September 10
Your tractor has been working hard for you all summer - mowing, fertilizing, moving and digging up dirt. It’s spent long days in the sun and has a coat of dust and dirt to show for it.
Maintaining your tractor’s maintenance can be quite the task if you’re not acknowledging its needs regularly, but remember to read through and use the owner’s manual for your specific tractor to learn the unique setup and types of fluids your tractor needs. Once you’re more acquainted, start with these 5 checkpoints to extend the life of your tractor and keep it running well for years.
1. Service the parts
Air and fuel filters need replacing every so often to keep the clean air moving so the engine runs smoothly, and to make sure they aren’t damaged, which could cause more harm to the engine than necessary. Replacing the oil every few hundred hours of runtime and checking for leaks will help avoid engine damage or other maintenance problems that would cost more to repair if neglected. Belts and hoses should be flexible and not cracked in order to run optimally and prevent breaking down while the tractor is running.
Refer to your owner’s manual for reference on which type of oil and filters work with your machine.
Staying on top of visual part inspections and taking the time to fix issues as they arise will be a more efficient use of your time as well as beneficial for extending the life of your equipment.
2. Check the tire pressure
Making sure all of your tractor’s tires have the correct amount of pressure - especially at the end of the season - will help prevent incidents while running, but will also let you check to see where any leaks may be happening. If you notice a tire deflating after you’ve added air, you can respond quickly to fix it before you put your tractor to use.
3. Grease it down
A little lubricant on your tractor’s parts will go a long way. Engine, transmission, axel, brake, steering and hydraulic oil should be changed according to your owner’s manual, but at least every 1,000 hours. Greasing fittings and adapters every 100 hours helps prevent wear and tear on moving parts. At the same time, spraying the engine hood and other hinges will help with rubbing, squeaking and rusting.
4. Prepare for cold weather
Check your tractor’s antifreeze to make sure the freezing point is low enough and make sure you’ve replaced the coolant in a reasonable amount of time. Flushing the coolant helps deter rust and clogs and also gets rid of contamination that can form deposits in your engine.
Additionally, adding a fuel stabilizer at the end of the season will help it stay fresh for spring. Run the engine for a few minutes after you’ve added it to make sure it circulates through the system.
5. Keep it clean
It might seem counterintuitive to consistently wash your tractor since its purpose is to work outside in the fields, but dirt, dust and debris can really take a toll on its paint and mechanics. Keep your paint intact by keeping your tractor clean so you don’t damage the fiberglass underneath. Waxing it will also help protect the paint.
With consistent attention and proper maintenance, extending the life and maximizing the efficiency of your tractor can be easier than you think. You’ll want the best tractor you can have when tending to your land, and an optimal setup for pulling spreaders, aerators, subsoilers and more.
