Tractor Storage

Your tractor is a crucial aspect of your agricultural work. It helps you with the upkeep of your farm, getting more done in less time. It’s a great asset, but it’s not used all year long. Those dead of winter months render it unnecessary. So what do you do with your compact tractor when it’s not in use? You’ll need to store it - and how you do impacts the lifespan of your tractor. We created a beginner’s guide to tractor storage below. For all your tractor needs, visit Boehm Tractor Sales. We proudly serve those in Seguin, Texas.

Clean the Exterior

You won’t want to put a dirty tractor away into storage. That’s a recipe for chipping paint, a shortened lifespan, and higher maintenance costs. It’ll take less elbow grease to conduct a preventative cleaning than it will to fix the issues that’ll crop otherwise.

Your tractor spent months traversing through dirt, dust, mud, and other grime. Set aside plenty of time to do the thorough cleaning it needs. All it takes is some dish soap to wash away even the toughest grime. Avoid the electrical areas as much as possible. After your compact tractor is clean, lubricate the grease points (like the hydraulic cylinder rods).

Interior Maintenance

The inside of your tractor needs some care too. You will likely need to change your oil. To protect against rust in your compact tractor tank, drain your fuel tank and refill it with fuel stabilizer. Clear out all the dirt and debris from underneath your hood. Take the battery out to store it in a dry, cool place that is non-conductive. But don’t store it anywhere where it could reach freezing temperatures.

Tires

If you store your tractor “as-is”, it will place a large amount of strain on the tires. This isn’t good as it wears down the tires in one particular area. You’ll want to protect them by putting supporting blocks or stands underneath your tractor. Then let out enough air for them to be operating at one-third the recommended air capacity. This will lower your tractor, which in turn lifts the tires off the ground (or at the very least, takes some of the weight off of them). You’ll need to remember to re-inflate them before you take it out again.

Before you store your tires, give them a good inspection. Check their tread levels against the recommendations of the manufacturer. Once they get too low, you’ll need to replace them. If you notice any glaring issues or that they are too worn down to salvage, you’ll need to buy new ones. Many people find it easier to buy new tires before putting their compact tractor in storage, rather than a few days before they hope to use it.

Covering Your Tractor

Now it’s time to store your tractor. You won’t want to leave it just sitting in your driveway exposed to the elements. The best place to keep your compact tractor is in a barn or shed - someplace dry and sheltered from the weather. Once you drive it inside your storage space, you’ll want to cover your tractor with something made from breathable material. Avoid using a plastic cover as it decreases air circulation and results in mechanical issues. You need something that’s breathable, waterproof, and stretch-resistant.

We hope you found our guide helpful! Remember you can always visit Boehm Tractor Sales and ask our expert staff any questions. If you are looking to buy a tractor, check out our selection of new and used tractors for sale. We proudly serve those in Seguin, Victoria, New Braunfels, Columbus, and Austin, Texas.