The Ultimate Tractor Servicing Checklist
It’s no surprise that good maintenance practices prolong the life of your equipment. With a mix of do-it-yourself tasks and professional servicing, it’s possible to keep your tractor in top shape. Our team at PrairieLand Partners strives to be a top resource for you, so we’ve put together the ultimate servicing checklist!
Daily
It may seem like a lot of extra work to perform maintenance tasks after a long day, but there are several things you can do to optimize the performance of your equipment daily.
Check Fluid Levels
Before beginning tasks and after completing them, it’s important to check all of your fluid levels. This includes fuel, oil, coolant, and any lubricants. Diligently checking fluid levels can help prevent bigger issues and allow you to catch any problems early on. You should monitor for leaks and excessive fluid loss.
Clean Interior and Exterior
It may not always be practical to wash equipment at the end of every workday, but doing so can improve the longevity and appearance of your tractor. Allowing heavy build up of dirt and debris could lead to rust damage.
Even if you aren’t able to clean the exterior every day, as an operator you should pride yourself on a clean interior. You probably won’t need to detail the cab, but having general cleanliness will contribute to personal performance and can increase trade-in value down the road.
Monthly
Monthly tasks should be a mixture of on-farm tasks and professional servicing. You should check with your dealer or the manufacturer to determine if you fall within warranty and have service options available to you!
Oil Change
Roughly every 300 hours your tractor will require an oil change. Double check your owner’s manual to determine oil type and suggested frequency. While you may not need to change oil every single month, it’s good to develop a habit of routinely checking it!
Filters
Along with changing your oil, you should check your filters once a month. This includes hydraulic, oil, and fuel filters.
Blow Out the Radiator
Depending on the weather and the job at hand, you may need to perform this task more frequently, but keeping a clear radiator is absolutely essential for peak performance. If you don’t do this, you may experience overheating and decreased engine power, which can result in more serious problems if not addressed.
Tires
It’s important to keep an eye on your tire pressure whenever you plan to operate your equipment. At least once every month you should perform an inspection on each tire for any wear and tear to avoid any problems in the field or on the road.
Yearly
At least once a year you should have your equipment inspected and serviced for any necessary repairs. It’s kind of like a wellness exam; you don’t want to put it off because catching problems early is always better!
Work with your dealer’s service department to establish annual inspection services and consult the manufacturer’s warranty information to determine what will be covered if repairs are needed.
Unexpected performance issues can always pop up, but creating a routine for preventative maintenance will improve your ownership experience and the life of your tractor. PrairieLand Partners has several Kansas locations and our team would love to assist you with establishing a routine tractor maintenance plan. We also have a great inventory selection, so plan your visit today!