Servicing Your Tractor
You rely on your tractor to accomplish a seemingly endless number of tasks with reliable power and efficiency. However, if you want to consistently get great results, it’s important that you take the time to service your tractor and tune it up on a regular basis.
While there are many tasks you can handle on your own, some instances may require a professional. You can always count on True Value Trailers & Power Equipment to handle all your tractor needs, so get in touch with us today at one of our dealership locations in Penrose or Florence, Colorado. Whether you need a minor repair or a full service, we’ve got you covered!
Consult Your Owner’s Manual
First and foremost, the best thing you can do as a responsible owner is to read your owner’s manual to make sure you understand what you should be looking at or when to schedule regular service. The manual will also have instructions on servicing your tractor, as well as maintenance logs to help you keep track of what you’ve done and when. Several issues can be solved with a quick look at the owner’s manual, saving you the time and energy of calling a professional.
Visual Inspection
Before you use your tractor, it’s essential to give it a visual inspection in order to spot any apparent issues. Check for leaks, loose hoses, or misplaced cables. Leaks can be easy to fix by tightening the attachments and making sure that hoses are connected properly. Next, look at the glass sediment bowl under the fuel filter. If you find water or oil there, that could mean something is wrong with your fuel, filter, or the engine.
Fluids and Filters
All machines need proper lubrication to keep their parts from tearing themselves apart and reduce overall heat, and tractors are no exception. Make a point to check the engine oil on a regular basis just like you would with your car or truck. However, don’t check the oil on a cold engine. Start the tractor and let it run for a couple of minutes. Shut it off and then wait a few more minutes. Next, remove the dipstick, wipe it off, reinsert, and pull it out again for a clean reading. The oil should be light in color, but if it’s discolored and sludgy then it’s time for an oil change and filter replacement.
Remember to check the radiator fluid daily and top it off when required. While it’s normal to experience some fluid loss gradually, there might be a bigger problem if you’ve to replace the coolant every day. Take care to check periodically throughout the day, and if it’s clearly an issue, don’t hesitate to have the tractor serviced by professionals.
Tractor Tires
The tires maintain contact with the ground and hold up the entire weight of your tractor, so they’re going to wear out over a period of time. Give them a once over, examining each one for cracks in the sidewall, uneven wear, or embedded objects in the treads. You always want to repair or replace a tire right away if you discover any sign of damage. Uneven wear may be a sign of poor alignment or another issue, so you can have your tractor checked by a professional, like the experts we have here at True Value Trailers & Power Equipment.
You'll also want to measure the air pressure to ensure the tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommendations. If you’re not sure about the correct tire pressure, we recommend adjusting it a little for specific tasks. For example, if you’ll be driving on a paved road, the tires should have a few extra pounds of pressure so they hold firm on the rough pavement. When loading, you want more pressure in the front tires, and if hauling something heavy, the rear tires could use a few extra pounds.
Keep it Clean
An important part of servicing your tractor is to keep your machine clean. Built-up grass, dirt, mud, and debris can damage the finish or seep into your vehicle, clogging up the engine. Take the time to wash your machine a few times a year or if it’s especially dirty after a long day of work. A clean machine will function much better and also look nicer.
Remember that if you need some professional assistance with servicing your tractor, you can always contact the service department at True Value Trailers & Power Equipment. We’ll be more than happy to help you out in whatever way we can. If you’re interested in checking out some quality machines, visit us at one of our dealership locations in Penrose or Florence, CO. We proudly serve all our patrons coming from Pueblo and Colorado Springs.