Photo by F. Muhammad from Pixabay
As most of us know, when it comes to self-sufficiency, the more that you can do for yourself often saves time and money. This is especially true when it comes to maintaining your property's equipment and machinery. The tractor, being a heavily used piece of machinery, is a great place to start realizing basic tractor maintenance yourself. This post is not intended to be all inclusive in its coverage of basic tractor maintenance. It merely attempts to point out some of the primary areas of consideration for maintaining your tractor.
Tractor fuel, oil, filters, battery, tires, and brake maintenance
The Fuel. When the tractor's been stored for over a few months, it is a good idea to replace its old fuel with new. New fuel ensures a quality grade of fuel, without water build-up. Water build-up often results from condensation. This water build-up can accumulate and be distributed through the fuel lines. Water in the fuel lines can then be introduced into the engine, compromising the engine or its performance.
The Oil. The tractor's oil should be changed regularly, usually at 100 hour intervals, after a heavy use period or in particularly dusty operating conditions. Check the manufacturer's maintenance manual for the specific type of engine oil to be used.
Changing the Oil. To change the oil, make sure that the tractor is securely parked and free of movement. Place a large oil drip pan beneath the tractor's oil reservoir. Remove the plug screw. Allow the old oil to drain down into the drip pan. After the oil chamber has fully drained, replace and check the security of the plug screw. Open the oil refill cap, insert a funnel down into the oil chamber and refill with the recommended amount of new oil into the tractor.
Fuel Filter. Since the tractor has been refilled with clean oil and maintenance is being accomplished, it makes sense to change the engine oil and oil filters simultaneously. Changing or cleaning the filters prevents any old dirt, dust and debris from being introduced into the new oil /or the engine. You may be able to wash and clean the filters yourself if they are not too dirty or deteriorated.
Battery. Inspect and clean the battery terminals. Check the battery's terminals for rust, cracks, corrosion or grease residue. When the tractor sits for extended periods without operating, the battery can discharge. As the battery discharges, it can weaken and overtax the alternator.
Photo by Adrienne Andersen from Pexels
Tires. Check the tires' overall integrity, making sure that they are not split, worn or cracked. Check that tires' tred depth and air pressure is adequate for proper performance. If you find the tires are in poor condition, consider getting one or more good replacements.
Brakes. Follow these instructions for replacing tractor brakes.
- Raise and secure tractor. If necessary, take off the rear wheels to provide easier access to the brakes.
- Take off the break linkage by unhooking it from its cam. Take the bolts off the cover.
- To take any pressure off the brake shoes, make sure that the brake cam is in neutral.
- Using a flathead screwdriver, or other prying tool, carefully pry off the cover. Be careful not to break or bend the cover. Remove the shoes, brake cam and O-ring.
- Before replacing the parts, make sure to clean any dirt and build up from the brake cam and it's cover. This prevents contamination with these substances on the reinstalled parts.
- To prevent excessive wear & tear on the brake shoes from the brake drum, make sure that no rust or debris is on the brake drum. If so, sand drum until smooth and clean.
- Install new brake shoes, O-ring and if needed, new springs. Ensure brake cam is fully lubricated.
- For moisture and rust prevention, add a new gasket.
- Replace any remaining parts, plus the bolts, linkage, and cover. Lastly, replace the rear wheels.
- Check and adjust the brake pedal, if needed.
Tractor belts, blades and body
Belts. Like tires, check the overall integrity of the belts, ensure there are no cracks, splits or tears. Check that the drive belt is in good condition. You may want to observe the drive belt with the engine running. This will allow you to check that the belt is properly aligned around the fly wheel. The tractor relies on the belts to drive power to all of its internal functions
Blades. Check the security of the blades. Make sure that there are no loose nuts, bolts or screws. Once satisfied that everything is secured properly, you may then remove and sharpen the blades. With a sandstone or grinding wheel, sharpen the blades as necessary. Oil and properly replace and secure the blades back on the tractor.
Body. Finally, regularly inspect for rust on the body of the tractor. Rust breaks down and weakens the integrity of the metal. For rust prevention, conduct a thorough, (topside and underside of tractor) body inspection. If any rust is observed, sand, smooth & paint the affected area.
Monica White is a freelance writer, member of the Georgia Air National Guard, and an avid runner and cyclist who loves the great outdoors and all things DIY. She divides her time between Tampa and her central Florida property, where she's growing a self-sufficient homestead. Connect with Monica on her outdoor lifestyle blog, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Read all of her MOTHER EARTH NEWS posts here.
All MOTHER EARTH NEWS community bloggers have agreed to follow our Blogging Guidelines, and they are responsible for the accuracy of their posts.
At MOTHER EARTH NEWS for 50 years and counting, we are dedicated to conserving our planet's natural resources while helping you conserve your financial resources. You'll find tips for slashing heating bills, growing fresh, natural produce at home, and more. That's why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing through our earth-friendly automatic renewal savings plan. By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $5 and get 6 issues of MOTHER EARTH NEWS for only $12.95 (USA only). 
Attachments all depend on what you plan to do with it. Are you haying? You'll need mower, rake, baler. That's my setup. If you are planting corn/wheat/soy you'll need other implements. Lots of good field tractors on craigslist for reasonable prices, such as John Deere 3020. If you are not familiar, find a neighbor or family member and get their advice. That's what I did.
Nice, but how about some advice for an about-to-begin farmer on what attachments are needed, what to look for in a used tractor and who can give unbiased advice on the condition and is it worthwhile to consider an old Farmall or Ford. Tnx