Tractor Storage

A tractor is an essential part of the agricultural industry; if you own a farm, you probably at least have access to a tractor. There are many small-scale farmers who share one tractor among neighboring farms, but the bigger the farm, the more likely it is you own your own tractor. No matter what the situation is, odds are you won’t need it during the cold months and will need somewhere to store it. But where? Tractors aren’t small machines and, like any vehicle you own, they require special care in order to last for years to come.

Here at Cliff Jones Mahindra, we’ve provided you with some basic tips for winterizing your tractor. But before you put it away, make sure there aren’t any problems that will fester over the cold months. Bring it in to be serviced by our experienced professionals at our Sealy, Texas location. We proudly serve Houston, Victoria, and Columbus.

Shed and Cover

As difficult as it may be to find a shed big enough, the ideal place for storing your tractor over the winter is a barn or shed. Wherever you put it, it will need to be dry and sheltered from the rain and any other surprise weather problems. In Texas, conditions generally don’t get so bad that you have to store it inside, it’s not ideal but it should be okay. No matter if you store it inside or outside, make sure it’s covered by a breathable material. Don’t use plastic as it reduces air circulation and can result in mechanical issues. The covering needs to be waterproof and stretch resistant.

Clean Up the Exterior

Before you stash it away, make sure you give your tractor a nice, thorough cleaning. It’s spent the last several months pushing through dirt, mud, and other grime and leaving all that grime on your tractor can shorten its lifespan. Dish soap is an affordable and gentle way to clean your tractor in a way that doesn’t damage it but gets even the grease and toughest grime out. Try not to get water in the electrical areas and once you’re done, make sure you lubricate all grease points like the hydraulic cylinder rods.

Interior Maintenance

You’ll also want to make sure your internal workings are all freshly prepared for winter storage. Change the oil if it needs it or if you anticipate it’ll be necessary sometime during storage. Drain your fuel tank and then refill it with fuel stabilizer to avoid rust in your tank. Make sure all dirt and debris is cleared from under your hood and remove the battery to store it in a dry, cool place that’s non-conductive. Wherever you store your battery, make sure it won’t be exposed to freezing temperatures (not a huge problem down here, but we’ve been known to have single digit temperatures so store it somewhere temperature regulated just in case).

Tires

The last thing you’ll want to do is make sure your tires won’t wear down in one particular area. Protect your tires by placing supporting blocks or stands under your tractor and then removing enough air to put them at ⅓ the recommended air capacity. This will lower your tractor enough to lift your tires off the ground or at least take the weight off of them. Just remember to reinflate them when you pull it out again.

Properly storing your tractor for the winter is key for your tractor longevity. But you’ll also want to make sure it gets regular maintenance and repairs. When you need a professional to look at your tractor, contact Cliff Jones Mahindra in Sealy, Texas today. We welcome all patrons from the areas of Houston, Victoria, and Columbus, Texas.