Tractor Maintenance Tips

Responsible tractor ownership should always include regular maintenance. The benefits of maintaining your tractor are multifold: you keep your tractor functioning at its peak capacity, you prevent expensive breakdowns and you avoid having to put your tractor in a repair bay for days or even weeks at a time. A well-functioning tractor that isn’t neglected will last longer and be much more useful to you.

Eastman Equipment Company is your Georgia tractor dealer, and we want to help you keep your tractor out of the service shop as much as possible. Thus, we’ve prepared these tips to help you maintain your tractor and keep it running smoothly.

1. Check Your Owner’s Manual

First things first: your tractor’s owner’s manual will have the specific information and guidance you need to maintain your specific make and model. While our general tips are broadly applicable, only your owner’s manual can tell you exactly what products to use with your tractor and when to perform certain tune-ups. Keep the manual handy so you can jot down repairs done for future reference.

2. Inspect Tires

Your tractor tires need to be in good condition to help you do the work you have to do. Inspect the tires and check their air pressure regularly with a tire-pressure gauge, using an air compressor to air them up to the psi levels printed on the tire or in your owner’s manual. You may want to adjust the pressure depending on what you’re doing. Driving on roads requires a little more pressure, while tilling might require less pressure. Examine tires for signs of damage or embedded objects, also, and keep an eye on the treads: you should never drive on bad tires.

3. Check Radiator Fluid

Radiator fluid, also known as coolant, helps to keep your engine cool and prevent overheating, which can bring your work to a total standstill. If you notice that you often have low coolant or witness a sudden drop in fluid or liquid pooling under your tractor, this indicates that the radiator needs some help from a mechanic.

4. Change Oil

Just like your car or truck, your tractor’s engine requires fresh, clean oil in sufficient quantities to lubricate all its parts and maintain proper functioning. If you check the oil and it’s sludgy, it needs to be changed. Metal filings in the oil are a warning sign that your tractor needs professional attention, since this usually means that parts are rubbing against each other. Change the oil filter at the same time.

5. Keep It Fueled Up

This might seem obvious, but plenty of people have forgotten to fill up their tractors’ gas tanks, only to run out of steam halfway through their work. You’ll need to use the right type of fuel for your particular tractor and always ensure you’ve got sufficient fuel in the tank for whatever you’re doing. If you plan to store your tractor for a while, add a fuel stabilizer to prevent water separation.

Does your tractor need some professional attention? Contact the Eastman Equipment Company service department to make an appointment with our technicians. We can address whatever issues you’re having and help get you back to work as soon as possible. If you’re looking to purchase a new tractor, visit our Eastman, GA, dealership to check our our inventory of new and used tractors for sale. We can also assist you with financing options if you need them. Eastman Equipment Company proudly serves the cities of Warner Robins and Dublin, GA.