Tractors are the backbone of any serious agricultural operation. They make hard work much easier, ranging from plowing and planting to landscaping and the endless variety of tasks capable with all those fancy attachments. A tractor is a big investment, so they're worth your time and patience to maintain as to ensure continued operation. At Everglades Equipment, we understand that the workday can feel long enough without worrying over every bolt and screw of your tractor, but putting in some effort to maintaining your equipment will ensure it lasts longer, does better work, and stays in operating condition. These practices are vital for anyone who depends on their tractor daily, and with a little knowledge, you can easily fix a lot of basic mechanical issues. However, if you notice something with serious damage that needs repair, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment at our service department!
Visual Inspection
Give your tractor a good once over before you start the engine. Check for leaks, as well as loose hoses and cables. A small leak might be fixable with some tightening or reconnecting a hose. You should also look at the glass sediment bowl under the fuel filter. The presence of water or other material in there means there could be something wrong with your fuel, filter, or the whole engine. If this is the case, don't hesitate to call for professional service.
Tires
Tractors can't operate properly without tires in good condition. Give the tires a look, checking the tread for any obstructions, and use a pressure gauge to determine whether the tires are in need of some more air. Follow the recommendations of your tire's manufacturer, which you can find in your documentation, printed on the tire wall, or else can be tracked down online. If you plan to take your tractor on paved roads, consider adding a few extra psi so they hold firm on the pavement. If you're loading with your tractor, increase the psi in the front tires for a more stable platform, and do the same to the rear tires should hauling be on the day's list of tasks.
Radiator Fluid and Engine Oil
A long day working a sun-baked field can drain a tractor's radiator fluid faster than you might think. If you're planning a ten-hour workday on your tractor, you'll definitely want to make sure there's enough coolant to keep it cool. This fluid loss isn't uncommon, but if you find yourself replacing it every day, you might have a radiator leak on your hands. Check throughout the day if you suspect a leak. As with radiator fluid, you'd never want to run your tractor with low levels or bad engine oil. Make sure you warm up your motor, then shut it off and wait a minute before checking the dipstick. At this time, it's also not a bad idea to check transmission and hydraulic fluid. If you're low on oil, top it off before starting the engine again. Losing oil too quickly might mean a more serious issue, so you should get it inspected if you're replacing oil every day. Also, if you notice blue smoke coming from the exhaust, that's another sure sign that you have an engine oil leak
Fuel
Fresh gasoline or diesel is important to keeping your tractor running happily. That's a no-brainer, but fuel storage is also important. A 5-gallon gas can can be handy to fill your tractor with, and it's good to have extra fuel on-hand, but make sure you don't just let a gas can sit for months on end without being used. Diesel and gasoline lose their freshness over time, so avoid storing them for longer than three months. With just a few of these tips you should be well on your way to a healthy tractor maintenance routine. Taking just five or ten minutes to go over your equipment to ensure its operating condition can save you time, worry, and money.