5 Critical Tractor Repairs to Complete Before Planting Season
2/20/2026
Harvest is over, but the off-season presents the perfect opportunity to prepare for next year by inspecting your equipment. Equipment that hasn't been properly maintained can lead to costly downtime when it's back in the field during spring. You could lose valuable planting windows, experience weather delays, and spend more on emergency repairs when your equipment is in critical condition. Don't wait until the busiest time of the year to bring your tractor to the shop. Address these 5 critical tractor repairs during the off-season when your John Deere dealer has the capacity for thorough work, and take advantage of winter service specials to put more money in your wallet.
Schedule your John Deere 6, 7, 8 and 9 Series Tractor Maintenance Special by February 27th—AND save $150 on self drop-off and pick-up Don't let convenience keep you from getting critical repairs done before spring.
Hydraulic System Inspection and Repair
Hydraulic system failures are one of the most common issues to run into during planting season. The hydraulic system is responsible for many critical components of your tractor's functionality, such as loader operations, three-point hitch control, and implement hydraulics. Cold weather can reveal leaks that can worsen under heat and pressure during planting, so it's best to check now to avoid major delays in spring when you need your tractor most.
Warning Signs to Address Now:
- Slow or sluggish loader response
- Fluid leaks around cylinders, hoses, or fittings
- Noisy hydraulic pump operation
- Difficulty maintaining implement height
What Professional Hydraulic Service Includes:
- Complete system pressure testing
- Hose and fitting inspection for wear or cracking
- Hydraulic fluid analysis and replacement if contaminated
- Cylinder seal inspection and replacement
- Filter replacement to prevent system contamination
Don't let hydraulic issues sideline your planting operations. Schedule by February 27th, there's no reason to delay this critical inspection.
Engine Oil Analysis and Comprehensive Service
Your engine is the heart of your tractor and its most expensive component. So it should be handled with great care to avoid major breakdowns that could threaten the integrity of your tractor. Extended planting hours can put major stress on your engine's components, which can lead to electrical problems, clogged filters or injectors, or costly oil leaks. With professional engine oil analysis and comprehensive service, certified John Deere technicians can identify any contamination or mechanical problems that can affect the performance of your machine before they become expensive failures.
Warning Signs to Address Now:
- Overheating during operation
- Fuel system issues or poor fuel economy
- Rough starts or misfires
- Electrical failures or warning lights
Complete Engine Service Components:
- Oil and filter change with John Deere Plus-50 II oil
- Fuel filter replacement
- Air filter inspection and replacement
- Coolant system inspection and testing
- Belt tension and condition check
- Battery load testing for reliable spring starts
Cost vs. Consequence: Preventive engine maintenance typically costs $200-400, while engine repair or replacement can run $8,000-15,000 or more. Schedule your tractor maintenance special today! Don’t delay.
Transmission and Drivetrain Inspection
Warning Signs to Address Now:
- Difficulty switching gears or sluggish shifting
- Strange noises (whining, grinding, clunking)
- Burning smell from the transmission area
- Slipping gears under load
- Vibration or shaking during operation
Key Transmission Inspection Points:
Professional vs. DIY: Transmission work requires specialized diagnostic tools and expertise—this is one repair best left to certified John Deere technicians who understand your equipment inside and out.
Electrical System Testing and Repair
Warning Signs to Address Now:
- Dim or flickering lights (headlights or work lights)
- Blown fuses or repeated electrical failures
- Drained or dead battery requiring jump starts
- Malfunctioning gauges or display screens
- Difficulty starting or slow cranking
Complete Electrical System Check Includes:
GPS and Precision Agriculture: Your tractor's electrical system also powers critical guidance systems and variable rate technology. Ensure reliable operation of these expensive precision agriculture tools with a comprehensive electrical inspection.
Our certified technicians can complete a comprehensive electrical system analysis during your off-season service appointment. Remember: $150 Repair Credit On Self Drop-Off & Pick-Up when scheduled by February 27th.
Schedule Your Pre-Season Tractor Service Today
Don't let preventable equipment failures cost you valuable planting days this spring. At SNPartners, our certified John Deere technicians have the capacity now to give your tractor the thorough attention it deserves, and with free pick-up and delivery until December 30, we've eliminated every excuse for delay.
Take Action Now:
- Review your tractor's service history and operating hours.
- Note any performance issues from last harvest season.
- Schedule your appointment before February 27th deadline.
- Take advantage of the $150 self-drop-off and pick-up discount.
DON’T MISS OUT ON DISCOUNTED PARTS, REPAIRS & MORE WHEN YOU BOOK IN THE OFF-SEASON
Exclusive winter service savings for the following equipment:
