Tractor maintenance is something that you never want to let go to the wayside. Keeping your tractor in good condition will help to ensure your tractor operates correctly when you need it the most. You may not be a tractor mechanic, but there are some simple tractor repairs that you can do yourself.
Your tractor is an investment, and you want to ensure that it is maintained properly. Otherwise, you could run into bigger mechanical issues that could end up costing you a lot of money. Tractor maintenance will help prolong the life of your tractor. You will find yourself needing to buy less tractor parts if you conduct some simple maintenance tasks. Plus, you will save yourself a lot of money on tractor repairs by doing your own tractor maintenance.
Conduct your own tractor service with these 6 quick maintenance tips.
Take A Good Look At Your Tractor
It's so easy to get caught up in the day, and forget to pay attention to the small details that are right before our eyes. Visually inspecting your tractor every day will help ensure that there are no tractor maintenance issues that need your attention. Walk around your tractor and look for any visual signs that could hinder its performance. These would include flat tires, leaky tractor parts, broken cables, and dirt built up. Caring for these small issues will ensure that your tractor performs at optimal levels each day. It could be as simple as cleaning out dirt build-up. However, if you do not conduct a visual inspection, these small things could be overlooked really easily.
Store Your Tractor Properly
To cut down on tractor repairs, you need to ensure that it is properly stored. Since your tractor is a large investment, you want to keep it out of harsh weather elements. Store your tractor in a barn or garage each day. This will cut down on tractor service cost, and decrease the chances of your tractor giving out before its time.
Schedule Seasonal Maintenance
Summer tractor maintenance tends to be less demanding in the terms of tractor issues caused by weather elements. Follow a seasonal maintenance schedule for optimal results. Here's an example below.
- Spring – You may be starting up your tractor for the first time. Ensure that all fluid levels are correct, and give your tractor some time to warm up before taking off. Do a check on the tires, steering gear, clutch and breaks, electrical system, transmission and hydraulics.
- Summer – Keep your tractor free of all dirt clods that it accumulates while working in the field.
- Fall – Get your tractor ready for the cold weather by checking all the fluids, and doing any tractor repairs before storing it for the winter. Issues left unattended can lead to bigger problems when you want to begin using your tractor again in the spring.
- Winter – Ensure that your tractor is properly stored for the winter, so that the weather does not cause tractor parts to rust. Drain fuel if you do not plan to use your tractor during the winter. This will help ensure no sediment builds-up in the fuel tank while being stored.
Keep Tractor Parts Clean
All of the parts on your tractor need to function correctly or the tractor will not perform adequately. You should do a regular maintenance check on the fan drive belt for any wear or tension. You also need to check the radiator core and grill screen. Dirt, mud and debris will all hinder the air flow, and this could cause tension on various tractor parts.
Power Wash Your Tractor
Give your tractor a regular wash. This will help remove all debris, and allow you to adequately check each part of your tractor. Debris can cover up issues, and cause you to miss problems during your routine maintenance checks. A power washer or pressure air will efficiently remove all debris. However, be careful not to damage tractor parts when using pressured air or a pressure washer.
Watch Your Fluids
Make it a habit to always check your tractor’s fuel and oil levels. You never want to be stranded in the field because you ran out of fuel or the tractor is low on oil. If you find there is sediment in your fuel tank, you will need to drain the fuel from the tank. You never want to use fuel that has been in the tank for more than three months. This could cause issues with the way the tractor performs.
These six tractor maintenance tips can help decrease your tractors downtime.
