You want to make sure your tractor is ready for the job when harvest season arrives. In the world of farming, harvest season is like the World Series or Super Bowl. It’s crunch time when the reward for the whole season comes true. Your tractor plays a vital role in gathering the harvest, so make sure it’s in prime condition.
Inspect your tractor to make sure it’s harvest-season ready
#1 Oil and filters: Changing oil and oil filters is basic maintenance, and that’s why it’s often overlooked. It’s easy to slip one’s mind, but old and gritty oil and filters are truly hard on your engine. Even if it’s not time for a change, it’s wise to check to see if fluids need topping off. Make sure everything looks good before heading to the field for the harvest.
#2 Air filter: Here is another easy one to overlook when it’s out of sight and out of mind. The more clogged an old air filter gets with contaminants, the less able it is to do its job. Changing an old and dirty filter is one of the simplest yet beneficial things you can do.
#3 Lights: Harvest season coincides with short days and longer nights. Don’t risk safety by operating your tractor with dim or burned-out lights. Even if your lights are all working, you might consider replacing older style halogen or incandescent lights with newer and brighter LED lights. These new style lights illuminate so much farther and wider.
#4 Hoses: A worn or defective hose is one of those things that can surprise you at the worst of times. Check for fluid leaks under your tractor before heading out to the field. If you see any, do a little detective work to find the source. Signs of stressed hoses are a good place to start your search.
#5 Belts: A belt that snaps when you’re out in the field is bad news. Fortunately, a compromised belt often has telltale signs that it’s nearing the end of its life. Look for cracks, worn spots and fraying. Check to see if the belt seems loose or rigid. If any of these signs are present, it’s best to change the belt on your schedule rather than get surprised at the most inconvenient time.
#6 Cooling System Components: Make sure the radiator and water pump are working perfectly during harvest season. There’s no quicker way to lose your cool than to have an overheated engine from failing cooling system components.
#7 Electrical Components: If your electrical system isn’t working, you’re not going to be working. That’s why if you’re experiencing hard starts, diming lights and erratic electrical accessory performance, you might have an electrical problem in the making. Check your starter, alternator, solenoid, voltage regulator and ignition coil for any performance issues.
A harvest season tractor checkup
Many farmers don’t think of doing a harvest season tractor inspection because it’s so close to the end of the year. The temptation to delay the inspection is strong, but it could prove detrimental in one of the most critical times of the year. A harvest season checkup with any needed maintenance could save the day when your tractor is needed most.
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