A tractor is one of the most versatile vehicles imaginable, as it can handle many labour-saving tasks. Losing the ability to use your tractor means you’ll need to dedicate many hours to work that would normally be much easier. For this reason, it's vital that you make sure your tractor is operational. While you can get tractor insurance to cover a costly repair or replacement if something happens, you can add in a line of defence by taking steps to avoid letting the tractor fall into disrepair in the first place with proper maintenance. Tractor maintenance may seem overwhelming, but it becomes simple with correct guidance. This list of tractor maintenance tips will allow you to keep your vehicle in good order for a long time.
Creating a list of regular tractor maintenance tasks can seem overwhelming at first. However, it should be noted that most steps are relatively simple and have an approximation of how often they should be done.
Keep in mind that every tractor is unique. If you're getting a more modern tractor to replace your old one, there will be differences. This is especially true if there is a change in the make and model of the tractor. This is why each tractor has a unique manual that will allow you to learn more specific details about the tractor. It’s best to keep your manual on hand, as you may need to consult it when in doubt about anything involving tractor maintenance.
Before using your tractor, check for obvious damage to the frame with a visual inspection. Regular checks like this should be done every time you use your tractor. If any damage is immediately visible, it will likely cause a problem. When checking for damage, you will need to do more than absent-mindedly glance at the tractor as a whole. Look at the tractor from every angle, doing an entire 360-degree circle around it while making sure to inspect every part of your machine. Check for water damage, signs of wear and tear, and other signs of damage to the frame. This step in tractor maintenance will let you know if there are any large red flags before you begin a more thorough and detailed look at your tractor's critical components.
No vehicle can move without a solid battery. A battery should be checked once every few weeks as part of tractor maintenance. Ensure that there is no corrosion, that the water levels are good within them, and that the proper battery charge is reached.
Corrosion is a light-coloured, often white, powdery substance found near the terminal. If you see corrosion, it will need to be cleaned up, and it's best to find out what caused it to prevent it from happening again. Common causes of battery corrosion are overheating, fluid leaking, too much or too little charge, and damage to the battery, all of which can worsen as the battery ages, although there are other possible causes.
Proper water levels and the correct charge level will depend on your specific tractor type. If you need clarification on the correct levels, your tractor's manual should be able to give you proper ranges.
Belts are a critical part of tractor maintenance. Look for any sign of damage to the belt. Cracks, splits, bits missing, discolouring, and wear and tear are all signs that a belt is no longer safe to use. Belts should also have a very slight give when tested. When you replace a belt, you must replace it with one that's the same size in both length and width and has the same number of grooves. Belts should be checked thoroughly once every 50-100 hours of use.
Ensuring your air filters work is an essential part of tractor maintenance. Air filters ensure that harmful objects in the air don't reach your engine. These harmful objects include sand, insects, dust, and other particles that could damage an engine. A clogged filter won't be able to properly do its job. Different manufacturers will have different recommendations as to when you should replace your filters. These recommendations range from every few months to every couple of years. Factors that can impact this include how frequently you use your tractor and for how long, whether or not you clean your filters, and the exact model of your filters and tractor. Your tractor's manual should give you a more precise time, and it is recommended that you follow those instructions.
Coolant is often forgotten, but it is critical to tractor maintenance, as it protects the engine from overheating. For this reason, the coolant will need to be replaced and refilled. When this happens, it is very important that if your tractor's manufacturer recommends a specific type of coolant, you use that coolant. It is commonly recommended that coolant be replaced every two years, but this often changes with different models, so be sure to check your tractor's manual. Your coolant might also need to be replaced early. Common signs of this are a change in the coolant colour, smells coming from the coolant, and frequent overheating of your tractor. When replacing your coolant, make sure you replace it, not simply top it off, as just topping it off might not solve issues with your current coolant.
Changing the engine oil is crucial for any vehicle, as it helps prevent wear and tear on the engine. Tractors are no different. Changing the oil as part of your tractor maintenance routine is necessary. However, depending on how often you use your tractor, your model of tractor, and the type of oil you use, recommendations on how often you should do so will vary, often from 100-250 hours of use or every six months to every two years. It is essential that you stick with the timetable and type of oil your manufacturer recommends.
Hydraulics are very complex, and a lot can go wrong. To ensure they are working correctly, it is crucial to maintain the hydraulic fluids and oils, rods, seals, hydraulic lines, filters, and more. Many manufacturers recommend that you work on your hydraulics every 1,000 hours, but this varies with each company. Due to the vast complexity of hydraulics and how different each system is, if you want to maintain them yourself, use your tractor's owner's manual if you have any questions about its hydraulic system.
One of the things that makes tractors so versatile is the vast number of attachments they can have. Some of the attachments include:
These are only some of the items that can be attached to a tractor, each of which has a unique job. Whenever you attach or remove any of these items, or even if you've had one stored away for a long time, you must ensure that the item in question can be used safely if you want your tractor maintenance checklist to be complete. Each item is different, so consulting that item's manual is vital when you think it requires repairs or maintenance.
Keeping air pressure in the tire is vital to tractor maintenance. No vehicle can run correctly without tires, and tractors are no exception. Proper tire pressure helps tires last longer, lowers the risk of a blowout or other accident, increases fuel efficiency, and makes the tractor more comfortable to ride. You should check your tire pressure at least once a month, as tires lose pressure gradually, even when undamaged and not in use. Remember that the ideal tire pressure will vary depending on the tractor and the type of tire you use.
Making sure axles work is a vital part of tractor maintenance. Axles are usually maintained by greasing them up, although how often you should do so changes based on how often you use the tractor and your specific model. Please check your owner's manual for guidance on how often you should grease your tractor's axles. It is vital to ensure that if you do this yourself, you turn the tractor off beforehand so you don't seriously injure yourself.
The axles aren't the only moving parts that require this type of work. Lubricant, sometimes shortened to 'lube,' is often used between moving parts to lower friction and dissipate heat. Lubricating the right parts reduces wear and tear tremendously. Each tractor will need different parts lubricated, but common ones include the transmission and power steering system, if there is one. Your manual, however, will help you determine which parts you need to lubricate during tractor maintenance and how often you need to lubricate them.
Brake functionality is vital to any vehicle. You should check your brakes before every use as part of tractor maintenance. If pumping the brakes doesn't work, you should check more mechanical parts. Depending on the type of tractor you use, this could include brake fluid, brake pads, or another device. Please consult your tractor's manual for advice on how your brakes work.
Checking the fuel is a vital part of tractor maintenance. Obviously, you want to ensure that the tractor has enough fuel for the job you want to do, but if you haven't used your tractor in a while, you may want to empty the tank, replacing it all with new gas. This is because old gas can damage an engine if it has degraded too much over time. Depending on the type of gas you use, your gas can last anywhere from a few months to almost a year, although if you are ever in doubt, it's best to play it safe and use new gas instead.
Tractor maintenance isn't a part-time job. When your tractor isn't being used, you must store it in a safe place, especially in the off-season. You will want to store it where it's safe from weather extremes, such as precipitation, wind, extreme temperatures, and more, which can all wear down a tractor over time. It should also be kept where it's not visible to thieves, vandals, and other people who might harm it. A barn, shed, or garage is best, but any covered area away from where others can get to it should suffice.
Cleaning up your tractor isn't just about making it look and smell nice; it's also part of tractor safety. However, blasting your tractor with a hose isn't enough to give it the thorough cleaning it needs. Use a mild detergent and sponge to remove any grime you see. Make sure you scrub hard to get all the dirt away. After that, rinse it off to remove any soapy residue. Adding a layer of wax when you're done is also a good idea. Deep cleaning of your tractor should be done once every few months or after any filthy job.
If there's any tractor maintenance task that you're uncomfortable performing yourself, it is recommended that you speak with a professional. The important thing is that you can improve tractor performance and have your valuable vehicle last longer with regular maintenance.
This content is written by our Morison Insurance team. All information posted is merely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Should you decide to act upon any information in this article, you do so at your own risk. While the information on this website has been verified to the best of our abilities, we cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors.
