How to Maintain Your Tractor Implements

Caring for your tractor is an important task, but it’s also very important to maintain the attachments and implements you use with your tractor to get work done. Being able to properly maintain your implements will improve their lifespan and increase their value. Our team at Central Machinery Sales has put together a brief guide to help you care for your tractor attachments. 

1. Refer to the Owner’s Manual

Even implements have an owner’s manual you should refer to in order to find the best information. You’ll be able to find specific information regarding the maintenance schedule, products you’ll need, and what tasks should be regularly performed. 

The manual will also provide important information about the equipment’s limitations and abilities so you can properly use it. 

2. Keep a Detailed Log Book

Modern tractors automatically track the hours worked, but the implements they pull don’t have the same features. So, it’s helpful to keep a detailed record of how and when each implement is being used. At the very least, keep track of how often certain equipment is used because the frequency of use will determine how often it needs to be serviced. 

Keeping track of your implement usage can also help you keep track of other tasks on your operation and may even help you maintain other pieces of equipment!

3. Maintain the PTO Shaft

Implements utilize the power take off, or PTO, shaft for proper pairing and for operation. There are a few things you can do to keep the PTO in top condition. First, make sure you are using the correct length for connection, otherwise, you can unintentionally damage the internal elements of the tractor. 

Second, you should regularly grease the PTO shaft to keep the joints and moving parts easily operable. If the shaft were to seize, there would be serious damage to the gearbox. A good rule of thumb is to check and apply grease after about 30 hours of work. 

4. Maintain the Clutch

The clutch is part of the PTO system and should regularly be monitored. It should be free of debris at all times. You can also check and replace the belts as necessary to maintain the best condition. 

5. Understand the Anatomy of Your Implement

It’s evident that a lot of implement maintenance requires attention to the tractor being used to run it, but it’s also important to care for the equipment itself. The best way to care for the implement itself is to have a strong understanding of how it works! This way you’ll know what parts are more likely to need to be replaced or repaired and what areas you should pay close attention to. 

Being able to keep your implements in great condition will improve your uptime. Visit us in Moses Lake, WA, for your parts and service needs. We are proud to serve the Spokane and Pasco areas.