Tractors are very powerful pieces of machinery used for a different variety of tasks around a farm. Many of these everyday tasks are very demanding; therefore the tractor should receive regular maintenance.
One should try to obtain the manual for the used tractor, which will include information on routine maintenance as well as specifications on the type of fluids needed for the transmission, brakes, engine coolants, and hydraulic system fluids. Initial maintenance is especially important for used tractors.

There are many different models and kinds of tractors, each having similar maintenance although some tractors require different variations. The first step in regular tractor maintenance is fluid checks. This is very important if you want the tractors engine to run efficiently. These fluid checks should be completed before the initial start of the tractor. Engine oil as well as all other fluids should be checked every five to ten running hours and changed every 100 running hours.

The filters for these fluids should also be changed when changing the fluid. Transmission and hydraulic fluids should be checked every 40-50 hours running time and be refilled as necessary. These fluids should be changed approximately every 300 hours run time. On 4×4 tractor models the axial gear oil should be checked every 50 running hours and changed every 300 running hours.

Grease fittings should be lubricated every 40 to 50 hours running time except the front axle center pin, which should be checked and lubricated every 10 hours. Once the engine has been started it is important to observe the smoke coming from the engine. If blue smoke is being admitted from the engine this indicates there a possible problem with the engines piston rings causing the engine to burn oil.

Tire inflation should also be checked regularly to assure proper inflation. Just looking at the tire to check pressure is not the best way to judge due to the tires odd shape. The majority of tractor tires should have between 14 and 20 PSI inflation pressure in the back tires and the front can hold up to 32 PSI. If pulling an implement where maximum traction will be required tires should be filled with ballast (water that has an antifreeze solution added.

To obtain proper tractor maintenance requires access to the numerous wrenches and other tools in larger sizes proper tools are a must. If using used tractors that are equipped with a hydraulic system frequent checks should be preformed on all belts and hoses. All hoses should be replaced if they appear to be worn, damaged, or cracked. Fittings may need to be replaced or tightened if connections are leaking.

The radiator screen should be checked periodically to clear debris that may have accumulated. If your used tractor is an older model specific lubricants may be required in the gearboxes. In these tractors using the wrong fluid can cause serious damage. Air filters should also be checked often to assure cleanliness. Some tractor filters will need to be changed or cleaned weekly.

Author Bio: Robert Tate – Region Sales Manager of Mascus UK. Mascus is an electronic marketplace for tractors for sale, trailers and used trucks. Mascus makes trading in construction machinery more efficiently by collecting all information about supply and demand in one place. All dealers, producers and end users are welcome to offer their used farm machinery via the marketplace

Category: Advice
Keywords: tractors for sale, used farm machinery