By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent
Tractor maintenance tends to fall by the wayside when you get busy. Don’t put these tasks off until spring and summer. Performing a simple front-to-back routine every week can help you remember key maintenance points. The manufacturer will have suggested intervals for most of the maintenance tasks, so you won’t have to do everything every week. But the routine will prompt you to ask if it is time to do specific tasks.
Be ready for the growing season before it starts with these 10 routine maintenance tasks.
Inspect the front axles and steering. Is it time to grease the bearings and steering components? Make sure nothing is loose.
Check the coolant system. Make sure the coolant levels are adequate. Ensure the radiator is not plugged up with debris.
Look at those belts. Check to see they have the right tension and that they are not cracked. This will prompt you to have a spare on hand.
The air filter is next. Make sure it is not clogged and robbing power from your engine by not allowing air to get through.
Check engine oil. You should check this daily, but if you haven’t, a good time to do it is during your weekly inspection. Also, check the fluid itself to ensure it doesn’t have any contaminants or water in it.
Pay attention to the battery. If your battery is not a maintenance-free battery, check the liquid levels. Examine the cables for corrosion and make sure they aren’t rubbing against the frame components.
Check clutch and brake linkages. With everyday use, you may not notice linkage getting out of adjustment. Specifically check for free play and other linkage adjustments.
Look at the hydraulic reservoir. Make sure the fluid is at the correct level and change the fluid when needed. The system provides fluids for remote cylinders, and it the critical lubricating force in your tractor’s transmission.
Test those tires. Make sure they are properly inflated.
Check the back of the tractor. Is it clean? Make sure the hydraulic hose connections are clean to keep dirt out of the system.
These simple procedures can extend the life of your tractors and protect your critical investment. For more information on equipment maintenance, contact the Carter County Cooperative Extension Service. Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic
information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
Upcoming Events:
- Little Sandy Beekeepers – March 7th @ 6:00 PM; Topic: Catching & Relocating Swarms
- Extension District Board Meeting – March 14th @ 10:00 AM
- Private Pesticide Applicator Training – March 20th @ 2:00 PM – Call 474-6686 to register.
- Farmer’s Market Vendor Training – March 20th @ 6:30 PM – This annual training is required for anyone who plans to accept Senior, WIC, & Double Dollar vouchers at the Carter County Farmer’s Market in 2023. Immediately following the training we will have a planning discussion for marketing ideas and events for the 2023 season.