To tarp or not to tarp?

[edrobyn]

I have a shed to store my tractor that is enclosed on three sides. It is a pretty small shed where the tail end of the tractor just fits. I have been thinking about putting a tarp over the tractor during the winter when I am not using the tractor which could be as much as 2 or 3 months. If I use a tarp it will provide extra protection to keep any weather that might blow in off the tractor but it might increase the chance of critters building nests underneath the tarp. If I don't use a tarp I get no extra protection but don't have as big a chance of critter damage to the tractor. What do you think?

 

[devildog1]

Just my thoughts, if shed has roof and the three sides, don't tarp. Tarps trap moisture and allow critters to build, better to let it breathe.
DevilDog

 

[bigbull338]

I have a shed to store my tractor that is enclosed on three sides. It is a pretty small shed where the tail end of the tractor just fits. I have been thinking about putting a tarp over the tractor during the winter when I am not using the tractor which could be as much as 2 or 3 months. If I use a tarp it will provide extra protection to keep any weather that might blow in off the tractor but it might increase the chance of critters building nests underneath the tarp. If I don't use a tarp I get no extra protection but don't have as big a chance of critter damage to the tractor. What do you think?

personally i would never tarp a tractor an heres why.if it rains an snows the tarp will be wet thus sweating when it warms up.thus getting your tractor wett,wich could cause mold mildew an rust.so personlly i would not cover it.

 

[Gizmo2]

More importantly moisture under a tarp.

 

[TripleR]

We have stuff stored under over hangs with only one side enclosed; we never tarp anything. If I did, I would make sure it was breathable.

 

[MarkF48]

How about a tarp under the tractor to keep ground moisture from rising up into it. Used to do this with a car I stored outside. Had a breathable cover on the car as well and mothballs under the hood and inside on the cars floor.

 

[RoyJackson]

Personally, I wouldn't tarp the tractor...other then some to cover the seat, maybe.

But, if you do decide to use a tarp, use something that breaths (canvas) and not one of the plastic types.

 

[samhudson3]

IMHO, no tarp. But how can you go 2 - 3 months without seat time? :laughing:

 

[DAY]

Hang the tarp from the roof to cover the open side and keep out wind driven rain/snow.

Speaking of breathing, Roy- or anyone- how about using Tyvek to cover the equipment?
From their site: "The breathable structure of this house wrap allows moisture vapor to pass through to help promote drying in wall systems which can aid in preventing the growth of mold and mildew."

 

[grsthegreat]

I tarped a 2 horse trailer years ago... did more damage to the paint than it would have if i left it open to the air. Scratches, moisture damage, etc.

 

[RoyJackson]

Hang the tarp from the roof to cover the open side and keep out wind driven rain/snow.

Speaking of breathing, Roy- or anyone- how about using Tyvek to cover the equipment?
From their site: "The breathable structure of this house wrap allows moisture vapor to pass through to help promote drying in wall systems which can aid in preventing the growth of mold and mildew."

I've never used the stuff...or even heard of it until this post. I guess it would be dependent on the cost...is it a viable alternative to a $30 canvas tarp (rhetorical question)?

 

[Scotty Dive]

Does this logic hold true that I should not tarp if the tractor sits outside during the winter (New England)?

 

[RoyJackson]

Does this logic hold true that I should not tarp if the tractor sits outside during the winter (New England)?

That depends on you...do you expect to use the tractor? Are you OK with cleaning off 2' of snow if you need it?
I see a lot of old tractors covered with tarps around here...but these guys look at their tractors as tools and not the love affair that many TBNers (including me) have with the machine.

I'm fortunate enough to keep my tractors in a garage. Not that these were high dollar machines...all purchased used and the most expensive one was $13K.

 

[E/S]

Personally I don't tarp anything and all of my equipment is outside. I have seen more damage than benefit due to moisture, rodents and friction.
The one exception is things like slip clutches, I wrap or remove them.

E/S

 

[Scotty Dive]

I will need mine to plow the driveway so yes I need to get to it....and with some of the storms we get I can expect a foot of snow over every part of it. Maybe just tarp the operating area?

 

[oldballs]

I suppose that long term storage, viz.,over three months there is a moisture problem. But I store my BX2660 and my Case448 outside with a canvas tarp that sheds most of the rain. And really helps during snow storms. However, both of them get used all year 'round. If I had a three sided shed, I'd do as earlier posts suggested. I do keep a rodent bait station sitting inside all my tillers, sprayers, lawnmower, snow blower, and tool shed etc. All this works for me.

 

[RoyJackson]

I will need mine to plow the driveway so yes I need to get to it....and with some of the storms we get I can expect a foot of snow over every part of it. Maybe just tarp the operating area?

I do leave my tractors out occasionally if a snow is forecast...and since I don't want a wet seat, I'll tarp the seat, steering wheel and instrument cluster. But this is for no more then a day or two.

 

[PatasColo]

It made me laugh that at the bottom of the page, after reading posts where most folks recommend AGAINST tarping, that the dynamic Ads shown were as follows (see attached JPEG).

So much for the internet making intelligent recommendations :laughing::laughing::laughing:
-Mitch

 

[RoyJackson]

It made me laugh that at the bottom of the page, after reading posts where most folks recommend AGAINST tarping, that the dynamic Ads shown were as follows (see attached JPEG).

So much for the internet making intelligent recommendations :laughing::laughing::laughing:
-Mitch

Keyword mining by a bot...
It was ironic though...wonder what would have come up if we had posted "Tarps Suck!"?

 

[Jay4200]

Maybe just tarp the operating area?

I have a neighbor that keeps his old Ford with a small tarp that is suspended by lines over the top of the operating area - like a little tent. Works great.

JayC