Tractor Maintenance Tips
Tractors are highly versatile machines that are easy to operate and plenty powerful so you can handle whatever your farm or work site has to throw at you. But even though tractors are rugged pieces of equipment, they can still break down if you don’t keep up with regular maintenance.
Fortunately, keeping them in good condition is easy, as long as you follow our tips! At SS Equipment, we want our customers to have all the information they need to take care of their tractors. That’s why we’ve put together this short guide. Read on for a few tips to get you started or head into our locations in Oregon and Washington for more information.
Before You Begin
Start any tractor maintenance task by giving your owner’s manual a read. It will have all the information you need to take care of your machine, including any specific maintenance guidelines as well as service scheduling. Small and big problems alike can be solved with a quick look at the owner’s manual, saving you the time and energy of calling a professional for a quick fix.
Inspect Your Tractor Before Use
Examine your tractor before you use it. The hard work they do means that their components will be under a lot of stress, so it’s important to keep an eye out for problems with every use. Check the machine beforehand and after every few hours of use. This is especially important when you’re working on a hot summer day as your equipment can get damaged due to overheating.
It’s important to tighten nuts and bolts regularly. Replace anything that’s broken and deal with signs of loosening. Get in the habit of tightening everything when you perform your regular maintenance. To ensure the best operation, you’ll want to clean out any debris that manages to get stuck in the attachments. Take a hose with a high-pressure nozzle and blast away any clippings or debris.
Check Hydraulic and PTO Connections
Make sure all the connections are secure and free of dirt and debris. This is especially important for hydraulic connections since dirt getting into the hydraulic system could mean serious problems in the future. Speaking of hydraulics, you should pay attention to the systems on your tractor to make sure you’re operating within safe ranges. Too high, and you could cause permanent damage to your implement and make it an extreme safety hazard; too low and you won’t get the desired performance.
We hope some of these tips are helpful for getting started with maintaining your tractor. For more help with tractor maintenance, or if you’re just interested in checking out our stock of tractors for sale in Washington and Oregon, visit our dealership. Come in today and let our team of courteous professionals at SS Equipment answer your questions and help you find what you’re looking for.