Getting Your Terra-Vac Ready for Spring
As winter fades and the days grow longer, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your paddocks for the busy spring season ahead. To ensure your Terra‑Vac paddock cleaner or sweeper performs at its best, a little pre‑season care can make a big difference to reliability, efficiency, and longevity.
Here’s how to get your machine ready for the months ahead.
- Start with a Thorough Clean
After a long winter — particularly if your machine has been stored — it’s essential to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may have built up over time.
Removing compacted material helps prevent airflow restrictions and reduces unnecessary strain on the fan system when you first begin using the machine again.
- Check the Fan and Blades
Your Terra-Vac’s performance depends heavily on the condition of its suction fan.
The fan case must never be opened whilst the fan is still turning.
✔ Inspect the fan for signs of wear or damage
✔ Check for debris lodged around the blades
✔ Ensure the fan spins freely and look for any unusual movement or imbalance.
Even minor blockages or damage can reduce suction power and increase fuel consumption.
- Inspect the Suction Hose
Over time, especially if stored incorrectly, the hoses can develop cracks, splits and soft spots.
Cracks will significantly reduce efficiency and may prevent the machine from lifting material effectively — particularly in damp spring conditions.
- Examine the Filter bag
A blocked or damaged Filter bag will restrict airflow and limit the machine’s ability to separate debris efficiently.
Clean out any fine dust or organic material and ensure all airflow pathways remain unobstructed. Good airflow is key to maintaining strong suction and preventing unnecessary stress on internal components.
- Check Tyres and Bearings
If your Terra-Vac has been stationary over winter:
Check tyre pressures
✔ Inspect tyres for cracking or flat spots
✔ Ensure wheel bearings rotate smoothly
✔ Lubricate moving parts where required
This helps ensure safe transport and smooth operation across paddocks and uneven ground.
- Inspect Belts and Drive Components
Belts can stretch, crack, or degrade during storage.
Look for Fraying, cracking, Looseness and signs of slipping.
Correct belt tension is essential for efficient fan operation and helps avoid costly downtime during busy spring workloads.
- Tighten Bolts and Fixings
Temperature changes and vibration from previous use may have loosened fixings.
Give the machine a general inspection and tighten:
✔ Mounting bolts
✔ Fan housing fixings
✔ Hopper hinges
✔ Tow hitch connections
A quick once-over can prevent mechanical issues later in the season.
- Engine & Battery
Some models have an engine on which will require a basic inspection before use after being unused for a period. This will include checking the oil level, ensuring the air filter is clean and fuel is fresh. Please refer to the manufacturer’s user manual provided with each engine for specific instructions. You will also need to ensure your battery is fully charged.
- Run a Test Before First Use
Testing your machine early allows time to address any issues before spring workloads begin in earnest. Before heading straight into full operation:
✔ Run the Terra-Vac for a short period
✔ Listen for unusual noises
✔ Check for vibration
✔ Confirm suction performance
Ready for the Season Ahead
Taking the time to prepare your Terra-Vac now ensures it’s ready to tackle the challenges of spring — from wetter paddocks to increased organic waste. Routine maintenance not only improves performance but also extends the life of your machine and reduces the risk of costly repairs later in the year. Please refer to the maintenance section in your user manual.
A well-maintained Terra-Vac is the key to cleaner paddocks, healthier grazing, and a more efficient start to the season.