Oil & Fuel Storing Tractor Over Winter

[Freeborn]

Hi Group,

New owner of a slightly used tractor here and Im looking for advice on what steps I should take for preparing my tractor for Winter Storage. This is my first tractor so I have some learning to do.

The Tractor is a 2008 JD 3520 with 400 hours. I live in Minnesota although the tractor was purchased in southern Indiana and shipped to me. The tractor will be stored on my hobby farm where I do have access to it but I dont have a need or plan to run the tractor in the winter unless it is a good practice.

Unfortunately here in Minnesota we are headed into fall and winter will be close behind so I need to prepare the tractor for storage over winter.

What steps should I take to get my tractor ready for storage? I have checked the antifreeze and thats good but what other steps should I take to store my tractor? The fuel tank is a quarter full so Im planning on filling the tank but would you recommend an additive? Do I need to do anything with Hydraulics?

My thoughts are that I would change the oil and transmission fluids next spring but I am open to recommendations.

Thanks for the help.

FB

 

[jimmysisson]

Owners manual should say (you should have one).othewise, I'd run it hard at a task you got it for, then change out hyd fluid/filter, engine oil/filter, coolant with additive. Nothing bad will happen to the new fluids over winter and you'll be sure there's no water or contaminants in there.
Will it be indoors? I'd take the battery to my basement and charge it occasionally. I'd air the tires and jack the tractor onto blocks to take the weight off them. Is vandalism a concern?
Do a search on here for "chewed wires" and treat against rodent snoozers. Put a rag lightly into the exhaust tip (I assume it's down-facing.) If outdoors, cover with a soft tarp that won't move around and scratch the paint. Tip the bucket so water won't sit in it. Send us a picture of your new rig.
Shouldn't take more then a few hours and give peace of mind.
Jim

 

[Freeborn]

Thanks

Yep, I have a manual and obviously I need to get to the winter storage section. The tractor will be stored in a metal Pole Shed with a concrete floor. Knock on wood, no problems with vandalism yet. I have been storing boats, ATVs and other items for some time so I do have practice on killing off the rodents. I’ll search for the thread you listed and take precautions.

Blocking up the tractor is not a problem. I have and still do change oil on my vehicles, lawn tractor and light equipment so I’m thinking I shouldn’t have a problem with the tractor. It will be a little bit of a learning curve but it can’t be that difficult. Are there any special tools I need for getting filters or the oil drained? Anything that makes it easier?

Thanks!

FB

 

[George2615]

Can't go wrong with what's been suggested so far. My tractor doesn't get stored here in winter. It gets used for snow plowing. Mine is babied being kept in a heated garage (45 degrees).

 

[big bubba]

sounds like you have a plan & good advice. although it will be stored in an enclosure, you might keep in mind varmint damage leaving it unattended esp to wiring, hoses, etc even from mice. i would leave the hood open (they don't like light) and place mothballs in vulnerable areas of engine, seat, etc. amazing how just much damage they can do in a short space of time.... regards

 

[varmint]

Good advice. Like already stated, block up the tractor so the weight is off the tires, and remove the battery! Full fuel tank, with diesel additive, and clean fluids and you will be good to go in the spring- July? Rodents love to nest in tractor engine areas, so deal with 'em!

 

[murphy1244]

Drier sheets work very good for Varmits.

 

[big bubba]

Drier sheets work very good for Varmits.

are they flammable? if so, would not recommend for engine compartment even if just for temp storage...easy to forget over time. mothballs dissolve over time...

 

[Freeborn]

I have been Using Dryer Sheets in my boats for a long time and they have worked well. I roll up 1/2 dozen of them together, put a tie around them and then lay several of these in my boat. I could do the same with the tractor and just tape a piece of paper on the tractor identifying where I have them.


Here is a couple pictures of the new tractor.

 

[murphy1244]

are they flammable? if so, would not recommend for engine compartment even if just for temp storage...easy to forget over time. mothballs dissolve over time...

I use them under the dash board.