Tractor Storage
Properly storing your tractor, whether for the season or just the weekend, is a vital step in tractor maintenance that you don’t want to gloss over. Storing your tractor will protect it from weather damage as well as theft and you’ll want to keep it in good condition for the next time you need it.
When you do store your tractor for a long period of time, it’s good to perform a few basic tasks first to ensure that it’s all ready for you the next time you need it! Burrows Tractor is your local tractor dealer for the cities of Yakima and Wenatchee, WA, along with North Plains, OR. We’ve provided these tips for tractor storage to help you successfully ready your tractor for the off-season so that it stays in great shape for years to come.
Maintenance Concerns
Right before you store your tractor is the ideal time to do any maintenance or tune-ups that you haven’t gotten around to. Check the engine oil just as you would on your car or truck to make sure that it’s clear and runny instead of sludgy or opaque. If it’s thick, you’ll need to change both the oil and the oil filter. If it’s fine, top it off with some fresh oil.
Your next task is to drain any remaining fuel from the tank and replace it with fresh gasoline and a fuel stabilizer to prevent condensation from building up and rusting out your fuel tank.
Remove the battery from your tractor’s engine and store it in a cool, dry place, ideally hooked up to a battery tender to keep it charged. A battery that’s allowed to fully discharge may never work again, which is why this step is so important. If your battery is corroded with crust around the terminals, this means a replacement is in order.
Finally, look over the tires of your tractor, which support the vehicle’s weight so they need to be in peak shape. Release some air from them until they have a third of the recommended pressure, checking for sufficient tread depth, embedded objects and flaws in the sidewalls as you do so. Use supporting blocks or stands to keep your tires from forming flat spots during storage.
Cleaning Your Tractor
Next, you should thoroughly wash your tractor to get off the season’s dirt, grime and mud. These substances could stick and ruin the finish or worse, get into important engine components and mess them up. A mild detergent like that used for washing your car is sufficient. Keep water from dripping into the engine or into any electrical components. Once your tractor is clean and dry, it’s time to lubricate grease points, including hydraulic cylinder rods, to keep everything functional.
Covering & Storing
Finally, after you’ve tuned up and cleaned your tractor, you can set about storing it. Ideally, you’ll have an indoor storage space that’s secure enough to protect your tractor from wind, rain, snow and sun. If you have to store your tractor outside, then a cover is essential to keep it from rusting or corroding. A snug-fitting cover made of water-repellent (but not plastic) material is best. Plastic covers reduce air circulation and increase water buildup, which can damage engine parts.
If your tractor needs professional maintenance before you put it into storage, contact our parts and service department so that our mechanics can help you out! Looking to trade in or become a first-time tractor owner? Visit one of our dealerships in Yakima or Wenatchee, WA, or North Plains, OR, today to see our inventory of new and used tractors for sale. Burrows Tractor proudly serves all of Oregon & Washington with our three dealership locations, including the greater Portland metro area as well as Kennewick, Ellensburg and Richland, WA.