Tractor Storage

After a long summer of demanding work, there’s one more task ahead for your tractor: getting it ready for storage. A tractor, although tough and reliable, still needs regular maintenance to keep working year to year. A few extra tips and tricks can go a long way to improving a tractor’s life, and best of all, they aren’t complicated. Just remember that serious damage might mean you need to see a professional for parts and service.

At Magnum Power, we know tractors are the foundation of any agricultural or land management work, whether you have a small lawn tractor or a big combine. That’s why it’s extra important to keep your most important equipment in operating condition, and this is where proper storage and maintenance come in. When you take care of your tractor, your tractor will take care of you too.

We’ve put together this short list of tips to storing your tractor so it can be ready to go at the beginning of next season. Read on for more information or head into Magnum Power in Lawson, Missouri, where we proudly serve Kearney, Liberty, Gladstone, Kansas City, and all of Clay County.

Basic Maintenance

Putting your tractor into storage is the perfect time to give it a thorough examination and fix any potential problems that might have come up during regular use. Check engine oil, coolant, and filters as you would in a car or truck, topping off fluid levels where necessary and draining the oil and replacing its filter if the oil is sludgy and discolored. Also drain the fuel tank and put in a fresh gallon or so. Add a fuel stabilizer to keep water from separating from the gas, which can rust out your tank.

Take your time to clean up the tractor interior as best you can, working around engine and battery. Dirt can get stuck in any number of places and cause all sorts of issues if left in place, so it pays to be thorough in cleaning. You’ll want to remove the battery and store it in a dry, cool place. It can be hooked up to a trickle charger to make sure its ready for next season. Consider storing the battery in your garage or basement: somewhere that won’t see much in the way of light or water.

Tractor tires are just as important as car tires, if not more so! And they’re definitely more expensive, so you should examine them for all the same tread wear, tire wall integrity, and stuck debris. When storing your tractor, use supporting blocks or stands to keep the tires from forming flat spots. Release a bit of air — until they are about a third of the recommended pressure. This takes pressure off the tires and puts them on the blocks, which will make your tires ready for next year!

Exterior Cleaning

Tractors do hard work in tough conditions, so it’s only natural they’d get dirty. We already talked about cleaning up the interior where dirt may have gotten inside, but hitting your tractor with a good ol’ exterior wash will help keep that shiny finish from deteriorating. Use mild detergents like those you’d use on your car, and even dish soap and other all-purpose cleaners are effective enough to get the job done. Avoid letting any water or soap getting into the electronics or onto the instrument panel, as this can cause damage. After you’ve finished washing off your tractor, take the time to lubricate the grease points in areas like the hydraulic cylinder rods, which need some grease to keep moving. If there’s ever a time to go over your tractor with a detailed cleaning, it’s now!

Cover and Store

The best place to store a tractor is where it’ll be least exposed to the elements, temperature extremes, direct sunlight, and out of the way enough to avoid any incidental damage. A barn or shed work great, and of course if you have room in your garage then that’ll serve perfectly. your storage area is less than secure from weather, then a cover is a must. However, don’t use a plastic cover! That’ll reduce air circulation and cause mechanical issues over time as water builds up. Use a tractor cover made with water repelling material.

With a few of these tips, your tractor will be safe and sound in storage, lengthening its life, cutting down on costly service and repair, and giving you the satisfaction of having reliable equipment ready to work. If you’re looking for more tractor storage and maintenance tips, or you’re just interested in checking out some new and used tractors for yourself, head into Magnum Power in Lawson, Missouri, serving Kearney, Liberty, Gladstone, Kansas City, and all of Clay County. Come in today and let our team of courteous experts answer your questions and help you find what you’re looking for.