Taking "CARE" of your little "TOY"!!!!

[don716]

I was wondering if anyone else takes care of their tractor like I do? I keep mine serviced and very clean.Don't get me wrong,I do use it like a tractor but when I'm done I do clean it back up for the next time. It does get washed, waxed and is kelpt inside out of the weather.I've had mine for 3yrs now and it looks just as good now as when I bought it.A friend of mine bought a tractor" new' about 7yrs. ago and has not as much as changed the oil until today.The tractor looks like it's about 30yrs old. It has mold and mildew all over it and the paint is faded and rust,rust,rust. That's ashame!!!! I finally talked him into changing the oil and their is sludge all over the oil plug.I wonder what the rest of the engine looks like?
Donny

 

[Doc_Bob]

I was wondering if anyone else takes care of their tractor like I do? I keep mine serviced and very clean.Don't get me wrong,I do use it like a tractor but when I'm done I do clean it back up for the next time. It does get washed, waxed and is kelpt inside out of the weather.I've had mine for 3yrs now and it looks just as good now as when I bought it.A friend of mine bought a tractor" new' about 7yrs. ago and has not as much as changed the oil until today.The tractor looks like it's about 30yrs old. It has mold and mildew all over it and the paint is faded and rust,rust,rust. That's ashame!!!! I finally talked him into changing the oil and their is sludge all over the oil plug.I wonder what the rest of the engine looks like?
Donny

I am more like you. I am committed to servicing a tractor. I will err on the side of doing a service more than required. I don't "clean" it after every use. Heck, I have cleaned it once. I do some sort of "crazy" things. My TN70A has a turbo. When I back it into the barn, I pop the hood and then let it idle for 3 minutes to allow the turbo to cool down. I leave the hood up to allow the heat to "escape" the engine compartment. Does it make a difference? I don't know. But I know that heat soak is bad for any machine. Cool air is a good thing.

Now, with your friend, get him to grease everything, change all fluids and filters and clean it up.

I think storing a tractor indoors is just a good idea. All the big time farmers in Wisconsin store their machines indoors during the winter. Along with all of their implements.

Bob

 

[D7E]

I think storing a tractor indoors is just a good idea. All the big time farmers in Wisconsin store their machines indoors during the winter. Along with all of their implements.

Bob[/QUOTE]
winter is'nt so bad just grease everything before and spray it all over with oil + diesel mix just wash off in spring many people keep air seeders , combines , tractors outside in winter.
If you plan on keeping your kit for many years is'nt as important to keep that hot summer sun off that paint . ( If you want to keep some resale value )

 

[Doc_Bob]

[[/quote]
If you plan on keeping your kit for many years is'nt as important to keep that hot summer sun off that paint . ( If you want to keep some resale value )[/quote]

Yes, sun is bad on hoses, seats, belts, paint and darn near everything.
Cover is always a good thing.
Bob

 

[johndeere2210]

Just from the service standpoint, technicians are more likely to want to work on a clean well maintained machine.

 

[GeneD14]

Count me in as some one who stores their tractors and equipment inside. If the tractor gets covered with dirt from tilling it gets washed. I actually towel dry it to keep from getting water spots on the glass cab. Also wax once per year.

 

[MrJimi]

Count me in as some one who stores their tractors and equipment inside. If the tractor gets covered with dirt from tilling it gets washed. I actually towel dry it to keep from getting water spots on the glass cab. Also wax once per year.

Heck, I thought I was the only one that waxed my equipment, I have a 11 year old lawn tractor and it looks almost like new. I am picking a new one this weekend and it will be well taken care of also.
Jim

 

[rmonio]

RIGHT ON!

Add me to the crew that over-services, washes, waxes, keeps paint up to date, and generally just "babies" my tractor and implements. I'm the same way with my shotguns, vehicles, and other items that I own. Perhaps it's the fact that I subscribe to the theorem of "if I worked and paid for it then I will also take care of it". Too many people - kids notably - who are "given or inherit" things don't take care of them and eventually contribute to the "throwaway" concept and financial problems our society is plagued with... I don't subscribe to that - and I'm PROUD of it.

(Hmm.... This seems like a good line of reasoning to describe my approach to keeping my tractor clean and shiny... I like it!)

-Bob

 

[tinsnip]

Aside from pride of ownership and just plain common sense, taking care of any vehicle/tool enhances its value. To me, the owner, because I know it will work as it's supposed to (barring any non-service related breakdown), and to any prospective buyer should you decide to sell or trade. Most follks can tell when something has been well maintained and will pay top dollar for the comfort factor that brings to their purchase.

 

[bbse]

Come on guys, I am for good solid maintenance and reasonable care but this is not a car. If taking care of your tractor is a hobby and you enjoy it then I think that is great. I love my hobbies. But for people who use them as a tool they get treated as a tool. I keep all the fluids/filters changed. Repair or replace bad components. Clean it up to a serviceable level. Park it in a shelter to increase its service life and decrease maintenance cost. But I am not going to start waxing and drying a tractor. It may increase its value but I do not think it will increase it much over a unit that has been maintained properly and just kept decently clean and covered.