Storing implements outside

[bxowner]

I'm in the market for a brush hog and it seems that everyone leaves them in the tall grass until needed... I understand that.

My question is if it's OK to store the loader outside and disconnected from the tractor. I don't have enough room in my lean-to to store both the Kubota and the loader, when separated. Since I'll be mowing with it in the summer, I don't want the weight of the loader on all the time.

I see them disconnected and left outside at farms all the time. But, those tractors are typically kept until they die - I'm more fickle... I need the tractor to stay as nice as possible (within reason) so I can get resale value out of it. I'm not tied to it "forever."

So, my primary concern is the cylinders being exposed to weather and damaging the seals if they start to pit. I know I could wrap it in a tarp, but frankly, I don't want to go through the hassle unless it's bad for it to be outside. What do you guys do?

 

[TripleR]

I don't "store" anything outside. I just got another tractor and am waiting for the people to come erect a shelter.

 

[Boondox]

Hey Vermonter!

I use Fluid Film on my cylinders when not in use. It has done a great job protecting the finish and seals over the years. And it's cheap. Oh, better yet, it's a TBN sponsor!

Pete

 

[arrabil]

I need the tractor to stay as nice as possible (within reason) so I can get resale value out of it. I'm not tied to it "forever."

I wouldn't worry about cylinder pitting but it doesn't sound like you should be keeping your tractor outside. Mine has lived outside for 10 years and I think its perfect. Though I'm sure you wouldn't.

 

[jesseb3@att.net]

I agree with Arrabil - you shouldn't leave your tractor and/or loader outside if you're picky. Paint will fade at a minimum, rust will develop on scratched paint, etc.

Mine's lived outside most of its 4-5 years... yeah, she's showing her age quicker than she could, but she still looks purdy to me.

I can't really tell if the paint has faded on mine, but I leave the whole tractor out there, so it's fading evenly. Cylinders look brand new though.

 

[Tom_H]

I'm in the market for a brush hog and it seems that everyone leaves them in the tall grass until needed...

So I don't count as somebody??? Just kidding, but seriously, I store all my stuff inside, including the brush hog. It is in a stack of implements that's 5 high. No kidding this time. Just ask John Thomas. There's a pic around here somewhere.

 

[Code54]

I leave some of my eqpt outside but I place it on landscape timbers so it is not sitting in dirt and put a large brown trap (brown so it blends in better) over each item. Really the tarp is no big deal, it only takes a minute to remove, after you do it a few times it is not a problem

 

[radioman]

usually if I leave anything outside that has cylinders, i retract them if possible and cover the remaining with vaseline. Anything that could rust gets a shot of wd40 or rub of vaseline.

 

[Johndeere3720]

Almost all my implements live outside. My middle buster and harrow at my dad's are in his arena and everything else is outside. My Tractors and lawn mower live inside in heated garages and sheds. Since I too dont like my expensive implements out in the weather, this summer Im gonna save up for a small steel structure to park them all under. But for now, they will have to live outside. For your loader, wrap it in a tarp to keep the paint from fading. That sun has faded the paint real bad on some of my implements. So i just repainted them.:thumbsup:

 

[Gizmo2]

Landscape rake sits out side. Everything else is undercover. But... all the tractors and implements at most dealers sit outside all the time.