Whether you have a new tractor or ride around on an old or “previously appreciated” model, regular maintenance is the key to protecting your investment. Bumper sticker recently spotted on a tractor: “If I’m not working, you’re not either.” For many a farm owner, the tractor is the trusty workhorse … the safe, sturdy, dependable piece of equipment without which many tasks—or even running the farm—would be impossible. Show
Whether you have a new tractor or ride around on an old or “previously appreciated” model, regular maintenance is the key to protecting your investment. Stable Management spoke with some experts to get their advice on keeping your tractor in tip-top shape and rarin’ to go. (The recommendations in this article apply to diesel tractors, which comprise the bulk of tractors available today. Also, this article offers general guidelines that might not apply to your tractor. Consult your owner’s manual or tractor dealership for maintenance information that is specific for your manufacturer and year of tractor.)
Overall InspectionGood tractor maintenance begins with your eyes. First, read and consult the owner’s manual for regular service and maintenance information specific to the model that you own. If you don’t have a maintenance manual, check online for information. People who have very old tractors (as in classic or vintage) can visit useful websites such as Yesterday’s Tractor Co. (www.ytmag.com), which is full of useful information and also offers discussion forums, a parts marketplace, and an interesting department called “stuck and troubled.” Other Internet resources that offer information and support include www.tractorlinks.com (for antique and/or classic tractor enthusiasts), www.mytractorforum.com, and www.justanswer.com (this site does ask a fee for the answers it provides). Next, use your eyes for an overall inspection. Replace missing or worn clamps, bolts, nuts or screws, and tighten any loose connections. The team at Massey Ferguson warns, “Loose fasteners can damage thread parts, linkages and bushings, can loosen tolerances on tight-fitting mechanisms, and can waste your time on repairs that could be prevented.”
Make sure the loader or other attachments are connected properly and that all pins and bolts are in place. Tighten fuel tank mountings, if necessary. Inspect hoses for leaks and loose connections, and check belts for signs of wear or rot. Be sure to check fluid levels in the battery, transmission, radiator and hydraulic system. Be alert to possible signs of abnormal wear, both on the tractor chassis and the tires. Oil and FluidsTemple Rhodes of Temple Rhodes Excavating manages 3,000 acres of farmland in rural Maryland. When asked what he considers to be the most important steps to keeping his equipment in great shape, he doesn’t hesitate. “Check the oil, transmission fluid and water regularly,” he advised. The frequency of your checks will vary, depending on hours of use. “During the summer, when we typically run our equipment 10 to 15 hours a day, we check fluids and oil daily. If we were using the tractor for one or two hours a day, we would only need to check once a week. In the winter, we check every 20 hours,” Rhodes explained. Colin Campbell of Campbell’s Services in Bridgewater, Connecticut, recommended checking the oil level daily before climbing into the driver’s seat. You should also check front axle fluid every eight hours. How often should you change your oil? “We recommend changing the engine oil after the first 50 hours that you use the tractor and every 100 hours after that,” Colin said.
Rhodes likes to use 15W40 oil in his tractors, but prefers synthetic oil for vehicles like farm trucks because it lasts longer. “Whatever you do, make sure you add the new oil before you use the tractor again,” warned Campbell. “Running without oil is catastrophic and expensive.” If your oil is dirty or if you have just purchased a used tractor, have the oil analyzed to rule out the presence of impurities. Exxon offers this service directly to large commercial operations like Rhodes’. Small farm owners can take the sample to their nearest tractor dealership. John Deere and Case are two dealerships that offer this service. FiltersYou’ll replace the oil filter whenever you change the oil—generally, after the first 50 hours you use your tractor, then every 100 hours. Air filters need to be changed whenever they get clogged. Campbell offered this tip: “Look through your air filter from the inside, and hold up a light to the outside. If you see a good amount of light, your air filter is okay. If the light is dim or you can’t see it at all, replace the filter immediately.” In his years of experience as a dealer and mechanic, he’s seen some filters get clogged up in as little as nine hours, and others that go 250 hours before needing a change. “It all depends on usage. As a rule of thumb, plan on checking the air filter every eight hours; more often if you’re working in very dirty conditions,” he offered. To help keep track of changes, Rhodes writes the hours down directly on both the oil and air filters. “That way, the information is right in front of me, and I’m more likely to keep up with oil and filter replacements,” he said. BatteryYou’ll want to check all electrical connections to the battery to ensure that they are still wired tightly. “The biggest problem is buildup of corrosion on the battery cables, which can cause your battery to go dead,” Campbell explained. “So, keep your batteries clean—especially where the battery post meets the inside of the terminal—and make sure the connection is tight. If you can twist the cable, it is too loose,” he said.
Check the fluid level in each cell. Test the battery with a voltage meter—a reading below nine volts means you need to add a new battery to your shopping list. Wheels and TiresRegularly inspect the wheel bearings for signs of wear and tear. Tighten wheel lugs according to your owner’s manual. The mechanics at Massey Ferguson recommend tightening the lugs after the first 10 hours of use on a new tractor, then every 50 hours after that. The choice of tractor tire—radial or bias ply—often depends on the rim and the operating conditions of the vehicle. “Radial tires have more grip than bias ply tires, but both types wear similarly,” said Rhodes. Goodyear noted that bias ply tires have traditionally been used for both on- and off-road applications. Radial tires are preferred in situations where heat buildup with bias ply tires is anticipated, such as in traveling on hard roads. Regardless of the type of tire your tractor sports, proper maintenance prolongs the life of your tires and also helps you use fuel more efficiently. Inspect the tires every 25 to 50 hours, checking for nails, thorns and signs of dry rot and cracking. Maintain the tire pressure at proper levels; generally, around 12 pounds for radial and 18 pounds for bias ply tires. However, recommended inflation will vary according to the type of work being done, the work surface, and the load of any attachments. The Tire and Rim Association of America (TRA), the standardizing body for the tire, rim, valve and allied parts industry in the United States, publishes recommendations for setting air inflation based on the load. This information is available in the TRA Year Book or online at www.us-tra.org. Tire manufacturers and tractor dealerships also have this information. HydraulicsIf your tractor is equipped with hydraulics, check the pressure regularly. Campbell explained, “The biggest thing is to keep moisture out. Also, the oil loses its ability to perform over several hours of use.” He recommendws changing the hydraulic fluid and oil after the first 50 hours of use. Once past that milestone, change the filter every 200 hours and the oil every 400 hours. Changing the hydraulic fluid can involve dealing with 15 gallons of fluid, so you might consider having the nearest tractor dealership perform the maintenance. Belts and SealsRegularly examine belts for signs of cracking, rot and damage. Inspect the seals as well, check for fluid leaks that indicate wear or damage. “I advise customers to replace belts and seals as needed only,” said Campbell.
LubricationYou probably can see the grease zerks on your tractor, but Massey Ferguson also recommends consulting your owner’s manual to avoid missing hidden zerks. Grease zerks contain a spring-loaded ball that compresses when pressure is applied with a grease gun, allowing grease to flow through the fitting into the application. After pressure from the gun is released, the spring-loaded ball returns to the head of the zerk, preventing grease from escaping and dirt from entering. Periodically apply lubricating oil to the nuts, bolts and joints of your tractor. This helps prevent rusting and seizing up. Storing Your TractorIf you winter in Florida and plan to leave the tractor behind in the cold, it’s wise to prepare the tractor for its hibernation. Campbell recommended disconnecting the battery, removing it from the tractor, and keeping it in a warm place. If your tractor has a clutch, release it to keep the disc from rusting to the flywheel. Before starting the tractor in spring, drain the oil and the old fuel to prevent accumulated dirt and water from damaging the engine. You might also consider changing the filters and fluids. Keep It CleanA clean tractor is a healthy tractor. Dirt, grass clippings and debris can all damage your tractor and contribute to rust, as well as wear and tear. Mild soap and water, applied to the body and underside, can clear away mud, grime, acids and chemicals. Clear the radiator screens of accumulated dirt and grass. To remove greasy buildup on the engine and body, use your favorite brand of automotive degreaser. However, don’t overdo it. “Washing is a double-edged sword. It helps protect the condition of the chassis and keeps dirt out of the pivots, but it can cause the electrical system to corrode and short out,” said Campbell. He encouraged owners to keep a good balance of occasional cleaning, with plenty of time between washings to let the tractor dry out. A Note About ClimateTractor stressors and maintenance needs can vary with extremes of climate. In areas with salt air and humidity, such as Florida, for instance:
In very cold climates, such as the Midwest:
Your dealership can provide maintenance tips specific to your area. The biggest mistake you can make with respect to tractor maintenance is not doing it. Always consult your tractor dealer and/or the owner’s manual for suggested maintenance schedules, and be sure to operate the tractor within its recommended capacity. With proper care, maintenance, and usage, your tractor should provide you with years of dependable service.
Sidebar: Work SafelySafety is the name of the game when it comes to working around your tractor. Several tractor manufacturers offer safety courses, as do many local extension services and 4H clubs. For teenagers, safety is not optional: the Fair Labor Standards Act requires that teens take a tractor safety course before being hired to work on a farm that is not owned by their parents. Iowa State University offers a detailed list of safety guidelines (www.ehs.iastate.edu/cms/default.asp), some of which can be followed when working on, as well as operating, the tractor:
How long can a diesel go between oil changes?The average recommendation for diesel pickup oil changes is between every 5,000-7,000 miles or every six months on vehicles that perform moderate towing. If you do not tow, or don't tow very often, you may be able to go even longer. If you are frequently towing heavy loads, you may need to change the oil sooner.
How often should I change the oil in my Kubota tractor?After this initial check, you should change the engine oil and filters roughly every 200 hours, while the transmission fluid and hydraulic oil filters need attention only once every 300 hours after the first check. There are some checks that you should carry out every 50 hours throughout the lifetime of the tractor.
How many hours do you change the oil in a John Deere tractor?Change Oil and Filter after every 250 hours, if conditions are not met. Replace after every 1500 hours, or 2 years, or as required, or with Engine Primary Air Filter, whichever occurs first. Never clean.
How often should you change oil filter on tractor?You'll replace the oil filter whenever you change the oil—generally, after the first 50 hours you use your tractor, then every 100 hours. Air filters need to be changed whenever they get clogged.
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