I'm a horrible owner. Haven't started the new tractor in 5 months.

[CindyCRNA]

We bought a new 3901 last year and I put 17 hours on it mowing and moving brush. Then we parked and covered her. Check on her monthly but now the weather is getting better and want to start using it. The gas tank is mostly full. Any suggestions?

 

[tibadoe]

Wouldn't hurt to check the air filter to make sure mice have not made a home.

 

[ruffdog]

Hopefully you didn't put "gas" in the fuel tank. Have you charged the battery?

 

[CindyCRNA]

Sorry, gas was a slip of the tongue. No haven't charged the battery. Thought I would see what I have when I start it. I will check the air filter, thanks!

 

[nybirdman]

Battery tender is your best friend for long storage.

 

[Wagtail]

Agree with the battery charger/check (it's the Amps you'll need to initially start). If you can't charge, just have a vehicle standing by to give it a 'jump'. You should be right.

Standard routine checks & such; oil level, lubricate all of the grease nipples (zerks) & spray lubricate (lanoline based) anything that moves but doesn't have a nipple, check the torque of all of your wheel lugs + check the tightness of FEL bolts & such.

Once started, give it a few minutes to allow the engine oil to circulate. Operate your hydraulics, then check for any leaks/drips.

Have fun and take your time.

 

[deserteagle71]

Battery tender is your best friend for long storage.

^ This. I have a battery tender/maintainer on every one of my rigs. Batteries last forever now, and are at full power whenever I want to use the rig.

If that tractor hasn't been started for months, put a charger on it for a bit and let it top off the battery.

 

[CindyCRNA]

Any chance there is water from condensation somewhere in the low spots in the fuel system? I used to be a private pilot and we would have to drain the water in the lowest part of the fuel system, generally under both wings and a small one under the engine.

 

[Wagtail]

Any chance there is water from condensation somewhere in the low spots in the fuel system? I used to be a private pilot and we would have to drain the water in the lowest part of the fuel system, generally under both wings and a small one under the engine.

There's always the possibility... However I'd check the 'fuel bowl' for any indication of water after running the tractor for a few minutes. If there is any water, the 'red ring' will be floating.

 

[CADplans]

There's always the possibility... However I'd check the 'fuel bowl' for any indication of water after running the tractor for a few minutes. If there is any water, the 'red ring' will be floating.

My 4105 JD starts running REAL rough if there is ANY water in the water accumulator that has the red ring.
I have been mowing twice, and the tractor engine almost stopped. I opened the little petcock on the bottom of the clear bowl, and just a little water came out. Both times, I restarted the engine.

The tractor went back to running normal,, the red ring never moved, running good, or not.

I thought I was being a responsible tractor owner, checking the position of that red ring just about every time I started the tractor. I guess I was not so diligent??