How To Wash Your Tractor

Your tractor does all the dirty work on your farm for you, whether you’re plowing, hauling materials, clearing up debris or even doing construction. However, the result of all that dirty work is that the tractor itself gets pretty dirty after a while and it needs a thorough wash. Why wash something that’s only going to get dirty again, you ask? Good question! Washing your tractor helps it to perform more efficiently by removing clods of mud and dirt from attachments, it makes it nicer to operate and it reveals maintenance issues that you may not be able to see under the mud.

So how do you get your trusty piece of farm equipment shining again? Rivera's Machinery, Inc. in Donna is your Texas tractor dealer. Let us help you get your machine all clean and ready for work with this guide to washing your tractor.

1. Remove Debris

Before you start with the soap and water, it’s helpful to remove big pieces of debris by hand. You can also use a leaf blower to blow away leaves, grass, mud, twigs and other detritus, especially in the undercarriage, where things can get stuck easily and be hard to remove.

2. Rinse & Wash Exterior

There are a few ways you can wash your tractor. One way is with a bucket of soapy water and a scrub-brush or sponge. This is a bit laborious, but if you want to do detailed work and really get things clean, it’ll do. Use a few pumps of a vehicle soap or even dish soap in a bucket of warm water and use a soft cloth to clean the exterior, rinsing as you go to avoid soap build-up. You may need a scrub-brush to get into nooks and crannies. A big auto brush will help you to get the tires really clean if there are stubborn clods of mud there.

If you have a pressure washer, though, you can speed up the cleaning process significantly by spraying the whole tractor from top to bottom, making sure to blast the mud off the tires in particular, as those will be especially dirty. Try to avoid getting water in the engine or on any sensors, though.

Whichever method you choose, let your tractor air-dry in the sun or use an air compressor or leaf blower to get the water off. If you really want to avoid water spots, you can wipe it down with chamois cloths, too.

3. Apply Wax

A nice coat of wax will help to protect your tractor’s paint from scratches and dings as you work. Wax is easy to apply and it will give your tractor that brand-new look. Use a car wax or Turtle Wax and a rag to buff the wax into the exterior of your machine, avoiding the seat and controls and engine.

4. Wipe Down Interior

Once you’re through with the outside of your tractor, it’s time to pay attention to the driving cab or seat. Those controls can get dirty, too. Use a damp rag to carefully wipe your controls and remove traces of mud and dust. Wipe down your seat as well so that you don’t get dirty sitting down. Use a shop vac to clean the floorboards.

Now you’re ready to get back to work! Remember: if you need some professional assistance with your tractor, contact the service department here at Rivera’s Machinery so that our team of mechanics can address any issues and get you back in the fields. If you’re looking for a new tractor, browse our website to see the vast selection of new or used tractors for sale at our Donna, TX, dealership location. Rivera’s Machinery, Inc., proudly serves the cities of San Benito and Harlingen, Texas.