Maintaining Farm Machinery During Record WA Heat

What to watch, what to prioritise, and what not to ignore

Western Australia isn’t easing into summer — it’s already there.

Record-breaking temperatures, sustained heat and dusty conditions are pushing machinery hard right now. When the heat is relentless, it’s no longer about preparation. It’s about maintaining equipment under load and spotting small issues before they turn into downtime you can’t afford.

In these conditions, machinery doesn’t usually fail dramatically.It degrades quietly — until it doesn’t.

Here’s where attention matters most when the heat is already on.

Heat accelerates wear — even on well-maintained machines

High temperatures don’t just stress components. They speed everything up.

Fluids thin faster. Dust builds quicker. Electrical systems run hotter. Parts that were “fine last week” can become problems in days when machines are running long hours without relief.

That’s why summer maintenance isn’t about scheduled services alone , it’s about ongoing checks while machines are working.

Cooling systems need constant attention, not occasional cleaning

In extreme heat, cooling systems are under continuous strain.

Radiators and coolers that were cleaned recently can still load up fast in dusty paddocks. Even partial restriction reduces efficiency when ambient temperatures are high.

During heat events, it pays to:

• Check and clean radiators more frequently than usual

• Watch temperature gauges closely, especially during long runs

• Inspect hoses and clamps for early signs of failure

• Ensure fans and belts are operating as they should

When airflow drops, temperatures climb quickly — and recovery time is rarely kind.

Fluids and filters don’t last as long in extreme conditions

Sustained heat changes how consumables behave.

Engine oil, hydraulic oil and greases break down faster, particularly under heavy load. Filters also fill more quickly when dust levels are high and machines are running extended hours.

Key things to stay on top of:

• Oil condition, not just oil level

• Hydraulic temperatures and response

• Air and fuel filters — even if they’re “not due yet”

Pushing consumables past their limit is one of the most common causes of mid-season failures during hot WA summers.

Electrical issues show up when heat and vibration combine

Electrical faults are often heat-related — even if they don’t look it at first.

High temperatures, dust ingress and vibration all work together to expose:

• Weak connections

• Failing sensors

• Aging wiring and insulation

These faults are often intermittent, which makes them harder to diagnose once work stops. Regular visual checks while machines are operating can catch issues early, before they become time-consuming problems.

Maintenance decisions matter more when downtime costs more

When temperatures are extreme and windows are tight, reaction time disappears.

That’s when maintenance decisions matter most:

• Knowing when to keep running — and when to stop and check

• Understanding what can wait, and what can’t

• Having access to advice when the call isn’t clear

Good operators don’t just push through heat — they manage it.

Support during the pressure, not just before it

At De Rosa’s Highway Motors, summer support isn’t about pre-season checklists. It’s about helping operators maintain reliability while conditions are already demanding.

Whether it’s advice, service support, or talking through options when something doesn’t feel right, the focus is simple: reduce downtime when the heat is already doing its worst.

If you need a second set of eyes or want to check something before it escalates, the team is here to help.