Storage Tips for Your Farm Tractor

Farm tractors are your constant companions throughout a hard day’s work. They handle your tasks with ease and speed up delivery, too. You’ll want to do everything you can to keep your machine in top-notch condition. Other than maintaining its upkeep via regular service, you also need to ensure that it is stored properly if you are going to have it sit idle for a while. Whether it is going to rest for months or a few days at a time, our of storage tips will help you keep your tractor in great condition for years to come.

Visit Four Brothers Outdoor Power to ask our knowledgeable staff for more storage tips, or to browse our selection of tractors for sale! We have two locations in Royse City and Terrell, Texas.

Inspect the Tractor Before You Store It

Like you do with your other vehicles, proactively inspect your tractor to notice faults or issues that may get worse by the time you put it back to work. Check under the hood to look at the battery. It’s a good practice to remove the battery and store it indoors, preferably in your garage where it will remain cool and away from the elements. Hooking it up to a battery tender will preserve its condition.

Lubricate all moving parts in your tractor (cylinder rods, ball joints, steering components, etc.) before storing it away.

Check the Interiors

While you’re at it, examine the interiors as well. In the case of your farm tractor, this will mean checking the engine oil to see if it has become sludgy or thick. Use a dipstick to verify this. Insert the stick into the fuel tank and pull it out. If the oil appears gummy, drain the tank and refill it with fresh oil. If it appears fine and your tractor will only sit for a few days, you can let the oil be. 

Give It a Good Wash

Once the above is in check, clean up the machine thoroughly. Tractors are known to be rugged machines and don’t need to be washed frequently (unless you prefer yours to appear shiny every time!). However, when storing it away, it’s a good idea to remove all dirt and grime off it to preserve its aesthetic appeal and to also secure it from long term damage due to dirt and debris.

Maintain Tire Health

Your farm tractor’s tires are expensive. Don’t let overlooked wear and tear lead to costly repairs. Clean the tires and check if the tire wall is in good form. Check your owner’s manual and release the tire air until it is about a third of the recommended air level. Check for wear and tear and punctures before storing the machine or be prepared to fix them before you use your tractor next. Providing support to the tires using stands or blocks will help prevent the formation of flat spots.

Offer Protection from The Elements

Now that it’s finally ready to be stored away, use your barn or shed to house the tractor while it’s idle. If placing it indoors is not possible, cover it using a breathable and stretch-resistant cover to keep it safe from the elements.

With these tips, your tractor should stay safe and in good condition while it’s stowed away. For more information about maintenance or any other tractor-related questions, visit our dealership serving patrons from Garland, Canton, and Greenville!