How to Keep Your Tractor Running Well in the Winter

Winter farming poses unique challenges, and that goes double for your equipment. Tractors are not usually built with cold weather in mind. On top of that, the nature of winter farming means that tractors are often idle for long periods of time, which can be bad for performance. To help you keep your tractor in top shape throughout the long winter, Tatum Motor Company has created this handy maintenance guide.

1. Use the Right Oil

Colder weather causes liquids to become thicker causing them to flow less readily. When this happens to the oil in your tractor, it makes it harder for the vehicle to turn over and start properly. Switch to a winter formulation when things start to get cold.

While you’ll want to keep up with your oil changes during the winter, you shouldn’t do so with a cold engine. Run the tractor for a few minutes before each oil change. Turn off the engine and let it sit for a few minutes before you check the oil. As always, discolored or sludgy oil means it's time to replace the oil and filter. If the oil is still the right color and consistency, simply top it off and move on.

2. Be on Alert for Moisture

The excess moisture that comes with winter can get inside your tractor’s engine compartment, wreaking havoc. You may experience shorts or failed starts if this happens, so make a habit of regularly checking the compartment so that you can catch moisture buildup before it happens.

3. Tend to the Tires

If you know a little about science, you might know that cold air contracts. In cold weather, this means that your tires are more likely to suffer a drop in tire pressure. Since underinflated tires can lead to damage and reduced tire lifespan, you should regularly check the tire pressure with a handheld gauge. Luckily, the required tire pressure can be found on the tire wall, the manufacturer’s website, and in the owner’s manual, so finding it out is far from difficult.

4. Use Proper Storage Techniques

While tractors do have uses in winter farming, there will still be a long period in which your tractor stays idle. Preparation is the key to protecting your tractor from becoming damaged in storage.

If you know that your tractor will go unused for a period of a week or more, add a fuel stabilizer to the tank to prevent water from collecting or separating from the fuel. Otherwise, you may experience rust or damage to your tractor. Longer periods of idleness can put undue strain on your tractor’s tires, which must support the vehicle's heavy weight at all times. Occasionally raise or rotate your tractor’s tires. We also suggest disconnecting the battery to avoid draining it.

We hope that your winter season is a productive and safe one. For more information or to view tractor models, visit Tatum Motor Company at our dealership in Anderson, Missouri, or our dealership in Tontitown, Arkansas. We welcome customers from local communities like Fayetteville, AR, and Joplin, MO.