Categories: General Knowledge

Tips for Maintaining a Tractor

A tractor is no small purchase. Depending on the size, type of work, and attachments, a farm tractor can cost more than many consumer motor vehicles. Unsurprisingly, keeping a tractor going as long as it can is very important to any farmer. Like any machine, they are more delicate than they often seem. A lot of care goes into keeping a tractor purring happily.

General Engine Care

There are many engine-oriented tips for maintaining a tractor. As it is the most essential and delicate part, engine upkeep can be intimidating and expensive. However, tractor engines are not entirely unlike car engines. Quite a few maintenance items are the same and it can be a good habit to check the tractor engine at the same time as any other vehicle. Tractor engines will also need their fluids checked regularly and oil changed. They also benefit from regular air-filter changes and fresh gas if they have sat a while. It’s also a good idea to give a tractor a deep cleaning once in a while. Since they work in much rougher conditions than other machinery, they can get very clogged up and coated with muck.

Parts Upkeep

Another great way to keep a tractor healthy is to check and replace heavy-wear parts. Check belts, tubes, and wires for dry rot often and replace aging parts before they have a chance to bust and strand your tractor in a field. Tires also see a brunt of the action and need replacing. To avoid unnecessary expenses, make sure you’re familiar with signs of tire wear. Finally, checking for battery life is another great way to protect a tractor’s health. Check connectors for corrosion and keep the engine clean in general. Replacing a battery is another cost that is a lot less of a hassle than dragging a tractor out of where it got stranded.

Proper Storage

The final tip for maintaining a tractor is to have proper storage. While tractors are just as sturdy as cars and any other machine, it is still prudent to provide cover. Adverse weather won’t have an immediate impact on a tractor’s performance, but years of exposure to rain and snow can cause subtle erosion. Moisture buildup can cause rust in unseen locations as well as dry rot to wires and connection points. A cover or tarp is a great option until a more permanent structured can be used. Ideally, a shed or space in a garage is the best protection. Keeping a tractor in a weather-sealed environment will ensure minimal damage over the years and keep it in tip-top shape.

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