Tractor Storage

Harvesting season is here and it’ll be gone soon, which means it’s likely you’ll be putting away your tractor for the winter. Like any vehicle storage, your tractor will need a bit of sprucing up to survive the long idle period, and there are extra precautions to take for tractors specifically if you’re after a working piece of equipment come spring.

At Atlantic Tractor, we know how important tractors are to farming operations, and it’s always a let down when something goes wrong with storage. You want that tractor to be ready to get in the field with you when spring comes around, so do your part now to make sure that happens! Read on for some tractor storage tips or head into one of our locations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware for a great selection of new and used farm equipment.

Catch Up On Basic Maintenance

While we hope you’re up to date on scheduled service and regular maintenance, it’s understandable that harvest has kept you and your tractor busy. Fortunately you now have the chance to get in there and fix up your tractor and look for serious problems before you let them linger for the winter.

Start your maintenance by checking on the engine oil using the same method you would with a car: take out and clean the dipstick, reinsert, and then pull out again to examine the oil. It should be gold and thin. If it’s sludgy, brown, or thick, it’s time to drain the oil and replace the filter. Otherwise, top off the oil and move on. Next, drain the fuel from the tank and put in a fresh gallon or so with a fuel stabilizer so your tank doesn’t rust out. 

Keeping the tractor clear and clean is important for operation and operators alike. Clean up the interior as best you can, working around the engine and battery. Dirt can get under the tractor hood and cause serious damage, so clear it out. Remove the battery and store it in a dry, cool place. Hook it up to a battery tender to keep it ready for next season. Consider keeping the battery stored in your garage or somewhere else that won’t see much exposure.

Tractor tires are big and expensive, so you should examine them for all the same tread wear, tire wall integrity, and stuck debris as you would car or truck tires. When storing your tractor, use supporting blocks or stands to keep the tires from forming flat spots. Release a bit of air — until they are about a third of the recommended pressure. This takes pressure off the tires and puts them on the blocks, which will make your tires ready for next year!

Clean It Up!

Before you think about storing your tractor, you should consider giving it a good washing. Tractors are at the top of the list of vehicles likely to get muddy, dirty, and dusty, and it won’t do to let any of that sit. Mild detergents like those you’d use on your car work well, and even dish soap and other all-purpose cleaners are effective enough to get the job done. 

Don’t let any water or soap get into the electronics or onto the instrument panel, as this can cause damage. After you’ve finished washing off your tractor, take the time to lubricate the grease points in areas like the hydraulic cylinder rods, which need some grease to keep moving. If there’s ever a time to go over your tractor with a detailed cleaning, it’s now!

Store and Cover

The best place to store a tractor is where it will be protected from the elements and be able to sit without exposure to extreme temperatures, like in a barn or shed. If your storage area is less than secure from weather, then a cover is a must. However, don’t use a plastic cover! That’ll reduce air circulation and cause mechanical issues over time as water builds up. Use a tractor cover made with water repelling material.

If you follow a few of these tips, you should have an easy time properly storing your tractor. You’ll end up lengthening its life, cutting down on costly service and repair, and giving yourself the peace of mind that it’ll be ready to go next year. For more information about tractor storage, maintenance, and service, head into Atlantic Tractor at one of our locations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. We’ll ship our inventory to any of our locations, so be sure to go online to check our full inventory of new and used tractors!