Prepare Your Tractor For Winter
Whether you are planning on using or storing your tractor over the winter months there are some steps you can take to help protect your tractor and extend the life of the parts.
Winterising Tips For Your Tractor
- Inspect Tyres: In colder weather rubber tyres can
become brittle, it is important to check tyres are at the recommended pressure
to help prolong their life during the winter months.
- Check Fluids: Keep your tractor in good condition by
following recommendations on engine oil and coolant for cold weather.
- Replace Fuel With Winter Grade Fuel: Drain the tank
to replace with winter grade fuel to prevent it from freezing. In low
temperatures diesel can form crystals that may cause fuel filters to plug
which can result in costly repairs.
- Check Your Tank For Condensation: Condensation in the
fuel tank can build up in cold weather, using a diesel fuel additive
recommended by the manufacturer can help prevent this.
- Check The Battery: Batteries can struggle starting in
the winter – ensure you check the condition by load testing and inspecting the
terminals and connections. If you won’t be using your tractor over the winter, remove the battery and store in a warm environment – cold weather can shorten the life of your battery
and hinder the power required to start
the engine.
- Park In A Heated Or Dry Shelter: Keeping your tractor
out of the elements will help prolong the parts and ensure it will start more
easily in the winter. If you can’t part undercover, try to park facing the
rising sun.
- Use An Engine Block Heater: If you can park within reach of an electrical outlet an engine block heather will help warm the engine coolant, making it easier to start and minimise the effect of cold weather on the engine.
- Warming Up: Allow your engine 5-10 minutes to warm
the engine fluids before operating.
