Regular inspection of drive belts, coolant hoses, hydraulic hoses and clamps can prevent many breakdowns before they happen. A cracked fan belt, softened radiator hose or chafed hydraulic line often gives warning long before complete failure.

1. Make Inspection Part of the Routine

A quick inspection before work can reveal:

• Loose belts
• Coolant leaks
• Hydraulic leaks
• Cracked hoses
• Rubbing or chafing
• Loose clamps
• Oil contamination
• Missing guards

2. Drive Belts

Belts may drive:

• Cooling fan
• Water pump
• Alternator or dynamo
• Air-conditioning compressor
• Auxiliary pumps

A single damaged belt can cause both overheating and charging problems.

3. Check Belt Condition

Look For

• Cracks
• Glazing
• Frayed edges
• Missing ribs
• Oil contamination
• Hard or polished surface
• Uneven wear

Replace belts showing significant deterioration rather than waiting for them to break.

4. Check Belt Tension

A belt that is too loose can slip. A belt that is too tight can overload bearings.

Too Loose

• Squealing
• Poor charging
• Reduced water-pump speed
• Overheating

Too Tight

• Water-pump bearing wear
• Alternator bearing wear
• Pulley wear

5. Check Pulley Alignment

Misaligned pulleys cause rapid belt wear.

Possible Signs

• One edge of belt worn
• Belt walking sideways
• Repeated belt failures
• Shiny pulley edges

Check mounting brackets, pulley damage and component alignment.

6. Serpentine Belts

Later engines may use one multi-rib belt with an automatic tensioner.

Inspect

• Rib wear
• Cracks
• Tensioner movement
• Idler bearings
• Belt alignment

A worn tensioner can cause belt noise and repeated belt failure even when a new belt is fitted.

7. Coolant Hoses

Inspect all radiator and heater hoses with the engine cold.

Replace Hoses That Are

• Cracked
• Bulging
• Oil softened
• Very hard or brittle
• Soft and spongy
• Chafed

Pay particular attention to hose ends and bends.

8. Lower Radiator Hose Collapse

A lower radiator hose can look normal with the engine stopped but collapse under suction at higher engine speed.

Suspect this if:

• Engine overheats under load
• Radiator is clean
• Thermostat appears normal
• Hose feels unusually soft

9. Hose Clamps

Check clamps for:

• Looseness
• Corrosion
• Damage
• Cutting into hose

Do not overtighten and crush plastic, aluminium or thin radiator fittings.

10. Hydraulic Hoses

Hydraulic hoses work under high pressure and should be inspected carefully.

Replace a Hose if You Find

• Outer cover worn through
• Wire reinforcement exposed
• Bulges
• Cracks
• Leaks at crimp
• Kinks
• Severe abrasion

11. Hose Routing

Many hose failures are caused by rubbing rather than pressure.

Check For Contact With

• Sharp brackets
• Loader frames
• Tyres
• Steering components
• Exhaust parts
• Moving linkages

Hoses should have enough movement for full machine articulation without stretching or pinching.

12. Hydraulic Hose Clamps and Guards

Make sure:

• Hose clamps are present
• Protective sleeves are intact
• Spiral guards are not missing
• Hoses are not hanging loose

13. Fuel Hoses

Older diesel fuel hoses can harden and crack.

Possible Effects

• Air entering fuel system
• Hard starting
• Fuel leaks
• Fuel drain-back

Suction-side leaks may draw air without leaking much fuel externally.

14. Intake and Turbo Hoses

Check air-intake and boost hoses for:

• Splits
• Loose clamps
• Oil softening
• Collapsed inner lining
• Rub marks

A split hose after the air cleaner can let unfiltered dust into the engine. A split boost hose can cause major power loss and black smoke.

15. Oil and Grease Contamination

Oil on belts can cause slipping and rubber deterioration.

If contamination is found, repair the leak before fitting the replacement belt or hose.

16. Check Guards and Shields

Belts and fans should have the correct guards fitted.

Missing guards increase the risk of:

• Personal injury
• Debris entering belts
• Hose damage

17. Check After Repairs

After replacing a belt or hose:

1. Start the machine carefully.
2. Check belt tracking.
3. Check for leaks.
4. Operate hydraulics slowly.
5. Recheck clamps and routing.
6. Inspect again after the first period of use.

18. Carrying Spare Belts

For older tractors and machinery working away from the workshop, carrying the correct spare fan/alternator belt can prevent a small failure becoming a long delay.

Record the correct belt number before the old one becomes unreadable.

19. Record Hose Details

For hard-working or older machinery, it can be useful to note:

• Hose size
• Length
• End fittings
• Pressure rating
• Part number

This makes emergency replacement much quicker.

20. Routine Walk-Round Checklist

Item	Check
Drive belts	No cracks, glazing or fraying.
Belt tension	Correct and not slipping.
Pulleys	Aligned and secure.
Coolant hoses	No bulges, cracks or leaks.
Hydraulic hoses	No abrasion, exposed wire or leaks.
Fuel hoses	No cracks, leakage or loose clamps.
Intake hoses	Secure and airtight.
Guards	Present and secure.

Related Agrimanual Manuals

Belt tension, hose routing and inspection intervals vary by model.

• Search Agrimanual for routine maintenance information
• Search Agrimanual workshop manuals
• Request a manual if your machine is not listed

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I inspect belts and hoses?

A quick visual check before work is good practice, with more detailed inspection at each scheduled service.

Can I keep using a belt that is cracked but still working?

It may fail without warning. Replace significantly cracked, frayed or glazed belts before they break.

Why does my new belt keep wearing on one side?

Check pulley alignment, worn pulleys, bent brackets and incorrect belt size.

Can a soft radiator hose cause overheating?

Yes. A soft lower hose may collapse under suction and restrict coolant flow.

When should a hydraulic hose be replaced?

Replace it if reinforcement is exposed, there are bulges, severe abrasion, leaks at the crimp, cracking or other structural damage.