Tractor Storage for the Winter

You know you need to store your tractor for the winter, but do you know all the crucial winterization steps you need to take? Properly storing your tractor helps extend its life, reduce the need for expensive repairs, and gives you peace of mind as the winter weeks go by. It can be hard remembering all the many steps to keeping your tractor secure when it's not in use. That's why we created the following guide for proper winter storage of tractors. For all your tractor needs, visit Mike Cooper Tractors. We proudly serve those in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Muskogee, and Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

Tractor Maintenance

You're going to be putting your tractor into storage for the season. It's best to go through some basic maintenance to ensure your tractor is well-taken care of before you set it aside for several weeks or months. Begin by inspecting the engine oil. This process is the same as it goes in your car. Insert the dipstick, take it out and clean it, put it in again, then examine the oil. Ideally, it'll look gold and thin. If the oil looks fine, then you'll just need to top it off. If it looks sludgy, brown, or thick, you'll want to change the oil and replace the filter. Your next step is to drain the fuel from the tank and put in a fresh gallon or two. Combine it with fuel stabilizer to help prevent your tank from rusting.

Next, you'll want to deal with your battery. It's best to remove it from your tractor so that it won't drain as it sits in storage. Take it out and connect it to a battery tender. Aim for keeping it stored in a garage or somewhere else where it will be guarded against moisture, the elements, and severe fluctuating temperatures.

Finally, you'll want to give your tractor tires some care. Inspect the tread wear, tire wall integrity, and debris lodged into them. When it's time to store your tractor, you'll want to use supporting blocks or stands. This helps prevent your tractor tires from having flat spots. Release some air until the tires are at about a third of the recommended pressure. This helps remove some pressure off of them and puts them on the blocks.

Clean Your Tractor

Your tractor is traversing around in dirty, muddy terrain. It's bound to collect dust, dirt, water spots, and other grime. This is more than an aesthetic issue. It can be damaging to let those materials sit on your tractor for long periods of time. You'll want to give your tractor a good wash before storing it. You can use mild detergents, dish soaps, or other all-purpose cleaners. Just be sure to keep any water or soap from getting into the electronics or instrument panel, since this would cause damage. Once you finish cleaning your tractor, you'll want to lubricate the grease points in different areas (such as the hydraulic cylinder rods).

Storing Your Tractor

Where you store your tractor is important. Make sure it's somewhere that will keep your tractor dry and protected from the elements, such as rain, wind, and sun. Ideally, you'll keep it in a barn or a shed. If you have to store it in the open, use a cover! But don't use a plastic one since that'll impair air circulation and can cause mechanical issues as the water builds up. Make sure the cover is built with water repelling material.

We hope you found this guide helpful! For all your tractor needs, visit Mike Cooper Tractors. We proudly serve those in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Muskogee, and Tahlequah, Oklahoma.