How to Maintain Your Tractor Year-Round

It’s no secret that your tractor is one of the most expensive investments on your farm. They’re essential for the success of your operation and it’s important to keep them running well. Our team at Central Machinery Sales has put together a brief guide to year-round maintenance you can perform to keep your tractor performing its best. 

1. Refer to the Manual

Although it’s easy to disregard the owner’s manual, it’s a very important piece of literature to have for your equipment. Before you complete any maintenance or projects on your tractor, you should read through the manual for information regarding the specifications and components of your model. 

In the manual, you will have access to information like oil types, troubleshooting, and specific model recommendations.

2. Check the Tires

Tire care changes throughout the year, but monitoring their condition is always necessary. You should routinely check the air pressure and overall wear of the tread. Although tractor tires are strong and durable, you should watch for foreign objects that could penetrate the tire. 

Tires should have the right amount of tread and air pressure for the best performance and safe operation. 

3. Check Fluid Levels

Tractors require a lot of moving parts to operate, so it’s critical that you regularly check the fluid levels. This includes engine oil, radiator fluid, and coolant. Ideally, you should create a schedule for checking and replacing fluids throughout the year!

Fuel is also something you should pay attention to. Debris can build up in the fuel tank, causing serious performance issues. You might consider adding a fuel stabilizer to the tank and any holding tanks as well. 

4. Clean the Radiator

A common reason you might encounter an overheating engine is from a clogged radiator. Dust and debris can prevent airflow, leading to an overheated engine and limited performance. You can use an air compressor to blow away the debris collected on the radiator! This is a low-cost way to maintain the system and increase performance throughout the year. 

5. Change the Filters

There are a few different filters that need to be cleaned or replaced as your tractor accumulates hours. The oil filter, air filter, and hydraulic filter should regularly be checked for damage or grime in order to determine if it needs to be changed. 

Filters play a major role in the smooth operation of your equipment, so make sure not to overlook this task! Add it to your maintenance schedule for optimum performance.

Maintaining your tractor is extremely important throughout all twelve months of the year. Visit us in Moses Lake, WA, to learn more about different maintenance tasks, stock up on parts, and visit our service department. We proudly serve Spokane and Pasco.