Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Tractor
Everyone in the agriculture industry can benefit from having a tractor. There’s so much you can do with a tractor, from tilling the soil to planting seeds and harvesting crops, these machines are always handy to have around. Using a tractor to its full potential is the best way to set yourself up for success, so read on to learn about some of our tips from True Value Trailers & Power Equipment. If you have any questions, visit our dealership in Penrose and Florence, Colorado.
Read the Owner’s Manual
You should take the time to read the owner’s manual as it will help you better understand how to use and maintain your tractor. Most importantly, it will tell you how often it needs to be serviced. Try your best to follow this schedule so your equipment continues functioning and performing well. You’ll even find other helpful pointers in the owner’s manual that are specific to your model.
Gear Up, Throttle Down
The gear up, throttle down approach is used when a task needs less than 70% of the tractor’s total power potential. With this strategy, you can shift to a higher gear and decrease engine speed. This will help get optimized tractor performance.
Reduce Idle Time
To get the cooling oil circulated, it only takes about five minutes of idling time. Some models may need a few minutes more or a few minutes less, but mostly they take five minutes. If your tractor will be idling for more than ten minutes, we’d recommend turning it off.
Store It Properly
If it’s feasible, you must keep your tractor inside a building. The walls and roof will protect your machine from rain, harsh sun rays, and pests. Many agricultural research studies also suggest that indoor tractor storage boots the performance.
Avoid Working When It’s Extremely Hot
If you operate your tractor in high heat, the fuel can heat up and the tractor performance can deteriorate. Try to work during the cooler parts of the day, which will result in better tractor performance.
Use Proper Tractor Ballast
Check the owner's guidelines for the recommended tractor ballast. Over-ballasting leads to increased rolling resistance, drivetrain wear, and soil compaction. Too little ballast causes increased tire slip and tire wear. That’s why it’s important to make sure your tractor is operating using the right overall weight distribution between the axles.
If you’d like to learn more about how to improve tractor performance, be sure to get in touch with the team at True Value Trailers & Power Equipment in Penrose and Florence, CO. We proudly serve all those in Pueblo and Colorado Springs. Our team will be happy to help you with all your tractor needs, so stop by today.