Regular Maintenance Schedule for Agricultural Protection Drones
Consistent maintenance is critical to ensuring the reliability, safety, and longevity of plant protection drones. Below is a structured maintenance plan categorized by frequency and priority:
1. Daily Post-Operation Checks
Cleaning and Debris Removal
Wipe the drone’s frame, rotors, and landing gear with a soft cloth to remove pesticide residue, pollen, or plant matter.
Use compressed air to clear dust from motor vents, cooling fins, and sensor ports.
Visual Inspection
Examine propellers for cracks, chips, or imbalances. Replace damaged blades immediately.
Check battery connectors for corrosion, loose connections, or physical damage.
Inspect the spray system (nozzles, hoses, pump) for leaks or clogs. Flush with clean water after each use.
Functional Testing
Perform a pre-flight calibration of the compass, IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), and RTK GPS (if equipped).
Test emergency functions (e.g., Return-to-Home, motor cutoff) in a safe, open area.
2. Weekly Maintenance Tasks
Battery Health Assessment
Measure battery voltage and internal resistance using a multimeter or charger diagnostics. Discard batteries with signs of swelling, overheating, or reduced capacity.
Store batteries at 50–60% charge in a fireproof container when not in use.
Firmware and Software Updates
Install the latest firmware patches to address bugs, improve stability, or unlock new safety features.
Update mapping software and 3D terrain databases for accurate flight planning.
Nozzle and Filter Maintenance
Disassemble and clean nozzles, strainers, and filters using warm water or a mild detergent. Soak clogged components for 15–20 minutes if needed.
Verify nozzle flow rates by spraying clean water into a measuring container and comparing against specifications.
3. Monthly Deep Maintenance
Structural Integrity Check
Inspect the drone’s frame for cracks, loose screws, or corrosion, especially in high-stress areas (e.g., motor mounts, battery compartments).
Tighten all fasteners to manufacturer-recommended torque specifications.
Motor and ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) Inspection
Remove propellers and spin motors manually to check for grinding, vibration, or unusual noise.
Use a thermal camera to detect overheating in ESCs or motors during test flights. Replace faulty units promptly.
Sensor Calibration
Recalibrate LiDAR, barometric altimeters, and obstacle-avoidance systems using manufacturer-provided tools.
Test sensors in varying lighting conditions (e.g., bright sunlight, low light) to ensure reliability.
4. Quarterly or Pre-Season Overhauls
Full System Diagnostics
Run a diagnostic check on all electronic components (e.g., flight controller, GPS module, power distribution board) using specialized software.
Replace aging or degraded wiring harnesses to prevent electrical shorts.
Propeller Balancing
Use a propeller balancer to identify and correct imbalances that could cause vibrations or motor strain.
Replace propellers that cannot be balanced or show signs of wear after ≥50 flight hours.
Pesticide Residue Mitigation
Disassemble and clean the entire spray system, including the pump, reservoir, and hoses, with a biodegradable degreaser.
Lubricate O-rings and seals with food-grade silicone grease to prevent leaks.
5. Annual or High-Hour Inspections
Professional Servicing
Engage a certified technician to inspect internal components (e.g., gearboxes, servo motors) and perform complex repairs.
Replace worn-out bearings, gimbals, or structural parts that exceed their service life.
Load Testing
Verify the drone’s payload capacity by testing with calibrated weights. Adjust flight parameters if performance declines.
Compliance Review
Ensure the drone meets local aviation and agricultural regulations (e.g., maximum takeoff weight, noise limits). Update registration or licenses as needed.
6. Post-Storage and Pre-Deployment Checks
Pre-Season Preparation
Charge batteries fully and perform a test flight to confirm all systems function correctly after prolonged storage.
Replace desiccant packs in storage containers to prevent moisture damage.
End-of-Season Shutdown
Clean the drone thoroughly and store it in a dry, temperature-controlled environment (10–25°C).
Remove batteries and store them separately to avoid chemical leakage or capacity loss.
7. Documentation and Record-Keeping
Maintenance Logs
Record all maintenance activities, including dates, parts replaced, and issues resolved. Track flight hours to schedule component replacements proactively.
Warranty and Compliance
Retain receipts for repairs and replacements to validate warranty claims. Ensure modifications comply with manufacturer guidelines.
By following this structured maintenance plan, operators can minimize downtime, extend the drone’s lifespan, and ensure safe, efficient operations. Regular training for maintenance personnel and adherence to manufacturer recommendations are essential for success.
