Photo by F. Muhammad from Pixabay
When it comes to self-sufficiency, the more you can do for yourself, the more money you'll save. This is especially true for maintaining your property's equipment and machinery. Because the tractor is a heavily used piece of machinery, it's 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 more thana few months, it is a good idea to replace its old fuel with new. New fuel ensures a quality grade of fuel, without water buildup. Water buildup often results from condensation. This water buildup 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 period of heavy use, 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 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.
Fuel filter. Since the tractor has been refilled with clean oil and maintenance is underway, 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're not too dirty or deteriorated.
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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