Garden Tractor

As with any piece of lawn and garden equipment, there are several things an owner can do to prolong the life of a garden tractor. Many garden tractors work year round, therefore each new season brings about a new set of maintenance rules that should be followed.

Starting with the spring, it is the ideal time to prep a garden tractor for the variety of uses in coming months. Check the tire pressure and provide air where needed. Properly aired up tired will equally distribute the weight of the tractor in an efficient manor. This will reduce the amount of wear and tear placed on the tires.

Re connect the battery and pull the starter rope to start the engine. Perform this move several times in order to warm up the engine before starting it. Also remove the air filter and replace it with a brand new filter. This small move can save for costly engine repairs if an old, dirty filter is allowed to run inside the air ducts.

Depending on how long the tractor has sat idle, the more time may be required to get it up and running again. Starting it several times gets the fluids running to the cylinders, bearings and cylinder walls. Continue to crank the engine until a noticeable difference is heard from the sparkplug area. The sound change will result in a tighter sound volume.

The last maintenance step in preparation for the coming season is to replace all the fluids. Operate all hand and pedal controls to ensure proper function. This move will also loosen up any controls that may have tightened from non-use over the winter. Sit on the seat and make any necessary adjustments. After all this preparation work has been completed, the tractor should be started up and ready to go.
There are several routine maintenance procedures that should be followed during the summer season as well. Routine procedures include keeping an eye on the lube and coolant levels inside the tractor. All of the filters and clean air screens should be checked on a virtual daily basis to ensure there is nothing blocking the items that will interfere with the operation of the tractor. The cooling fins on the engine should also be cleared each day before the engine is started.

Oil levels should be monitored in terms of usage hours. Small engines should have oil changed every 20 to 50 hours of operation. Larger engines can go as long as 100 hours of operation before being changed. When operating in dry, hot or dusty conditions play it safe and change all fluids at the end of the day. It is better to routinely change fluids out of precaution than have to purchase a new engine. Make every attempt to keep gasoline free of debris. An ideal way to do this is by using a rust proof, plastic gasoline container. These are available at any hardware or automotive shop.

These routine maintenance steps ensure that garden tractors are kept in high quality running conditions. Just proof that a little maintenance can go a long way.