Three Tips to Follow When Operating Your Tractor in the Summer

The summer season is a fantastic time for agricultural operations. The days are longer, and your crops get the sunlight they need to thrive. However, the intense heat can bring various unique problems for farmers, and you will want to stay safe from the hazards at all costs. Like most farm operators throughout Kansas, you will want to take all possible measures to prevent the warm temperatures from affecting you, your crops, and your machines.

PrairieLand Partners is your local agricultural equipment dealer, and we have gathered a few strategies to help you stay safe and keep your tractor in tip-top shape. Keep reading this guide to learn more, and for more information, contact our friendly experts. We are in multiple locations throughout Kansas, so reach out today.

1. Pay Attention to Fluids

The first thing to do when operating your tractor in the hot weather is to keep it cool.

Your tractor has a high-power potency, which makes it suitable for various labor-intensive tasks. But be careful when operating your machine, as the pressure and the extreme summer heat can put it under tremendous stress. This can lead to a dangerous situation, which you can avoid by keeping your coolant reservoir full. Make sure you inspect the tank regularly and top off any low levels as necessary. You will also want to replenish your engine oil, fuel, and lubricating fluids to keep your machine cool and functioning smoothly.

2. Adjust Tire Pressure

We often recommend that our customers adjust their tractor’s tire pressure when working in the summer. High heat can cause the air pressure to increase, which can lead to premature wear and tear as well as overheating. If you neglect this condition, it can lead to a blowout.

To stay safe, you will want to take a simple psi reading of your tires before starting your tractor each day. If they appear over-inflated, reduce the pressure to a more suitable measure and help keep your tractor cool and functional in the hot weather.

3. Be Strategic About Your Working Hours

Working outdoors in the scorching heat can be detrimental to your health and the health of your tractor. While the heat can dehydrate you, it can also cause the rubber and plastic components on your tractor to crack or melt. This can affect your machine’s performance and create safety hazards for you and your workers.

To prevent this, try to be more strategic about your working hours. Ideally, you will want to take advantage of the cool morning and late evening hours to work outside. You will also want to drink plenty of fluids when operating your tractor in the summer.

We hope these tips help you operate your tractor safely in the summer. If you need more advice or want to buy a machine for your agricultural operation, visit PrairieLand Partners. We have an impressive collection of new and used tractors for sale, and we can help you select a model that perfectly matches your unique requirements. We have multiple dealerships throughout Kansas, so visit one that’s nearest to you.