Tractor Maintenance

Tractors are the backbone of agricultural operations around the world. They’re powerful, reliable, and long-lasting pieces of equipment that can handle loads of work. But if you want your tractor to truly stand the test of time, while also helping to prevent costly repairs and service, you’ll want to perform regular maintenance. With some extra attention and a little knowhow, your tractor could last for decades to come.

At Magnum Power, we believe preventative maintenance at home or on the farm is vital for anyone looking to keep their tractor or other equipment in good shape. All it takes is a bit of knowledge about what to look for and some tips for dealing with the little problems and you’ll be well on your way to keeping your tractor happy and healthy. Read on for more information or head into our location in Lawson, Missouri, where we proudly serve all of Clay County.

Visual Rundown

Start off your tractor maintenance by giving it a visual inspection. Be thorough in looking for any signs of damage of issues that stick out. Open it up and check for loose hoses, misplaced cables, and anything and everything that might be leaking. Leaks can often be solved with some tightening and ensuring proper connections for hoses. 

You’ll also want to check the sediment bowl under the fuel filter for any signs of water or loose material, which could mean there’s something wrong with the fuel, filter, or engine, and at that point professional service is likely needed.

Tire Integrity

While you’re giving your tractor a good lookover, check out the tires for signs of wear or damage. Tractor tires are expensive, so heading off any problems before they lead to replacement is a good idea. Also, it’s not the best idea to operate a tractor with tires that don’t have the right air pressure, so take a couple minutes to check air pressure. Match your reading against the manufacturer’s recommendations (found on the tire wall, in your owner’s manual, or online) and inflate/deflate as necessary. 

We recommend adjusting tractor tire pressure for particular tasks. For example, if you’ll be driving on the road, the tires should have a few extra pounds of pressure so they hold firm on the rough pavement. While tilling, you can drop the pressure a few pounds below the recommended setting. For loading, you want more pressure in the front tires, and if hauling something heavy, the rear tires could use a few extra pounds.

Radiator Fluid and Engine Oil

Your tractor’s moving mechanical parts needs enough coolant and lubricant to operate effectively. An overheated engine will make itself known in short order and could lead to extremely expensive repairs. Check the radiator fluid each day and add more as needed. There should be gradual fluid loss, but if you’re having to replace a lot of coolant throughout the day then that’s a sign there’s a bigger issue affecting your tractor. If you feel like you’re going through too much coolant, check throughout the day to see how fast it’s running out. If there’s a clear issue, do not hesitate to have the tractor serviced by professionals.

Engine oil keeps your tractor running smoothly, and just like the oil in a car or truck, it needs to be checked regularly and either refilled or replaced when fuel and filter both become too sludgy. However, don’t check the oil on a cold engine. 

Start up the tractor and let it run for a couple minutes. Shut it off then wait a few more minutes. Then check the dipstick like you would on another vehicle: take it out, wipe it off, reinsert, then pull it out again for a clear reading. The oil should be light in color, but if it’s discolored and sludgy then it’s time for an oil change and filter replacement. Otherwise top levels off to the indicated level and move on.

Fuel

While it might be obvious that fresh fuel is preferable to anything that’s been sitting around, stagnant fuel can actually do harm to your tractor should it be too far gone. Hopefully you run your tractor often enough that it won’t be sitting with fuel in the tank for long, but even the hardest working tractors are put away for the off season. 

Especially for storing your tractor at the end of the season, you’ll want to take some precautions to prevent any unintended damage. If your tractor is going to sit idle for more than a week or two, pick up a fuel stabilizer and add it to the fuel tank. This keeps water from collecting and separating. That water will cause all kinds of problems if given the chance, from rusting through the tank to getting sucked into the engine. The same goes for storing backup fuel. Just make sure to use the freshest gas or diesel you can!

Your tractor does a lot of hard work for you, so take the time to perform regular maintenance to keep your tractor running happily for years to come. A well maintained tractor lasts longer and runs better, which means less expensive service for you. If you do run into a serious problem and need professional service, don’t hesitate to call Magnum Power. We’re located in Lawson, Missouri and proudly serve Kearney, Liberty, Gladstone, Kansas City, and all of Clay County. Come in today and let our team of courteous professionals answer your questions and help you find what you’re looking for.