Tractor Storage

Knowing you need to store your tractor is one thing. Knowing all the proper steps is another. It's important to take proper care when storing your farm equipment. It helps extend the vehicle's life, reduces the need for costly repairs, and gets it ready to go come spring. But it can be hard keeping all the steps straight, which is why we created this beginner's guide to tractor storage below. For all your tractor needs, visit Rivera's Machinery, Inc. We proudly serve those in Harlingen, San Benito, and Donna, Texas.

Tractor Maintenance

Before you put your tractor into storage for weeks or months, you'll want to make sure it is running smoothly. That way, you'll be able to use it right away when you take it out of storage.

Start by checking the engine oil. It's the same process as with your car. Put in the dipstick, remove and clean it, put it in again, then look at the oil. You want it to look gold and thin. If it's good to go, then top it off. If it appears sludgy, brown, or thick, then it may be time to replace the oil and filter. Then it's time to drain the fuel from the tank and put in a fresh gallon. Add in fuel stabilizer as well to keep the tank from rusting. 

Your next step is to care for your battery. If you can, you'll want to take it off your tractor. Otherwise, it will drain as it sits in storage. Hook up your tractor battery to a battery tender. Store it somewhere where it will be safe from moisture and the weather.

Finally, you'll want to inspect your tractor tires. Look at the tread wear, tire wall integrity and see if you can find any debris lodged in them. Make sure your tires are good to go. Then you'll want to use supporting blocks or stands to store your tractor. These keep your tires from getting flat spots. You'll want to release some air until your tires are at a third of the recommended pressure. 

Clean Your Tractor

Your tractor is a lean, mean, working machine. Each day it heads out into the fields, it returns a little dirtier. It's almost as if your tractor is a magnet for dust, dirt, water spots, and other gunk. It's not just an issue of compromising how clean and new your tractor looks. Leaving the grime on your tractor too long can actually start to damage it. That's why it's important to clean your vehicle before storing it. As you clean, take care to prevent water or soap from getting into the electronics or instrument panel. After you finish, lubricate the grease points (such as the hydraulic cylinder rods).

Storing Your Tractor

You'll want to store your tractor somewhere it will be guarded against the elements. Rain brings unwanted moisture and the hot sun beating down on the paint and mechanics isn't good either. Try to keep your tractor in a barn or shed if you can. If that's not an option and you need to store it in the open, put a sturdy cover on it. Keep away from a plastic cover as those hurt air circulation, which can lead to water build up and in turn mechanical issues. Instead, use a cover designed to repel water.

We hope you found this guide helpful! Following the proper storage steps help ensure that your tractor will be in good condition when it's time to take it out of storage. For all your tractor needs, visit Rivera's Machinery, Inc. We proudly serve those in Harlingen, San Benito, and Donna, Texas.