Tractor Storage

Now that summer has drawn to a close, many farmers have completed the harvest and are looking to put their machines away for the winter. You don’t just want to leave your precious tractor out in the open all winter without maintaining it, allowing it to be buried in snow. This neglect could lead to corrosion and breakdown, and you’ve invested far too much in your tractor to allow it to fall into disrepair between seasons.

Storing your tractor securely is a great way to keep it in peak condition so that it can continue to provide you with years of use. Flieg's Equipment, with locations in Ste. Genevieve and Leadington, is your Missouri tractor dealer. Read on to learn more about proper tractor storage so you can keep your farm equipment safe over the winter.

Perform Basic Maintenance Tasks

First, you’ll want to make sure you’ve maintained your tractor as best you can before you put it away for the season.

• Check the engine oil to see whether it’s sludgy and in need of a change. If the oil is clear, you can top it off and move on, but if it’s opaque, you’ll need to change the oil and oil filter at the same time.
• Drain the fuel from your gasoline tank and fill it with fresh fuel, to which you’ll add a stabilizer to prevent water from separating out and causing the tank interior to rust.
• Remove the battery and store it on a trickle charger in a cool and dry place like your garage.
• Inspect all of your tractor’s tires for signs of wear or embedded objects. Make sure they’re under pressure by about a third before storing the tractor on supporting blocks or stands to prevent flat spots and uneven wear. This will help to save your tires so they won’t need replacing as quickly.

Clean Your Machine

Next, you should thoroughly clean your tractor from top to bottom, getting into every nook and cranny you can. You’ll probably need to hose off mud from the undercarriage and wheels before you can start scrubbing. Make sure to use a milder detergent like a car wash soap or dish soap. Try to prevent water from getting into the instrument panel or the engine. After you’re done, you should lubricate your grease points, such as the hydraulic cylinder rods. Make sure the tractor is dry before you store it.

Cover & Store Indoors

Ideally, you will have an indoor place to keep your tractor over the winter, like your barn or shed or garage. You don’t want to leave your tractor vulnerable to inclement weather by storing it out of doors. If you don’t have a place to store it on your property, consider renting a storage unit to keep it secured. But chances are pretty good you do have somewhere to put it.

Even when your tractor is stored indoors, it should be covered with a snug cover that will prevent debris from building up on it. Avoid plastic, but find something that is water-repellent just in case moisture does get in.

We hope this guide helps you to keep your tractor running year after year. Looking to trade yours in or making a first-time investment in a tractor for your farming operation? Visit one of our dealerships in Ste. Genevieve or Leadington, Missouri to see our full selection of new and used tractors and other pieces of farm equipment for sale. We additionally provide farm equipment parts and service to help you keep your tractor in good shape. Flieg’s Equipment welcomes all of our Missouri customers from the greater St. Louis metro area.