Tractor maintenance : Tips to save money and times

The harvest season is in full swing (and largely ahead of schedule), which means it’s also a great time of year to think about tractor maintenance. Last winter we offered an eight-point checklist to bring your tractor out of storage and prepare it for spring planting.

While not all tractors are stored over the winter months, there’s often significant downtime between major growing seasons. Post-harvest tractor care is an important step to avoid costly repairs and maintain optimal performance. The following checklist can help save time and money by preparing your tractor for the next growing season, or the cold winter months ahead:
Clean in and out. Start with an air compressor and make sure all the dirt and crop debris is blown away from both the interior and exterior of your tractor. Once you’re finished blowing out all unwanted dirt and debris, use a pressure washer to clean off any remaining dirt. Finish by applying a fresh coat of wax to restore your tractor’s shine.


Clean and check the cooling system. Use compressed air and water to remove dirt and debris from the radiator – a small amount of grime can interfere with your tractor’s cooling ability and engine performance. Also check your coolant – both for adequate levels as well as any debris that would require a system flush. It’s a good idea to replace old coolant at least once a year, and the timeframe between growing seasons is a great opportunity to do so.
Change the oil and oil filter. It’s important to change the oil and oil filter in your tractor, especially if it will be stored for an extended period of time. Oil can contain water or other contaminants like diesel fuel or metal filings that may indicate other problems such as excessive wear or potential failure of moving parts. Consider an oil scan to determine its quality and ask your dealer or mechanic to recommend a good provider if you go that direction.
What other tips do you have for post-harvest tractor maintenance?

Related Article :