Cart before the horse/tractor before the shed

[slaveToHorses]

I'm North of you. I do keep mine in a carport but they still get wet from time to time. I don't worry too much about it. One issue I have with tarps is that I get a lot of wind and the tarps tend to rub against the paint. So I keep that in mind if I tarp something.
I would worry more about that beautiful winch than the tractor! The one thing I never leave out in the rain is my big chipper Tractors are pretty well sealed and seem to hold up pretty well to the weather.
Sounds like you are ready to do some serious clearing. Hope you have a good chiropractor

 

[weesa20]

I left my GC out in the weather for one season while I saved for/built my shed. No trouble except a little more rust at a couple of hinge points and a mouse chwed some of the foam around the engine copartment and built a nest near the air inlet for the aircleaner...one season won't hurt it...if you tarp it watch for rubbing of the paint and/or the frame falling over in the wind...I left mine out in the air so it could dry out after a storm.

W

 

[birdseye]

Thanks for all the replies! I appreciate the input.

slaveToHorses - Yes, I do have a good chiropractor. With 96 overgrown acres, I need one.

Thanks again!

 

[JRobyn]

I agree on the Costco "carport". Mine were <$200 (about $180). Got two. They've lasted for several years. Keeps the sun and rain off and no condensation/ventilation problems at all. We use one to store hay. Finally bought a new top for the oldest one after 4-5 years (sun finally got it). Cost about $90. Get a "mobile home" anchor kit (four ground augers and some steel cable) to prevent the wind from getting ahold of it.

 

[755inNY]

Well, I'm enjoying my new JD 4120 w/ FEL, BH and Farmi winch. But as I often seem to do, I got the tractor before I had a place to put it.

The winter rains have started here in Southern Oregon and a shed is probably not in the cards until late next year.

My question is will any of the equipment be damaged by having it sitting out in the rain this winter?

My tractor spent 16 years outside, un-covered. It did take a beating in terms of faded paint and a little more rust but even that was not bad. 1 winter outside will not hurt it. I would not tarp it for the reasons other members have given. You take the risk of causing more damage not less.

I suggest cleaning the tractor, FEL and BH real well. Get rid of any dirt or debris that could hold moisture or have a chemical reaction with surfaces. Apply a coat of wax. Lubricate everything that needs it. Make sure all your fluids are at the proper levels and add a diesel fuel additive to the full fuel tank. Run the tractor long enough to get the treated fuel through the filters and lines. Position FEL and BH such that all hydraulic cylinders are fully retracted. If there is a possibility that a cylinder rod will extend due to the weight of the thing attached to it, block the thing to prevent movement. The tractor will be fine come spring.

 

[charlesw]

My tractor (49 8N) sets out under a tarp every nite.
I start it up a couple of times of week when I don't use it.

The tarp just seems like a good choice. My last tractor was a 9n that -had- been in great shape. It sat out three years in a row and suffered greatly for it (siezed generator, rubber rotted and water got in the hydraulics - plus there were a bunch of other things I had to fix - starter, switch, distributor - - that may well have been due to that as well).

Mind you, winter is pretty rough here. But, seriously, why risk it?

 

[kmdigital]

As stated, sitting in the sun for a year will create noticable fading, if the sun shines a lot, unless it is kept well waxed. And even then, if it rains a lot it will create rust anywhere there is bare metal or where the metal didn't get painted. I sure the heck wouldn't do that with a brand new tractor I paid $$$$$$ for!

If you have enough money to buy a new tractor, at least buy a pipe and tarp shelter for a few hundred bucks to protect your investment. It is money very well spent and will make you feel much better about your expensive new toy.

Sure, they set outside at the dealers lots, but they hope to move them within a few months, so it isn't a big deal. 365 plus days is a lot differnent then 60-90 days.

Why do you think so many older farm tractors look so faded and rough? They have set outside most of their lives, and at least they are generally used on a fairly regular basis.

 

[Doc_Bob]

My question is will any of the equipment be damaged by having it sitting out in the rain this winter?

When someone buys a used tractor, I have not found any buyer who says "I hope I find one that has been kept outdoors." Almost everyone says, "I hope I can buy a used tractor that has been kept indoors. "

The big farmers in my area store ALL of their equipment indoors during the winter. Do they know something I don't?

A tractor may do just fine being kept out in the weather all year, but if you can, at least get a shelter of some sort.

I always prefer to keep my car garaged. I prefer to keep my tractor out of the weather when I can. Same reason.

Bob

 

[bill177]

The ROPs makes a fine tarp frame. Trap the tarm under the FEL and pull it up and over the tractor then down to the drawbar. A few bungees and you are all set. The bottom is open, so no condensation problems. Be sure to keep the fuel tank topped off.

So far as mice - check even if it is stored in a garage. &^*%$!! critters get in everwhere. Another place to watch out for them is in the carb of a snow blower - which often will not have a filter on it. You do NOT want to suck a mouse nest into your engine.