Common Tractor Problems and Solutions
Your tractor is one of the most reliable and durable pieces of machinery on your farm. With it, you can turn the hardest day of labor into another day’s work. To keep it running efficiently, it needs to be properly maintained. It takes some experience to learn about tractor maintenance and repair. As you become more familiar with your machine, you’ll be able to tell what the problem is when it acts up.
At Rivera’s Machinery Inc., we want to help you perform basic tractor repair and maintenance work. This will also help you learn when it’s time to take your tractor to the shop for some professional help. Visit our dealership in Donna, Texas if you’d like us to whip your old tractor into new shape in no time! We also serve the areas of Harlingen and San Benito.
Blades
Several tractor implements employ whirring, churning blades to perform their tasks. This means that dull blades are a problem for many implements and fixing them is one of the most common tractor repairs you’ll be doing. Though it depends on how much you use your tractor for mowing, you’ll have to sharpen your blades at least twice a year. For a small tractor with a file, simply remove the blade and sharpen it with a file. For larger equipment you may need professional service to complete the task within a decent amount of time.
Remember that you don’t have to sharpen the blades to a razor edge — a smooth one will do. The cutting power of the blades comes more from their spin than the sharpness of the blade. So even a dull blade can mow the grass but the results will be less aesthetically pleasing.
Fuel System
If your tractor’s performance has been decreasing over time, it may indicate a problem with the fuel system. When a fuel system is plagued by issues, it leads to low fuel pressure, which in turn leads to a general loss of power and functionality. Checking the fuel system should be part of your regular tractor maintenance tasks. Without that you won’t be able to power your implements, let alone plod down the road at all.
The fuel control level on the engine is another problem that leads to loss of productivity. When it gets jammed, it stops the fuel from reaching the engine. If it’s still functioning, spray it with some lubricant to get it moving. You may be able to patch or replace a leaky line, but for more pressing issues with the fuel system, you’ll probably need professional help.
Electrical System
If your tractor has problems in its electrical system, your battery is the likely culprit. The first thing to do when you face electrical issues is to check the battery for charge first. If the tractor has been sitting unattended for a week or two, its battery has probably been drained. Check the posts and cables for any sign of wear or any material deposits. Clean the posts as part of your regular tractor maintenance. If the battery isn’t the cause of the electrical system problem, you’ll want to seek professional service.
Engine
The biggest threat to an engine is overheating. Always perform coolant levels checks as part of your tractor maintenance procedure. Never check the fluid on a hot engine! It pressurizes and could lead to serious damage or injury if the cap is given a chance to fly free. If there’s dirt or grime around in the engine, it could add to the heat so clean it up. If there are no obvious signs of why there’s a heat problem, it’s just another sign it’s time for the pros to take a look.
Spark plugs and carburetors can also contribute to engine problems so you should know how to fix them. These are the tractor repairs that you can under take yourself. Hard starts, low fuel consumption, and low performance are all signs of faulty spark plugs. Replace the plugs as needed or as recommended by your owner’s manual. Clean out your carburetor or if it’s beyond cleaning, replace it.
We hope this guide helps you in identifying and fixing your tractor problems. If you’re not sure what the problem is or you want your tractor to receive some professional care, bring it down to Rivera’s Machinery Inc. in Donna, Texas. We welcome all our patrons from Harlingen and San Benito!