary coil or bulb is properly attached to the outlet side of the Evaporator line and well insulated with prestite insulation tape.
 

The Evaporator transfers heat from the air and leaves cool air in the tractor’s cab. And the process repeats itself to cool the tractor’s cab.

A cab in full sun can become a hot box, unbearable for the operator. When it’s hot out in the field, you need a reliable tractor Air Conditioning system to keep you comfortable and working hard.

It’s a necessity, not a luxury. Shop our Air Conditioning Product Recommendations:

Buying you’re A/C parts in a kit saves you money and hassle. Why not shop some of our Popular Tractor A/C Kits?

Browse all Air Conditioning parts. We’ll keep the cool air flowing.