Tractor under a tarp?

Cliff_Johns · May 7, 2004

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 · May 7, 2004

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 · May 7, 2004

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 · May 7, 2004

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 · May 7, 2004

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 · May 7, 2004

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 · May 7, 2004

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

TonyC · May 8, 2004

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 · May 8, 2004

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 · May 8, 2004

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

surfran · May 8, 2004

I used the King Canopy all Winter here and still have the Kubota in it now. Plan to clear out the vehicles in the garage now the mowing season is here they can sit outside.

These units are pretty durable and I've used mine for 6 years now each Winter for storing a boat (until this Winter it was the Tractor). In the Winter you do have to move the snow off the roof so it doesn't collapse, but that isn't a problem as long as your home.

Another thing is make sure it is anchored well and if possible erected near some wind block to help.

Madman_Mark · May 8, 2004

I keep a tarp on mine.
Not over the whole tractor but from the steering wheel/dash area back.
It keeps water from getting into the steering shaft,guages etc... and from soaking into the rips in my seat. Maybe it's time for a new seat!

JRobyn · May 9, 2004

I've now got two of the "Costco carports", one for the 'bota and one for a temporary hay barn. I think they are way superior to a tarp. For the price, they are absolutely outstanding! As someone else said, make sure to anchor them for wind resistance. Lowe's sells an anchor kit with ground augers and steel cables for about $20. Just run the cables over the main ridge beam. Add a couple of turnbuckles so you can tighten it down good. Note from the (very poor) pix that a level site is good! Makes for much easier assembly and then you don't need the concrete block jacks.

Cliff_Johns · May 9, 2004

JRobyn
Thanks for the picture. It's most helpful.
Cliff

uhmgawa · May 10, 2004

( I've now got two of the "Costco carports" )

Just curious what the size is for your carport enclosing
the tractor? Also what might Costco be asking for this unit?

slowrev · May 10, 2004

If you tarp down a piece of equipment put plasticor something like on the ground under the tractor as well. this keeps moisture from the ground from rising up and collecting/condensing on the underside of the covering tarp.

Bellville · May 10, 2004

That sounds great, I did not want to leave my tractor outside in the elements either but wasn't really in a position to build a structure to keep it in. I got a tarp garage from Sam's it also has all four sides, with three zipper's in the front. It's 10x20 with 2" gavenized piping for the frame. It was a little more than you paid, $199.00 if memory serves.

The material seems to be holding up well, but time will tell, it has only been set up for the last 7 months.

It is doing a good job of keeping my tractor dry and out of the sun.

DaveNay · May 10, 2004

Cliff, if you have been getting any of the winds like I have for the last year or so, then you want to make sure you get all the extra anchoring you can. From the looks of the structure that JRobyn has, wind can get under the side walls and lift the thing right off the ground. I know out by me, we have had 50-60 mph winds a good 8-10 times in the last 12 months. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

But then again....there is nothing between me and Denver except a cattle fence somewhere in Nebraska....and it blew down a few years ago. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Dave

Bob_Skurka · May 10, 2004

Cliff . . . you need to get your priorities straight. If your garage is not big enough for the tractor, then you need to make room, somehow, to get the tractor into the garage. That will mean something like moving the wife's car out into the rain, sun, sleat & snow. But hey, nothing is too good for the tractor!!!

Cliff_Johns · May 10, 2004

( Cliff . . . you need to get your priorities straight. If your garage is not big enough for the tractor, then you need to make room, somehow, to get the tractor into the garage. That will mean something like moving the wife's car out into the rain, sun, sleat & snow. But hey, nothing is too good for the tractor!!! )

Well, actually . . . uh . . . I've already done this.
Cliff