Leaving tractor outside in the elements?

[OzarksHermit]

Ozarks-

Is it somehow anchored to the large carport and small shed, or are there never wind gusts where you live?

We get several high wind episodes every year. The small carport was just installed yesterday. I will be drilling 3/4" holes in the 55 gallon drum concrete pillars on the left, and cementing in some 1/2 inch allthread, to secure the runner in that side via some clips and 1/2 inch nuts.

The cement blocks on the right will be filled with concrete and rocks, with some U-shaped pieces of rebar inserted over the runner before the concrete sets up.
If that does not secure it, I will have experienced a direct hit by a tornado.

Ken

 

[rScotty]

I try to keep everything under cover. Things just last longer that way here. I envy you folks who live in the drier regions.

In the Pacific Northwest if you leave it out it will be a rust pile in short order. A three point spreader with fertilizer mixed with constant moisture is a sure fire way to corrode through paint and steel.

I have a 2700 SF tractor shed and a 6000 SF barn so there is usually room to put it away. When I consider the cost of machinery, especially the baler, building a home for it is imperative.

Yes, I agree. The reason I can leave equipment outside is all based on the fact that I live in a dry climate. The heavy soft tarp will stand the wind and ventilation is not a problem where it is so dry. You have to do what is required for your area. That's basic. No one rule fits all.
rScotty

 

[DiezNutz]

... I will be drilling 3/4" holes in the 55 gallon drum concrete pillars on the left, and cementing in some 1/2 inch allthread, to secure the runner in that side via some clips and 1/2 inch nuts.

The cement blocks on the right will be filled with concrete and rocks, with some U-shaped pieces of rebar inserted over the runner before the concrete sets up.
If that does not secure it, I will have experienced a direct hit by a tornado.

Good info for anyone that may be considering something like this. :thumbsup:

 

[KeithInSpace]

Cars stay outside too. They aren't made to do so as well as tractors...

Not sure I agree with this.

Cars don't have their seats open to the elements. Nor do they have their hydraulic hoses unprotected from UV degradation.

I would submit that cars are BETTER equipped to stay outside than tractors. That said, it seems that folks generally feel OK leaving their tractors outside and more than their cars.

I grew up keeping stuff in a shed and our stuff lasted an eternity. I've seen 3 year old RTV900's...a $8,000+ investment...with 25 hours on the clock, destroyed seats, and faded paint. 6 year old BX2230's that look AWFUL with 200 hours on the clock. Mine has over 300 hours and other than normal-use-scratches, looks like the day I bought it.

My 2005 truck has spent about 75% of its life outside and, likewise, could look like the day I bought it with 2 hours of detailing.

 

[DiezNutz]

I'd have to agree with Keith.

Especially on the newer (S)CUTs most of us own, there is so much plastic, rubber, vinyl, fittings, etc. to be exposed to UV and the elements. With exception of tires, the same components on an automobile are generally protected within the body.

A better comparison for UV damage might be leaving a convertible outside day-in, day-out with the top down, which most normal people wouldn't dream of doing.

At my house the daily drivers sit outside, they can take the weather better than the tractor can.

 

[KeithInSpace]

...leaving a convertible outside day-in, day-out with the top down...

...and hood up...

Good analogy.

 

[picker77]

Gotta admit I'm with Grateful11 on this: Don't do it. After laying down $30-$40K on a nice new shiny tractor, an extra $595 for a little prefab carport is a pretty small investment. Heck, you can't buy most attachments for that. And if it were me I'd STILL put a small tarp over it, LOL!

 

[kuboman]

I find it hard to fathom that there is even a discussion about whether or not it is better to put a machine under cover:confused2:

 

[funwithahoe]

OK have to admit I didn't read every entry in this thread but I had a 22 year old 'Bota that never saw the inside of a shed - Started down to -5 F and ran great but looked like it had been through 22 years of Pennsylvania winters (it had). In the end, I look at equipment like dollar signs - You will save wear and tear if you put it away - how much will it cost you to store it? I know a lot of people on this forum get emotionally attached to their tractors (who else after all would spend their free time reading a tractor forum?) but in the end it is a finacial decision!

By the way my new 'Bota has a nice warm place in doors (had to kick my wife out to a small lean-to shed) but hey she won't rust up.

 

[RadarTech]

My 3400 sat outside for 4 months while the house was built....
rarely has it been outside since then....

that was 2 1/2 years ago...


J