Might have to store tractor outside

mazurrj · Jan 6, 2010

I have my tractor in Laurel Highland of SW PA , temps could go below zero a few times durning the winter. I have it stored in heated garage normally as i do not use it in the winter. I might have to move it ouside in an open equipment storage area. Should i at least cover it with tarp and is there anything else i should do, how bad is it for the tractor?
Get ice storm and good bit snow at times there.

oldballs · Jan 6, 2010

I'm a new BX2660 owner. Mine sets outside with a tarp over it. We have had a lot of snow and temps are staying below 20 deg F and currently will fall well below zero. But for years I've kept my Case 448 (18 HP gasser) outside with a tarp over it. I always kept fresh gas and a full tank, 10W30 dino oil, a well tuned engine and brought the battery indoors when it got down to zero. A shed would be nice so you don't have to knock the snow off etc.
On the BX2660 I use a cetane booster in the diesel fuel...let the plugs warm up for about 10 seconds before ignition and have 10W-30 Kubota oil. So far, it's worked okay for me and I haven't brought the battery indoors....yet. Good Luck.

PILOON · Jan 6, 2010

My Mitsu has lived outdoors forever!
Good battery, glow plugs and block heater with a remote wireless switch.

I switch the block heater on about 1-2 hrs before starting and have no problems starting.
I don't even tarp it, simply brush snow off the cab roof (mainly in order to make the rotating beacon visible).

Usually let her idle for about 5-10 mins (or until I feel heat from the cab heater) then drive off to blow snow.

I do now always use a fuel additive as I have gelled up a couple of times, so I do suggest this as a preventative measure.

I might also mention that my tractor shows no signs of rust either, in fact it is my opinion that cold storage is better than heated as far as corrosion is concerned.
Unlike a car, the windows never need scraping so after warm up period you just drive off.

LOL, I do wax every fall as I feel that it helps shed water and snow better as well as kinda feed the paint finish.

mazurrj · Jan 7, 2010

thanks, i fell beeter about it now and will put tarp over it.

Bob

ccsial · Jan 7, 2010

What I'd worry about most is mice chewing up wiring.

radioman · Jan 7, 2010

A lean to or under a second story deck is perfect.

Dr. Bob · Jan 7, 2010

My B7800 has lived outside for all 5 years of its life.
No block heater, but I have not tried to start it below zero.
I just keep the glow plugs on for 15-20 sec and start it up.
Let it warm up for about 5 minutes and start plowing.

Never had a problem (except for the beginners mitake of having summer fuel in the tractor when the winter arrives!).

tommu56 · Jan 7, 2010

ccsial said:
What I'd worry about most is mice chewing up wiring.

Dryer sheets and moth balls will help to keep them at bay.

tom

kthompson · Jan 7, 2010

Our normal winter cold is about mid 20's but by far most tractors in my part of the world never see enclosed storage. My biggest concern is people and not the weather. Theft being the people issue. But to help put your mind at further ease, drive by the tractor dealerships there and see where they have them...have only ever seen them on lots or an open shed. Some don't even worry if vertical exhaust are open or not.

oldballs · Jan 7, 2010

Ditto that about the mice. That's happened on other equipment that's even stored under shed cover. Now I use a closed container mouse poison... setting a couple on/in such equipment .... be it winter or summer.