Getting Your Tractor Ready For Spring
Some farmers choose to put their tractors in storage for the winter, while others use them through the whole season. Regardless, there are several maintenance tasks that should be performed to get your tractor ready for the spring planting season. Luckily, Tractor Bob’s has created this maintenance guide to help you prepare your tractor for the springtime.
Fluids Inspection
Cold weather tends to condense the fluids in your tractor. Check the engine, transmission, and hydraulic fluid chambers. Remember that any water found where it doesn’t belong can quickly cause your machine to overheat or suffer a parts malfunction.
Tighten Belts
Cold weather makes your tractor’s belts contract, with prolonged exposure making them cracked and brittle. If you notice cracks, stretching, or other signs of damage, you should replace the belts immediately. Not doing so may result in a snapped belt, seriously damaging your tractor’s interior components.
Test Brakes
Functioning brakes are vital for any vehicle, especially one as big and powerful as a tractor. If your tractor has been idle for some time, the breaks may have rusted. Be sure to check both left and right brakes individually before attempting to drive your tractor.
Charge Battery
Cold weather tends to drain batteries at an alarming rate, so give your tractor’s batteries a few hours connected to a charger before taking it out. If you find that the battery no longer holds charge, it is time for a replacement. If you are still experiencing problems, check the cable connectors. Remember that a jump start should be a last resort.
Replace Fuel
If you stored your tractor without adding fuel stabilizer, you’ll need to replace the fuel when you take it out for spring. While this step is more important for gas powered tractors than diesel powered models, if your fuel has become thick, is full of metal flakes or other contaminants, or has turned dark, you need to replace it. After you have drained the old fuel and added the new, be sure to properly dispose of the old fuel.
Replace Filters
Fuel filters keep debris and particles out of your engine. Cleaning and replacing your fuel filter regularly can go a long way towards increasing your tractor’s lifespan and avoiding expensive repairs. Don’t forget to do the same for your air filter, oil filter, and hydraulic filter.
Check Hydraulics
A dipstick is a tool that will allow you to check your tractor’s hydraulic oil levels. This will usually mean fully extending the hydraulics, but your owner’s manual will have the best and most detailed information on performing hydaulic’s maintenance on your tractor. Those who use their tractor through winter often switch to a lighter oil, so be sure to switch back if this is the case. You also need to check the hoses for any leaks or cracks.
Grease Bearings
If your tractor is a 2-wheel drive, you need to lift the two front wheels to inspect the bearings. Remove the wheel and bearing nut. If everything looks fine, apply a coat of bearing grease and place it back where it was before, making sure to tighten it enough to avoid wobbling. If the bearing shows signs that it might fall apart, it is time to replace it. Check the number on the bearing frame to help you find the correct replacement.
Tractor Bob’s would like to wish all our customers a happy and productive spring. For more information on tractor maintenance or to look at our selection of models, visit our dealership in Oklahoma City. In addition to sales, we offer numerous repair and parts related services, so come down to get what you need. We are proud to serve local communities like Norman and Edmond, Oklahoma.