(Newswire.net — January 20, 2021) — Have you checked the oil lately? The condition of your tractor can impact the efficiency of your farming operation. When your tractors fall into disrepair, you also face expensive repair bills that increase your operating costs.
Successful farming requires your equipment to run well when it’s time to put it to use. Whether you use a tractor every day or you have a machine that sits idle when it’s not needed, keeping up with tractor maintenance is critical for your operations.
Follow these five tractor maintenance tips to keep your tractors in peak condition!
1. Read the Manual
Your tractor comes with an operator’s manual. Make sure you read it!
The operation guide tells you how every part of the tractor should function, how to troubleshoot problems, and the right replacement parts to use when something breaks. The manual often includes a maintenance schedule to help you avoid breakdowns and expensive repairs.
2. Keep a Schedule
Tractor upkeep doesn’t require a full-machine review and maintenance every day. While you should perform a few tasks before using a tractor, some maintenance tasks only occur every few weeks, months, or once a year.
- Tackle daily pre-use maintenance immediately before operation. Check water and oil levels, clear the air cleaner, examine the fuel filter, and check for leaks or damage.
- Once a week, add a few additional maintenance tasks. Clean the belts, check the battery’s water level, confirm tire pressure, and check the air filter and gearbox.
- Annual maintenance keeps your tractor running well. Empty and inspect the fuel and oil tanks, replace hydraulic lines, check the diesel filter, and take care of the combined systems.
With a routine maintenance schedule, farmers can reduce the risk (and costs) of frequent tractor repairs.
3. Repair Broken Parts
Don’t operate a tractor with broken parts! While you might lose a day or two while the machine is out of operation, broken tractor parts can cause a significant safety hazard.
Find a reputable dealer to see undercarriage parts that fit your tractor and get it back to work.
4. Winterize Before the Weather Changes
Whether you operate your tractors year-round or not, add an anti-gel product or winterizer to your tractor’s fuel tank. Take care of this maintenance task before the temperature drops below 32° F. Winterizing your tractor helps fuel from thickening during colder months and helps your tractor restart with less stress on the system.
5. Track Hours of Operation
Keeping a daily, weekly, and annual maintenance schedule helps your tractor stay in optimal condition. Some maintenance or repairs should take place more frequently—depending on the machine’s hours of operation.
Track how many hours your tractor is in use each day. When the hours add up, consult the manual to see if additional maintenance should take place.
Don’t Neglect Tractor Maintenance
Your farm’s tractor is a valuable machine and critical to your successful operations. Stay proactive about tractor maintenance to keep machines running well and safe.
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