DIY Tractor Maintenance
Regular maintenance can help extend the life of your small tractor, help it perform better, and keep it out of the repair shop longer. While there are certain maintenance tasks best left to the professionals, there are plenty of projects you can tackle on your own. We've created the following beginner's guide to tractor maintenance.
Visual Inspection
Start by glancing over your compact tractor. Do you see any problems? Look for leaks, loose hoses, or any misplaced cables. You can often fix a leak by tightening the attachments and checking that the hoses are all connected properly. You'll also want to look at the glass sediment bowl found under the fuel filter. If you spot water or material in there, then there could be a problem with the fuel, fuel filter, or engine. You'll want to take your small tractor to a service department, such as the one at Cliff Jones Mahindra Tractor.
Engine Oil and Radiator Fluid
When you run your tractor all day, it faces a higher risk of overheating. This can lead to expensive repairs due to damage caused by overheating. That's why coolant and lubricant for your engine and radiator are so important. Each day, check the radiator fluid and see if it needs to be topped off. There will be daily gradual fluid loss, but if you find yourself replacing a large amount then there could be a problem. You'll want to check the fluid level throughout the day. If you notice an issue, get your small tractor serviced.
Engine oil is also an important lubricant. The oil should be checked regularly on your tractor the same as you do with checking the oil on your car. But it is important that you don't check your small tractor oil on a cold engine. Instead, you will want to start up your compact tractor and let it run for a few minutes. Then, turn it off and let it sit for a few minutes. Then you can use your dipstick. Take it out, wipe it off, put it in again, then look at the results. Your oil should be light in color. If you notice it is discolored and sludgy, then it is time for an oil change and time to replace your filter.
Fuel
It's important that you use fresh fuel on your tractor. Most of the time, you will likely be running it enough that it isn't an issue. But if you plan on storing your tractor for more than two weeks, it's wise to add fuel stabilizer to the tank. This product will help keep water from collecting or separating out the fuel, which can lead to rust or engine problems.
Tires
Tires need to be inflated to the right air pressure in order to function properly. All you need is to measure the air pressure with a tire pressure gauge and then compare that reading to the manufacturer's recommendations. These recommendations can be printed on the tire wall, in your owner's manual, or on the manufacturer's website.
We hope you have found this DIY tractor maintenance guide to be helpful. If you have questions, contact us at Cliff Jones Mahindra Tractor. We’re located in Sealy, TX. We can also assist those in Houston and Victoria, TX.