Avoid Costly Repair Issues With Proper Tractor Maintenance

Regular, careful maintenance of a tractor is essential to avoiding costly and inconvenient repairs. Each model usually has a detailed list of recommended maintenance tasks in its manual. If you are interested in buying a new or pre-owned tractor, visit us at Bobcat PNW. All of our locations in Washington State have friendly, helpful staff. We proudly serve Auburn and Kent, Washington.

Air and Fuel Filters

Air filters and fuel filters prevent contamination in vital areas of a tractor. An air filter needs to be checked occasionally for signs of excessive buildup of dirt and dust. Change it every 500 hours or so, depending on how heavily you use the machine.

Fuel filters also need to be inspected and replaced. If your model has a water separator, it must be working correctly to keep water from damaging the fuel.

Checking All Fluids

The fluids in a tractor are the blood that keeps it moving smoothly. Hydraulic oil, transmission oil, engine oil, and coolant need to be at the correct levels. If one or more get too low, it could spell disaster for the entire tractor.

Hydraulic oil needs to be checked without any attachments and with buckets lowered to get an accurate reading. Coolant eventually collects contaminants and needs to be changed every two years to avoid damage.

Check Belts and Hoses

Every year you should make a complete check of the belts and hoses on your tractor. If you notice cracking or splitting, you can replace them immediately. But this maintenance task doesn't always work on an exact schedule. Belts can wear out at any time. Address unexpected leaks as they appear because they are a sign of a deeper issue.

Change Engine Oil

Changing the engine oil is one of the most basic maintenance tasks. Most models will have a meter that keeps track of how many hours the engine has been running. When the meter hits 200 hours, you know it's time to change the oil and filter. Depending on how much you use your tractor, this may only be an annual task.

Paint Touch-Ups

While inspecting all of these individual parts and systems, you may notice chips or other imperfections in the metal. Grab some spray paint as soon as you see them. This task might seem tedious, but it can prevent rust from developing.

A maintenance log is an excellent way to track all of these necessary tasks. Do you keep a checklist of your regular tractor maintenance? Come by Bobcat PNW to learn more or share your process for keeping your tractor looking good year after year. Our locations in Washington State serve everyone in Kent and Auburn.