Summer Tractor Prep

Is your tractor prepared for the busy season ahead? If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to give your farm equipment a thorough maintenance check. No matter how reliable your tractor might be, long periods of disuse can take a heavy toll, and all the necessary repairs should be addressed before harvest season comes around. Whether you are new to tractor maintenance or just need a refresher course, this guide is for you!

Need more expert guidance? Feel free to consult the qualified staff here at Mike Cooper Tractors. You can find us in Fort Gibson, OK.

Freshen Up the Fluids

First things first: if your tank still contains any leftover fuel from the winter months, you should drain the old fuel and replace it with a fresh supply. While you’re at it, check the other fluid levels and refill them as needed. This includes the coolant, the engine oil, and the hydraulic oil. All these fluids are essential for keeping the transmission lubricated, reducing condensation, and protecting the engine from overheating.

Check the Battery

If your tractor has been idle for awhile, the battery may have discharged. This can overtax the alternator, and even lead to engine failure when left unaddressed. Check the charge level of the battery, and juice it up with a high-powered charger if needed. You should also take a moment to examine the electrical connections for damage or corrosion, and clean off any residue.

Inspect Your Tractor Tires

Check the air pressure in your tires, and inflate them as needed to match the psi level recommended by the manufacturer. Examine your tires for excessive or uneven tread wear, debris lodged in the tread, and cracks in the sidewalls. Replace any damaged tires right away to avoid a flat tire or blowout.

Sharpen Your Blade Attachments

Blades can get dull and rusty over time, so it’s important to clean and sharpen them on a regular basis. This is pretty simple if you have a grinding wheel on hand, but if not, your local repair sharp can handle the task. If the blade has any significant damage, don’t bother with sharpening – attachment blades that are cracked or bent should simply be replaced.

Inspect the Drive Belts

Last but not least, give the drive belts a thorough examination. Your tractor relies on these belts to power all of its internal functions, so faulty drive belts can cause a host of problems. Check them for damage, tighten them as needed, and replace them if necessary. This can be done manually in most cases, but you might need the assistance of a mechanic if the belts are in especially rough condition.

You can count on the expert mechanics here at Mike Cooper Tractors to handle all your tractor repair needs. We welcome customers from Tulsa and Muskogee, OK.