Performing Tractor Maintenance

Keeping up with tractor maintenance is the best way to keep your machine running well and out of the service shop. You won’t be able to avoid every potential repair, but you will definitely limit the times you need to visit the mechanic. Below, we cover some simple ways to keep up with your tractor maintenance. Keep reading to learn what you can do to avoid any costly repairs. 

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at Tatum Motor Company! We have locations in Anderson, Missouri and Tontitown, Arkansas. Proudly serving Fayetteville, Arkansas and Joplin, Missouri, we are here to help you find the best equipment for your next job!

1. Consult the Owner’s Manual

The first thing to do is look over your owner’s manual. This will give you important information on what tasks to do, the timeline for these tasks, and whether or not you need any specific products to aid your tractor maintenance process.

2. Radiator Fluid

One common problem you may encounter with your tractor is an overheated engine. Radiator fluid is an easy fix for this! Check the fluid levels daily and top it off as needed. There will be some natural gradual fluid loss. However, if you find yourself constantly replacing a high amount of fluid on a daily basis, there may be a bigger issue. Check the fluid levels throughout the day, and if you find a problem, visit a mechanic as soon as possible. Remember, you may not be able to do every step of tractor maintenance by yourself.

3. Engine Oil

Engine oil is an important lubricant for your tractor since it keeps everything running smoothly. You should check your engine oil regularly, but you do not want to check a cold engine. Run your tractor for a few minutes, then shut it off for a few minutes. Next, you can finally check the oil. If it’s discolored or sludgy, you’ll need to replace the oil and filter. If not, you can just top off the oil.

4. Tires

Checking the tires is an often overlooked part of tractor maintenance, but it is actually quite important. If tires are not inflated to the proper level, you could experience damage to your machine and even find yourself in an unsafe situation. It’s pretty simple and fast to measure the air pressure of your tires using a pressure gauge, so you should do this every once in a while. Compare the reading to the recommended pressure, which you’ll find on the manufacturer’s website, your owner’s manual, or printed on the tire wall.

You can also adjust the tire air pressure depending on what project you are working on. For example, adjust the pressure when driving on a paved road. The tires will benefit from extra pounds of pressure since it will help them hold firm on a steady surface. If you are tilling, you can decrease the pressure by a few pounds. If you’re loading, put more pressure in the front tires. When hauling a heavy load, add more pressure in the rear tires. Adjusting tire pressure is an easy part of tractor maintenance!

5. Fuel

An important part of making your tractor run smoothly is fresh fuel. You’ll probably be running your machine enough that fresh fuel is not an issue. However, when your machine sits in storage, it can become a problem. If you’re storing your tractor for more than a week, you’ll want to add fuel stabilizer to the tank. This will help prevent water from collecting or separating out of the fuel which could result in rust and engine damage. Remember to add fuel stabilizer to backup fuel too.

We hope this guide was helpful! We know tractor maintenance isn’t always easy, but it’s essential. That’s why we are here to assist you in any way. Have any questions? Give us a  call at Tatum Motor Company! With locations in Anderson, Missouri and Tontitown, Arkansas, we proudly serve Fayetteville, Arkansas and Joplin, Missouri too. If you have a maintenance issue with your tractor that you can’t solve, contact our service department. If you’re looking for tractors for sale, we can help with that too!