Tractor Storage

Anonymous Poster · Dec 22, 2001

I have a JD 4100 and see many people keeping tractors outside and uncovered. This seems like a bad thing, but I am curious what most people do and what is recommended. How much of a difference if it is under something like a carport, vs. in a shed or garage?

also
How do you keep mice from invading the engine or tractor?
thanks

Bird · Dec 22, 2001

see many people keeping tractors outside and uncovered

So do I, Carl. I live in farming country and it never ceases to amaze me to see the amount of farm equipment sitting outside rusting. The only thing I can figure is that they depreciate it on their income taxes and things like that. I just couldn't leave mine sitting out like that; my tractor AND all my implements are inside my shop building.

MossRoad · Dec 22, 2001

Even under a good tarp will make all the difference in the world compared to left outdoors. I had to leave my IH2500b outdoors for several years, and man did the rust get started in the places that you can't easily see. At least I tarped it in the winter, but then the mice got the seat. Once, somone popped the door open and something ate a rabbit on the seat. I now store it inside. I also store my new PT425 and all of the implements inside as well.

 MossRoad

PaulinSD · Dec 22, 2001

My JD 955 is home in a heated garage, the 1050 and boom flail is in a co-workers pole building. The Befco 6' rotary mower is outside, and not by choice. The JD 25A flail is riding in the back of my 1 ton dump truck. I'd rather have everything in. Hopfully in the spring we can get the new home going, along with the 30 x 48' pole building.

Paul

gator · Dec 22, 2001

I keep my tractor in a 3 stall pole barn I originally built for my horses (have since sold them).Here in N.C. the humidity gets to the tractor no matter what, unless you have climate controlled storage, so I keep it and my implements in the barn to keep the rain and dew off them.

Wally JD 750 "GATOR"

Harv · Dec 22, 2001

I keep my tractor and as many implements as I can in the shop. The rotary cutter doesn't fit, but I keep it under an extended roof overhang and stake a tarp over it just for good measure.

My neighbor leaves his tractor and implements outside all year around, and you can really see the difference. /w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif

jfakerj · Dec 23, 2001

carl
I keep mine under cover at my father-in-law's next door until I ever build my pole barn. I always put the seat up so animals don't get on it(cats). They can really tear up a seat with their claws.

Jerry

Thomas · Dec 23, 2001

I keep mine behind doors and what a different compare to others that don't who bought the same time as I did.
Fading paint,extra work when snowfalls,harder to PM etc...
If you got and area make the room,for your just protecting your investment that much longer.

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

pfoxy · Dec 23, 2001

I was forced by circumstances beyond my control (read: broke) to leave most of my implements out in the snow. I tarped everything I could, but still...

Circumstances finally consipired to convince my wife that the barn I'd been whining about for 5 years was worth going into debt for. Now everything is under cover, even if it's just a three-sided pole barn. Even my raggedy old manure spreader.

Of course, my two pickups still sit out in the snow all winter. I wonder if I can swing another loan...

Henry · Dec 23, 2001

Carl,

I keep my 790 in an old horse stable (now converted to a tractor shed). As much as we pay for these things, we really ought to try to protect them from the weather.

I have to store my tractor for long periods of time (months), so I keep everything well greased, the tank filled as full as possible (to prevent condensation), and the entire tractor up on blocks (to prevent flat-sides on the tires). I also remove the battery and store it in my father-in-laws garage. So far, I havn't had any problems.

As far a mice go.... keep the D-Con out and plenty of traps. Damage from nesting mice is likely to be the thing that gets my tractor one of these days....

Henry