Tractor under a tarp?

[Cliff_Johns]

Is it better when leaving a tractor outside to store it under a tarp or not. I would think that keeping the sun and rain off would be a good thing, but I wonder about the moisture that accumulates under a tarp from the ground. Maybe it wouldn't get the chance to dry out and would be more likely to have parts rust..

Thought?
Cliff

 

[RoyJackson]

It would depend on the material.

If your machine is worth putting about $50-$100 into, I suggest you get one of the higher quality covers that "breathe". I have used these for sportscars I've owned over the years. Not as good as a garage, but better then nothing.
Now, if you're worried about your paint, make sure you either wash the dirt and dust off the tractor (and dry with a towel or something) before covering (it'll scratch the tractor).

These covers last a year or three, depending on various things. I've had one dry rot.

 

[burtalm]

I wondered the same question but since I was concerned about having the new machine less visible I chose to tarp it. A friend keeps his in a "car garage" from harbor freight year round and claims that it is not a problem. As a kid the tractors sat outside without covers most of the time but we never had to worry about tractor theft in those days. Any others have an ideas on this?

 

[alvanko]

I use a "blue" tarp over mine as my garage is used for my truck and the wife's car . Not especially good for the finish but not really bad. Don't think water in the electrical is good for it and helps keep water out of the transmission too. $5.00 is cheaper than a new garage .

 

[texbaylea]

I am leary of using a tarp because of moisture. I expect to have a new CUT before long and will probably clear out one of my two shipping containers. At 8" wide by 40' long and 8' high it is strong, dry and secure. Not very useful for storing implements since you would have to move everything out just to get to the one you wanted.

 

[normde2001]

Leaving a tractor out in the weather is never a good thing. Water can/will get in the crankcase, transmission, and steering box through the steering wheel shaft.

 

[GerardC]

If you check with a dealer, I'm sure that they sell or can get covers made just for tractors. G

 

[TonyC]

I used to use a tarp but the moisture situation is not good. I started keeping it uncovered when I knew it wouldn't rain. At least it would dry out well. I later moved to one of those inexpensive tarp car ports. They run about 89.00 or so and will keep rain and sun off while still letting it have plenty of air. It's also much easier to hop on and drive off. I used one of those for three to four years and it did great.

 

[Kevin37]

I just bought one of those tarp-garages from Costco for $164. The size is 10' x 20' and it has all four sides (Roll up door).
Now all I need is my tractor to put in it! (Delivery is next week /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif)

Kevin

 

[JohnCt]

I've had my tractor under a tarp for a year now without any problems. I was more concerned with rain and snow getting into guages and controls than anything else. The tarp seems to still let plenty of air circulate under it. Also didnt plan on garage at new house to take so long to be ready but thats a long story. John