As we enter into chillier months, it is a good idea to start planning on how to winterize your tractor.

Winter weather brings many variables–rain, wind, snow, freezing temperatures-what are the best ways to optimize your machine for the elements? Some folks store their tractors for months, and some dive head first into snow removal tasks. Read on to find out which tips will work best for you and your tractor this winter:

1. Fuel: A majority of tractors run on diesel fuel. When outdoor temperatures drop below 20˚ Fahrenheit, wax crystals will form as diesel fuel freezes–not good. These crystals prevent fuel from flowing through a fuel line and the tractor parts are at risk of becoming clogged and damaged. You can add an anti-gel additive to the fuel prior to cold weather setting in, and this will prevent the wax crystals from forming and keep your tractor running smoothly.  If you happen to own a gas tractor, make sure to drain the fuel if you won’t be using it – gas will become stale over time. Stale gas can also clog parts and prevent the tractor from running properly.

2. Fluids: Winter is an excellent time to check all fluid levels in your tractor. Make sure they are filled to the brim! You will want to make sure to check engine oil, hydraulic fluid and coolant. When a tractor sits for a while, condensation can form in parts of the tractor if there is any room for water. Condensation water mixing with fluids could lead to corrosion, performance issues, and even frozen damage to parts. Condensation can lead to watered-down fluids in your tractor, which will affect the overall performance negatively and could cause larger issues down the road.

3. Battery: Keep an eye on your battery–freezing temps can drain it. It is important to disconnect and remove the battery altogether if you will not be using the tractor during the winter season. Not only can chilly weather drain batteries, they also have the potential to freeze and crack in winter conditions, causing leaks. Keep the battery away from freezing conditions if you can. It is also a good idea to occasionally keep it on a battery maintainer or trickle charger.  If you do plan to use the tractor during winter, definitely keep a charge on the battery so it will be ready when needed and to maintain the quality of the battery. Remember that a battery life is about 6-8 years.

4. Keep up on your maintenance: It’s vital to the longevity and performance of you tractor to conduct routine maintenance once a year.  Changing the oil, transmission fluids, and filters prior to winter storage will help ensure that your tractor will be well maintained and ready to go when the springtime rush arrives. No one wants to try and start their tractor come Springtime and its dead. Another thing to consider would be removing any dirt and debris from the radiator to prevent overheating and also add antifreeze. Running antifreeze through anything that uses water like a sprayer, prevents corrosion and keeps the fittings from cracking. Also make sure that you grease and lubricate all moving parts like bearings and joint, as well as your tractor implements. Finally, don’t forget to make sure all tires are properly inflated. Cold temperatures cause air molecules to slow down and group together, which can decreasing the air pressure.

5. Repairs: Don’t let repairs get away from you! While performing routine maintenance on your tractor, go ahead and take care of any necessary repairs–you will thank yourself down the line.  Tractors are an investment, and something that starts out as a small issue can become a large issue in a short amount of time. Spring is too busy to worry over damaged equipment. You will want your tractor to be fully functional in spring and ready for projects.

6. Clean it up: With things slowing down this time of year, it’s the perfect opportunity to give your tractor a good cleaning. Not only will this keep things aesthetically pleasing, but it can help maintain the integrity of the paint. Dirt can actually freeze to a tractor and if combined with moisture, this can run down the tractor and even cause clogs to happen. A clean tractor is ideal when storing for winter.

7. Winter Storage: The winter months can be very harsh, so put some careful thought into where you’ll store your tractor. If possible, you want to store it in a place safe from snow and precipitation. A temperature-controlled environment is ideal, but a shed or barn will always work As a last resort, a heavy, waterproof tarp will do the job. Consider tipping tractor seats forward if not covered with a cab so they will not hold water or be exposed to UV rays, thus cracking the vinyl. Don’t forget about rodent control! In winter months rodents will look for areas to build nests and sleep, and they love to feed on wires. Rodent damage can be common during winter storage and you don’t want to face an expensive repair when it’s time to put your tractor back to use.  Rodent repellant or pest control spray will save you from a big headache and repairs in the future.

8. Attachments: Attachments and implements are essential for getting jobs done–so don’t forget about taking care of them, too. Be sure to clean the top of your bush hog and park it where it doesn’t hold moisture and rust out the deck. You don’t want water to build up and freeze inside your front-end loader, so make sure buckets are tipped forward for storage. PTO shafts can also freeze up over winter. Remove PTO shafts, lubricate them and store in a dry, clean place free from snow and rodents. Do the same with your snow plows, etc. in the summer. Maintenance is key. Keeping attachments and implements clean, lubricated and away from the elements as much as possible will keep them working properly for years.

9. Review your Owner’s Manual: With less daylight and cold temperatures, we tend to spend more time indoors during winter. This is the perfect time to pour yourself a warm drink, curl up by the fire, and browse through your tractor manual late into the night. Reviewing information about your tractor can provide you with knowledge, reminders, and safety tips, and help you make plans for how to maintain your tractor in the future.

10. Put it to use: For some, winter can is a time to store the tractor away, but for many, it is a time of heavy duty snow removal, sanding, pulling a car out of the ditch, and other tasks. there are a huge variety of snow removal implements available for a variety of tasks. If you plan to use your tractor this winter season, plug the battery into a maintainer to prevent it from draining. Think about getting tire chains or snow tires for better traction in slick and snowy conditions. Check all tractor lights to ensure they are in good working condition for visibility as there are less daylight hours in winter. Be sure to monitor your tractor and address any issues promptly.

You can’t stop winter. As you can see, the onset of the colder months makes for a busy time in tractor maintenance! As long as you keep up on these tasks, it will ensure that your tractor stays running and working for years to come.

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