Spring tractor maintenance doesn’t just help the bottom line — it is the bottom line.
And skipping it could cost growers far more than a service call when the busy season hits.
Downtime on a commercial hay operation can cost close to $100 per hour, says Derek Reusser, product manager with Massey Ferguson. “Basically, every day that you’re not baling that hay that’s ready to be baled, you’re losing five per cent of your time. It all boils down to cost of downtime being more than just the service bill.”
WHY IT MATTERS: Tractor downtime during the busy season is expensive and can threaten crop outcomes. A simple spring checkup can prevent the most common mechanical failures.
Start with the basics
In 2008, Henry Guenter — a retired service manager for Massey Ferguson – published a spring maintenance checklist in the Western Producer article. His recommendations still hold, though checking the owner’s manual for machine-specific guidance remains essential:
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- Fuel: If it’s more than three months old, drain it or use diesel fuel conditioner. “It will save you the grief of horsepower problems, rough running and smoking,” said Guenter.
- Drain plugs: Loosen all drain plugs before starting the tractor to release moisture built up from winter condensation. “And of course, check the oil levels.”
- Leaks: Buildup of oil and dirt on the insides of rims could signal an axle seal leak. “Jack up the axle housing until the weight comes off the wheels,” Guenter wrote. “If there is any free play, you need to get it fixed.” A leaking front crankshaft seal may indicate the engine is being overfilled with oil.
- Air conditioning: Freon gas commonly leaks through the compressor seal over winter.
- Coolant: Change antifreeze every two years. Older coolant may still protect against freezing, but the water pump lubricant degrades after two years.
- Nuts, bolts and belts: Check wheel bolts and all belts on the front of the engine.
Don’t overlook the cab
Reusser adds hazard lights, headlights, tire pressures, safety belts and rolling protection systems to the checklist — and flags in-cab air filters as something many producers miss.
“A lot of our farmers don’t really worry about that, but it can actually impede on that system’s ability to effectively cool you in the summer heat.”
Precision-related subscriptions are another modern consideration. Renewal dates for ag-related services can slip by, but letting them lapse mid-season creates its own problems.
“We want to make sure that we have an active subscription for correctional services,” Reusser says.
Tire maintenance tips
Massey Ferguson recommends the following to extend tire life:
- Maintain proper p.s.i. for your tractor and tire type. consult the owner’s manual.
- Check p.s.i. regularly, especially before seasonal and weather changes.
- Do not fill tires with fluid. The company says this practice undermines the benefits of modern radial tires, puts extra stress on the axle and drivetrain, and and increases vulnerability to impact damage.
- If ballasting is needed, use wheel weights, which work with the tractor to minimize stress and wear.
