Don't Forget to Winterize Your Tractor

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Winterizing your tractor is an important part of your tractor maintenance, and Bill's has provided you with a guide containing steps to help keep your tractor maintained throughout the Winter months.

Bill's Tractor knows that it is important to perform regular tractor maintenance as you prepare for colder weather. The tips in the Guide we have provided below will help you extend the life of your tractor so that you can be sure to get the most out of your tractor year in and year out.

6 Steps to Winter Tractor Maintenance

Bill’s Tractor knows that it is important to perform regular tractor maintenance as you prepare for colder weather. Here are the steps you can take to protect your tractor this winter:

Clear any history codes to remove historical data that can accumulate and hinder equipment performance. If there is any operational information that can be detrimental to the performance of the equipment, be sure to have your equipment evaluated by a qualified, professional mechanic.
Add fuel treatment so that water/gel does not accumulate to cause catastrophic fuel-related failures.

CHECK YOUR PARTS AND LEVELS

Check the condition of radiator hoses and clamps to be sure none are dried or cracked and ensure proper operation of the machine.
Check your battery condition by visually inspecting it for age, swelling, and electrolyte levels. Clean terminal connections and add corrosive protection. Load test battery to test performance level. Consider adding a trickle charger if the battery will be sitting for an extended amount of time. Today’s trickle chargers provide minimal charge as needed as the battery starts to weaken from non-use, without fear of overcharging. This ensures that the battery will not continue to discharge to a point of no return.
Check your antifreeze/coolant quality using ethylene glycol antifreeze tester to check level of protection to be sure your equipment is protected from freezing as well as protection of O-rings, seals, cylinder walls, water pump, etc.
If you live up north or in an area that has long hard freezes, be sure that water-filled tires have an antifreeze additive installed.

If you own a cab unit:

Change the windshield washer fluid to winter solution so it doesn’t freeze.
Open the heater water inlet valve so that warm water flows properly to aide in heating the tractor.
Check seals around doors and windows so that the cabin stays dry, cold air doesn’t enter, and warm air doesn’t escape.

Your tractor is an important piece of equipment and should be cared for regularly to ensure its longevity. These tips are general guidelines you can follow to help extend the life of your equipment. You should always review your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and recommendations for winterizing and storage.

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