Do-It-Yourself Tractor Maintenance

Many tractor maintenance tasks can be performed by owners, rather than a professional. It's an easy way to save time, save money, and keep your tractor operating optimally.

At  Alex Power Equipment, we strive to make your life easier. We've gathered up the following tractor maintenance tips. If you encounter a task that needs an expert, bring your tractor to our service department. Our dealership is located in Alexandria, Minnesota.

Radiator Fluid

An overheated engine is a common culprit of tractor damage. Radiator fluid helps prevent engine overheating, but gradual fluid loss happens over time.

Before you use your tractor, glance at the radiator fluid levels. Top off as needed. 

Engine Oil and Filters

Engine oil helps lubricate various tractor parts and keeps the system running well. It's important to regularly inspect the engine oil, but don't do so on a cold engine.

Instead, let your tractor run for a few minutes and then shut it off for a few minutes. Then, look over the engine oil. Sludgy or discolored engine oil means it's time to replace the oil and the filter. If the quality of the oil is good, simply top off as needed.

The best plan is to  change your oil and and filters according to the manufacturer recommended intervals. Check your owners manual for the recommended intervals.  

Tires

Tractor tires that are not inflated to the correct levels can face a range of issues, from increased chance of a blowout to decreased fuel efficiency. The manufacturer's air pressure recommendation can be found on the tire wall, their website, or in the owner's manual.

Use a tire pressure gauge to get a reading, the adjust the tractor tires as needed.

In some cases, you may want to adjust the tractor tire air pressure to better suit a given task. For example, 

Extra pressure helps the tires hold firm on a paved road.

Reduced pressure helps when tilling.

Extra pressure in the front tires helps when loading.

Extra pressure in the rear tires helps when hauling heavy cargo.

Fuel

It's best to use fresh fuel, which will help your tractor perform better. For most of the year, you will be using your tractor often enough that this will not be an issue.

When it comes time to store your tractor, however, it's important to address the fuel. Add fuel stabilizer to the tank when the tractor will be stored for over a week. Fuel stabilizer helps keep water from collecting or separating out of the fuel, which can result in problems such as engine damage or rust. Don't forget to add fuel stabilizer to any stored backup tractor fuel.

Want more DIY tractor maintenance tips? Looking to shop tractors for sale? Whatever you need, the experts at Alex Power Equipment are here to help. Contact us or stop by our dealership in Alexandria, Minnesota. We also proudly serve those in Fergus Falls and Sauk Centre, Minnesota.