Tips for Tractor Maintenance
Tractors are one of the most reliable and durable pieces of machinery that help farmers by making their work easier and efficient. From tilling and planting to harvesting and hauling, these machines are capable of accomplishing a wide variety of tasks. If you want to keep your tractor running in peak condition for years, you’ll need to provide proper care and maintenance.
With a bit of know-how, you’ll be able to work a basic maintenance routine to get the most out of your equipment.
West Hills Tractor has provided some tips to get you started, but if you need more assistance, stop by our location in Jonesborough, Tennessee, and we’ll help you with all your tractor-related needs.
Visual Inspection
Before you open things up, take a moment to give your tractor a visual inspection in order to spot any obvious issues. Check for leaks, loose hoses, or misplaced cables. Leaks can be easy to fix by simply tightening all the attachments or making sure hoses are connected properly. Also, look at the glass sediment bowl under the fuel filter. If there’s water or material in there, that means there could be something wrong with the fuel, fuel filter, or engine, and it might need to be taken into the repair shop.
Fluids and Filters
Your tractor’s fluids and filters are essential to keep everything running smooth and clean. Overheating can seriously damage the tractor engine, and without proper lubrication, all the working parts will strain and tear themselves up.
Check the radiator fluid daily and top it off whenever it’s needed. While you should experience gradual fluid loss, needing to replace the coolant every day is a sign there might be a bigger problem. If you think this is the case, take care to check periodically throughout the day, and if it’s clearly an issue, don’t hesitate to have the tractor serviced.
Engine oil is an important lubricant that keeps things running smoothly under the hood. Just like your coolant or the oil in your car or truck, you need to check the engine oil on your tractor regularly. However, don’t check the oil on a cold engine. Start the tractor and let it run for a couple of minutes. Shut it off and then wait a few more minutes. Then check the dipstick as you would on another vehicle. Take it out, wipe it off, reinsert, and then pull it out again for a clear reading. The oil should be light in color. If it’s discolored and sludgy, then it’s time for an oil change and filter replacement. Otherwise, top levels off to the recommended level and you’re good to go.
Fuel Storage
Not everyone uses their tractors every day or even every week, which might lead to a tractor sitting idle for a while. This is a problem when it comes to fuel storage, as water can separate out or collect in the fuel tank when the tractor is not used for a long period. This can mean rusting a hole in the tank or else water getting sucked into the engine and causing big problems. If you plan to store your tractor for more than a week or two, add some fuel stabilizer to the tank. The same goes for storing backup fuel. Just make sure to use the freshest gas or diesel you can.
Tractor Tires
Tractor tires are big and expensive, so it’s important to keep an eye on them, not just for maintenance, but for replacement also. Give them a once over, paying attention to any obvious signs of wear in the treads or damage on the sides. Check the air pressure and make sure it matches with the manufacturer’s recommendations, which is either printed on the tire wall or mentioned in the owner’s manual. If you’re not sure about the correct pressure, we recommend adjusting it a little for particular tasks.
If you’ll be driving on a paved road, the tires should have a few extra pounds of pressure so they can hold firm on the rough pavement. On the other hand, when tilling, you can reduce the pressure a few pounds below the recommended setting. When loading, you want more pressure in the front tires, and if hauling something heavy, the rear tires could use a few extra pounds.
These are just a few of the maintenance checks you can easily perform on your own. Your tractor works hard for you, so take out some time to inspect and maintain your workhorse. Regular maintenance will save you time, money, and expensive repairs down the line. For more tractor maintenance tips, or if you’re just interested in checking out some machines, visit us at West Hills Tractor in Jonesborough, TN. We proudly serve all our patrons coming from Johnson City and Greenville.