A Beginner's Guide to Tractor Winterization

With winter fast approaching, you likely won't need your tractor again until the spring. But you don't want to simply park your tractor in storage and call it a day. There are important tractor winterization steps you will want to undertake first to ensure your equipment is ready to run come spring. Skip these steps and your tractor could face damage from the storage process. 

We've created the following beginner's guide to tractor winterization to help you remember all the steps. If you have any questions or want to explore tractors for sale, visit Morgan Power Equipment. Our dealership is located in Halifax, Massachusetts. We also proudly serve those in Brockton and Taunton, MA. 

1. Check the Oil

Start your tractor winterization by checking the oil. This process is the same as the one you do on your car. Put the dipstick in, take it out, clean it, put it in again, then check the oil. You want it to be gold and thin. If it looks sludgy, brown, or thick, you'll want to replace the oil and filter. If the oil is good to go, then you can top it off. Your next step is to drain the fuel from the tank. Then place a fresh gallon or two combined with fuel stabilizer, which will help keep the tank from rusting.

2. Tend to the Battery

The next step in tractor winterization is to get the battery ready for storage. Remove the battery and store it in a dry, cool place. Try to place it somewhere where it won't see much exposure, such as your garage. You will also want to connect the battery to a battery tender. This will keep it ready to go come spring.

3. Tend to Your Tires

Tractor winterization is a great time to inspect your tires. Measure the tread and compare it against the manufacturer's recommendations. Tread gets worn down over time, but eventually it gets worn down too much and you will need to replace the tires. You'll also want to check the tire wall integrity and look for any stuck debris.

When it is time to store your tractor, you will want to use supporting blocks or stands. These keep tires from forming flat spots. Make sure to release air until the tire pressure is at about a third of the recommended pressure. This helps remove pressure from the tires so they will be ready for next year.

4. Clean Your Tractor

If there is a fair amount of gunk on your tractor, you will want to give it a good wash. Left too long, this gunk can damage your equipment's exterior. Once you finish washing your tractor, lubricate the grease points.

5. Store Your Tractor

The last step in tractor winterization is storing your equipment. Pick a place where your tractor will be protected from the elements, such as a barn or shed. If you don't have a secure building as an option, you can use a tractor cover as a last resort. But don't use a plastic cover since it'll reduce air circulation and cause mechanical issues over time. Instead, get a tractor cover designed with water-repelling material.

We hope you found our guide to tractor winterization helpful. If you need any help with the process, the experts at Morgan Power Equipment can help. We are happy to answer your questions and provide advice. We also operate a parts replacement and service department that can repair your tractor before you place it in storage. Whatever you need, we can help!