Many tractors require specific types of lubricants and hydraulic fluids that you can identify in the manual. Using the wrong kind could damage your tractor. If you do not have a manual for your tractor, you may be able to find the information on the manufacturer’s website.
Give your tractor a visual inspection before and after each use. Make note of any issues you identify to make sure you address them before the next time you use the tractor.
You may want to adjust tire pressure for different types of jobs. For instance, if you plan on driving your tractor on the road, you might want to add a few more pounds of air. Reducing tire pressure on slick surfaces like mud can help increase traction. Tires lose pressure more quickly when temperatures change from cold to hot, so you may want to check your tire pressure more frequently in the spring and fall.
If a light fails to work, it may be a blown out bulb or fuse that needs to be replaced. If neither of those solve the problem, your tractor may need to be serviced by a technician. Check your owner’s manual to find the correct type of bulb or fuse needed to fix a bad light.
Look for glazing on the sides and bottom of any belts that may indicate that it’s been slipping. Any rubber that has cracked should be replaced.
There’s no real rule of thumb with air filters; they should just be replaced as they appear dirty. You should check your air filter after 8 hours of use or so.
If you don’t have the correct tools, it’s recommended that you have your hydraulic system serviced by a professional after every 500 hours of use.
The dip stick will show the high and low marks for you to compare your oil levels. If it’s low oil, you should add some, or just change the oil if it’s due.
Tractors with mowers can be especially dangerous to work on while running. If you let the tractor warm up to check the oil, you may want to wait a bit as it cools.
Many hydraulic accessories can be extremely heavy, and may really hurt you if they were to fall.
Once the oil has been drained put the drain plug back in and remove the oil filter. Screw on the new oil filter and fill the tractor with the right amount of oil, as specified by its user manual.
Check the owner’s manual for your specific tractor to know what type of coolant to add to the radiator. Don’t operate the tractor until it’s been repaired if you notice a serious drop in radiator fluid.
You should have your hydraulic fluid changed every 400 hours of use. You should also have the hydraulic fluid filter changed.
Cleaning the tractor will also help you identify any damage to the paint that could lead to rusting. Be sure surfaces you step on are clear of debris and anything that might make them slippery.
Make sure to remove any strap that may hold the battery in place before you try to remove it. Store the battery somewhere with climate control, and if possible, leave it connected to a battery maintainer (available at most auto parts stores).
You can also use plastic wrap and tape. Make sure to remove all paper, plastic, and tape before starting the tractor again next year.
Only dispose of drained fluids at authorized chemical disposal locations. Do not store the gasoline for later use. Gas goes bad over time. Condensation will allow water to form in the fuel tank and mix with the fuel if you don’t drain it.
