Winter is the off-season for most tractors. Many tractor owners put their machines to rest in the fall for a long winter slumber, but what if you need to get it started in the cold of winter after being idle for so long? Like a lot of things, getting started is harder for a tractor when the temperatures dip. But it’s not hopeless, if you need to get your tractor started in the dead of winter, here’s some advice.
1) Check for Fluid Loss
Since the last time you looked, leaks causing fluid loss may have developed. Give your tractor a quick visual inspection to look for spotting on the ground or pavement. If you see any suspicious evidence, continue with an inspection of the water pump, radiator, hoses, fuel pump, fuel line and gaskets to see if they could be the source of leak. Do this inspection before trying to start the tractor because you don’t want it to start up while low on fluids. This tip is more for protecting your tractor If it starts rather than a method for getting it to start.
2) Warm and Charge the Battery
As part of winterizing, some owners will remove the battery in the fall and bring it to a warm location. That’s a good idea. If you’re experiencing difficulty in starting your tractor in the cold, you might want to do this now if you didn’t earlier. Then check to make sure the battery is sufficiently charged.
3) Inspect the Electrical System
A well-functioning electrical system with a starter and alternator running at peak performance is essential. If your electrical system was showing some sign of fatigue last fall, dormancy and cold have done it no favors. You might need to replace these components to get your tractor started in the harshness of winter. The good news is that doing so in the slower season for tractors is often advantageous because it does not interrupt your work.
4) Replace Glow Plugs for Diesel Engines
Diesel engines have a reputation for being more difficult to start in cold weather. If you’re experiencing difficulty, take a look at the glow plugs, which heat incoming fuel and air to encourage better combustion.
5) Replace the Spark Plugs
A fresh set of spark plugs can work wonders in rejuvenating easier starts. If it’s been a while since you changed them out, you might consider it if you’re having a hard time starting your tractor.
6) Install an Engine Block Heater
Warmth might just be what you need to get your tractor started in the cold of winter. An engine block heater will warm fluids such as oil and antifreeze, which might be just what you need to get a tractor started.
7) Try Starting Fluids
Starting fluids formulated to get engines started in extremely cold temperatures are available. Be sure to check to see if the formula is recommended for gas or diesel engines. Some formulas work for both types of engines.
These tips are your best bet if you need to get your tractor started in winter but didn’t anticipate this need when you parked it last fall. If you anticipate a possible need for a winter start up when the tractor season ends, give some consideration to where you park it. A garage with access to heat is the ideal location. If parked outdoors, choose a spot that will receive some sunlight as opposed to a shady location.
Starting a tractor in the cold of winter can be a tough task, but it can be done, even if your tractor is reluctant to awake from its winter slumber.
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