The word “tractor” comes from the Latin word “trahere,” which quite literally translates to pull or drag, and that’s exactly what tractors do. They provide the machine power necessary to drag, pull, and push and are the driving force behind the agricultural industry. With all those expectations to live up to, tractors need proper care and upkeep to get the job done. For it to help you keep your farm running, you need to keep that motor humming. Let’s take a look at a few maintenance tips to keep your tractor running like new.
Check Your Fluids
There are quite a few different fluids that keep your tractor running. You need to check transmission, hydraulic, engine, and brake oils. If any of your fluids are low, or you notice sludge buildup from old oil, now is the time to clean and top off your fluids.
It’s critical for you to review your OEM’s instructions, as it will tell you what kind of fluids and oils you need to use for your make and model. For example, two of the most common tractor engine oils are 15w50 and 10w30. While these lubricants look and act very similar, there are many differences between 15w50 and 10w30 oil, and they’re not often interchangeable. Use the wrong fluid, and you put your tractor’s engine health at risk.
Inspect Your Battery
The longer your tractor has been idle, the more important it is for you to check your battery. The battery will likely discharge on its own, and the parts surrounding it can erode. If you don’t take the time to charge your battery, trying to start up your tractor can put a serious strain on your alternator. Once you’ve charged it, check the connection points for damage, corrosion, and buildup. If you tend to leave your tractor idle for extended periods, consider removing the battery leads so that it won’t discharge while not in use.
Monitor Tire Pressure
The lower your tire pressure, the more energy your engine uses. And the more energy your engine needs, the more fuel it burns. Low tire pressure is a fast way to lose fuel efficiency, and with fuel prices increasing, this is a quick way to spend a lot. You should check tire pressure at least once a week, but ideally, you’ll check it after every use. While tractors certainly aren’t fragile, driving over crops or rough terrain can puncture tires and cause slow leaks that you won’t notice until you spend more money on fuel.
Clean the Air Filters
Tractor engines, among virtually all automotive engines, rely on a complex combustion process to run, and what does a spark need to light? Oxygen. The slower or less consistent the combustion process is, the more unused fuel sits in the combustion chamber. In this way, your tractor’s engine needs to breathe if you want to maintain your engine’s efficiency. To avoid this, check your air filters after every 50 hours of use. If your filter is clogged or dirty, replace it as soon as possible.
Following these maintenance tips is a guaranteed way to keep your tractor running like new. Remember always to check your OEM’s instructions. From there, you’ll be on your way to having a tractor that’ll last you for years to come.
