Spring Maintenance For Tractors

If you want your tractor to last a long time and perform well, you have to take some maintenance steps from time to time. During the winter months, our farm machines are either in storage or, if they’re put to use, their maintenance is left for warmer months. So when spring rolls around, your tractor needs you to get down and dirty to ensure it’s up for the gruelling months ahead!

To help you take care of your tractor, we at New South Tractor have put together some maintenance steps you can perform yourself. For professional tractor parts, service and repair in Newton, NC, contact us and one of our trained technicians will help you out! 

Fluids Inspection

During winter, condensation may have built up in the fluid chambers. To check for that, inspect the engine, transmission, and hydraulic fluid chambers. This might seem like an unimportant step but water in the fluids is bad for your machine. When a tractor is run on impure fluids, there’s a good chance it’ll overheat or suffer a parts malfunction. 

Tighten Belts

A long winter can wreak havoc on your tractor belts, which can make the belts turn brittle or crack. Inspect the belts for any wear and tear or damage and if you spot anything like cracks or stretching, you should replace them immediately. This is important because it will prevent a potential belt snap, which can lead to serious damage to the tractor’s interior parts.

Test Brakes

Tractors are rugged and powerful pieces of equipment so it’s essential that their brakes function properly to avoid any mishap. When left unused for a long period of time, brakes can develop rust, which affects their performance. Before you start to use your tractor, make sure the brakes are functioning correctly, and check both left and right ones individually. 

Charge Battery

If you left your tractor batteries in storage throughout the winter season, it’s probably drained and you won’t have enough juice to start your tractor. Just connect it to a charger and leave it for a few hours. If the battery can’t hold any charge, you might have to replace it. A jump start should be the last resort. Make sure the cable connectors are secure. 

Replace Fuel

If you added fuel stabilizer before storing your tractor, all should be good. If not, you have to replace the fuel before using it. This is more important for gas than diesel but it’s good to do this if your fuel has become thick, has metal flakes or any other contaminants, or has turned dark. Drain out all the old fuel and fill the tank with fresh fuel. You should dispose of your old fuel properly.

Replace Filters

The fuel filter in your tractor is a very important part of the machine because it stops small particles from making their way into your engine. You should take the time to maintain this because it increases the life of your tractor and prevents expensive repairs. You should clean or change the filter as the need arises. Other filters that need your attention are the air filter, oil filter, and hydraulic filter.

Check Hydraulics

To check the hydraulics oil levels, you need a dipstick and will probably need to extend the hydraulics completely. Your manual will have more information on how to care for your hydraulics system. If you switched to a lighter oil during winter, make sure you switch back to a summer oil. Check the hoses for any leaks or cracks. 

Grease Bearings

If your tractor is a 2-wheel drive, lift the two front wheels to check the bearings. Remove the wheel and bearing nut and, if it looks okay, apply a coat of bearing grease and place it back, tightening it enough to avoid any wobbling. If the bearing looks like it might fall apart, you have to replace it. The number on the bearing frame will help you find the right replacement part. 

Hopefully, these tips will help you take better care of your machine! For more tips and tricks or to check out tractors for sale in Newton, NC, get in touch with us at New South Tractor and have a chat with one of our sales staff. We’re also here for all the repair and service needs of our friends from Asheville, NC!