Prepping Your Compact Tractor for Winter: Essential Tips
As temperatures drop and peak season comes to a close, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your compact tractor for the winter months. Proper storage of your compact tractor during off-season, will ensure your tractor remains in great condition for the spring. This requires more effort than throwing a cover over your equipment. To properly winterize your tractor, follow these essential tips.
Clean your tractor
Your tractor has been working hard all year, so it likely has collected a fair amount of buildup and debris. A filthy tractor can lead to rusting, pests, and corrosion so before you store your tractor, it is best to give it a deep cleaning. To remove any plant debris, dirt, or grime the best solution is to power wash your equipment.
Routine maintenance
You should perform routine maintenance checks on your tractor before you store your tractor and a few times throughout the winter. Start by topping off your fluids such as the transmission fluid, hydraulic oil, and coolant. This will prevent condensation which can water down your fluids. You should also inspect your tires, hoses, and belts to check for any signs of leaks or damage.
Adjust your fuel
One of the most essential tasks to prepare your tractor for freezing temps is to winterize your fuel system. Not properly winterizing your fuel system can lead to heavy corrosion and wear on your machine. To avoid this, one option is to drain your old fuel and add winter-grade fuel to your tank. This will keep your fuel from freezing when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Another option is to add a fuel stabilizer to your tank and let your engine run for a few minutes to get it circulating through the system.
Remove your battery
While your tractor is idle for the winter, you should remove spark plugs and the battery to prevent any problems from occurring when you’re ready to work again. Freezing temperatures can be harsh on batteries, draining them and even causing damage. Avoid this by disconnecting the battery and storing it in a warm, dry place.
Pick an Ideal Storage Location
Choosing the right storage place greatly impacts the condition of your tractor in the spring. Ideally, you’ll want to store it in a warm and dry place. This can be in a heated garage, barn, or even a storage shed. If all else fails, you can cover it with a heavy, weather-proof tarp. The key is keeping your tractor dry and protected from winter elements which can cause corrosion.
Check-in during the winter
Once your tractor is tucked away in a good storage location for the winter, we recommend that you check up on it throughout the winter to ensure everything is still in good condition. Do regular maintenance checks on the tractor such as checking oil levels, lube points, tires, and breaks. Also, to prevent rusting, run your engine for about 20 minutes once a month.
The longevity of your tractor relies on how well you care for your tractor and in the winter months your tractor requires extra attention. To have professionals take on the job, request service with our expert technicians here at SN Partners. No matter who performs the job, if your tractor is properly winterized, it will be in tip-top shape when you are ready to work again.