Prep Your Tractor for the Spring and Summer Seasons
Another winter has passed. It’s time for you and your tractor to get back to work. There’s no shortage of stumps to pull, earth to till, and so much else. A little preparation goes a long way toward making sure that your tractor is ready to go when you are. Our checklist includes inspecting the mechanics, engine, fluids, and battery. For more help, visit West Hills Tractor in Jonesborough, TN, serving Johnson City and Greeneville.
The Mechanics
If you kept your tractor in storage and properly winterized, any problems that you find should be minimal. Make sure you grease all of the tractor's bearings. Don’t start a new season with dull blades. Also, double-check for loose wires and fasteners.
Tires lose air pressure during the offseason, so make sure yours are properly inflated. If you spot any signs of dry rot or cracks, it's time to replace the tires completely.
The Engine
The engine belts should only deflect about a quarter of an inch if they’re holding proper tension. Always make sure to replace any belts that look worn or torn or that fail to hold proper tension. If you need to change a belt, it's possible to rent serpentine belt tools to get the job done.
The Fluids
As you know, your tractor has a lot of different fluids. It’s key to check them when removing your tractor from storage. Low engine oil, coolant, or hydraulic fluid can quickly derail your first day of the season.
The Battery
During the offseason, batteries are always a point of weakness. Before you need to start the tractor, take out the battery and charge it up fully. Clean all the terminals while you're at it. Batteries are always in high demand at the start of the season, so it’s good to replace yours early if necessary.
Finally, once you do get your tractor running, make sure to give it at least 30 minutes of idling. A quick and gentle drive can help ensure it's fully charged and operating properly. This is essential with diesel engines, especially as cold motors are prone to sputtering and failure. Also, it’s just easier on all the moving parts within the engine before you get to the real work.
If you need parts to maintain your tractor, be sure to visit us here at West Hills Tractor. We have a well-stocked parts department and even a full selection of new and used tractors when it comes time to trade in that tractor of yours. We're located in Jonesborough and happy to serve our neighbors from Johnson City and Greeneville, Tennessee.