Getting The Most Out Of Your Tractor

Tractors are the cornerstone of modern agriculture, doing everything from plowing to sowing to harvesting and more. But just because your tractors are doing a lot, that doesn’t mean they can’t do more. Many tractors operate with untapped potential, and could in fact make your operations more efficient and productive!

To get you started, we here at Mike Cooper Tractors have put together a few tips for maximizing your tractor output. If you want to know more, or you’re looking for a new tractor to try these tips out with, contact our store in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. Our friendly and experienced staff will make sure you find what you need at the prices you want.

Owner’s Manual

These tips are going to include some maintenance procedures, and with any maintenance, your first step should always be to check your machine’s owner’s manual. As long-winded as it might be, that document is written about your machine specifically and will contain advice that we couldn’t give you without a one-on-one consultation. If you can’t find your manual, check the manufacturer’s website for a digital copy that you can download or print out.

Proper Storage

Tractors are built tough and durable, but they aren’t invincible. Poor weather, the elements, and other environmental hazards can hit your equipment hard. If at all possible, try to store your tractors inside in a barn or garage. At the very least, make sure they’re covered under an awning or tarp to prevent rain and wind from eating away at them. There are studies showing that properly storing your tractor can increase its lifespan and decrease overall downtime. 

Choose The Right Work Hours

If you have any flexibility in your schedule, especially as it relates to your tractor, make the most of it! Try to use your tractor during cooler parts of the day when it’s warm out. This will increase fuel efficiency and your tractor’s overall performance, since the heat can cause fuel to evaporate and make your tractor overheat faster.

Choose The Right Products

It can certainly be more expensive to use higher quality oils, lubricants, and fuel, but they cost more for a reason. Better products will help your tractor to work better, harder, and longer. That increased performance means higher yields from your tractor’s work, which equates to saving money in the long run.

Clean And Replace Filters Regularly

Radiator screens make sure the air flowing into the radiator stays clean, but that means the screens themselves collect dirt and debris pretty fast. That buildup can decrease the airflow to the radiator, which can also lead to overheating and lowered performance. 

The same goes for other filters, including air and fuel filters. These are more delicate, however, and need replacing regularly. Just be careful not to introduce dirt into the system when you replace them. 

Minimize Idle Time

Idling your tractor means wasting fuel. You should only need about five minutes to circulate oil, though your owner’s manual will have the specific number for your machine. If the tractor is going to be sitting for more than five or ten minutes, it’s best to just turn it off. 

Check The Ballast

Tractors rely on proper weight distribution for optimal performance. Otherwise, you risk wasting fuel and wearing down your tires unevenly. Over-ballasting can wear down your drive train and compact your soil, but under-ballasting can cost you traction and tire tread. Check your manual for the right weight for your machine. 

Gear Up, Throttle Down

This common phrase explains how to properly shift your tractor. When the task at hand requires less than 70% of the tractor’s power, shift into a higher gear and slow the engine speed.

Tire Care

You need to make sure your tractor is equipped with the proper tires for its work. Radial tires have a bigger footprint and reduce wheel slip and soil compaction. You should also monitor your tires’ tread depth and air pressure to make sure they abide by the recommendations in your manual. Incorrect psi and too little tread can affect everything from fuel efficiency to safety.

We hope this guide helps you get the most bang for your buck from your tractor! If you have any questions, or if you’d like to browse through the tractors we have for sale, contact us at Mike Cooper Tractors. We proudly serve the people of Tulsa and Muskogee, Oklahoma—let us serve you today!