Tractor Winter Maintenance

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Get ready for the next growing season or, if you live in northern climates, the cold winter months. Whether you’re preparing to store your tractor or optimizing it to run well, cold weather can wreak havoc on your tractor. For example, the oil will be stiffer making your engine more difficult to turn over and your distributor cap might become soaked inside from days of heavy thaws.

A general rule of thumb is to try to store your tractor under a shed or cover to protect the seat, paint, and wires and hoses from the elements. Also making sure the antifreeze is up to the necessary levels will keep everything in your cooling system from rusting.

If you will be using your tractor regularly throughout the winter, one issue that may arise is the engine turning over if oil stiffens in the cold. Along with the engine, the battery may not generate the same cranking power at freezing even though it’s fully charged. One solution is to run oil with a viscosity designed for winter use. You can also use an engine heater to keep the oil warmed.


If you plan on putting your tractor away for the winter, follow these routine winterizing procedures:

• Run all the gas out or drain the tank
• Drain the carburetor
• Remove the plugs, put a few drops of oil in each cylinder, then replace the plugs
• Seal up the distributor or magneto to keep moisture out
• Place the tractor on secure and stable blocks to preserve tires
• Disconnect battery cables and store the battery in a safe and temperature controlled place
• Check the coolant and adjust or replace anti-freeze as needed

Just following these few small steps will make your spring start-up easier and less expensive!

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