Post-Season Tractor Storage Checklist

How you put a tractor away decides how it starts next spring. Work through this list while the season's problems are still fresh in your mind.

Key points

Clean the tractor and write a repair list while problems are fresh.
Drain water from the fuel system and handle fuel per the manual.
Change dirty oil before storage rather than after.
Keep the battery charged in a ventilated, dry place.
Block openings against rodents and store under a roof.

What should you do first when you put a tractor away for the season?

Wash it. Caked mud and crop residue hold moisture against metal and hide leaks. Pressure washing is fine for the body, but keep the spray away from bearings, electrical connectors, the air intake and the exhaust.

While it dries, walk around with a notebook. Write down every squeak, leak, worn tire or broken light you noticed during the season. Winter is the time to fix them.

How should you store fuel in a tractor?

Many owners fill the tank before storage to leave less air space for condensation to form. Others prefer to treat the fuel with a stabilizer. Either way, follow the manual and the fuel supplier's advice, and use only products intended for your fuel type.

Drain water from the separator or sediment bowl. Diesel left with water in it can grow microbial contamination, which clogs filters and is hard to clear.

Do you change the oil and fluids before storage?

Used engine oil holds acids and moisture that you do not want sitting against internal parts for months. If you are close to your service interval, change the oil and filter now rather than in spring.

Check coolant strength and condition, and top off hydraulic and transmission fluids as the manual directs. Watch for milky oil or fluid, which can point to water getting in. Record the oil change date and hours before you walk away, so spring starts with a clean slate.

How do you protect the battery, tires and grease points?

Disconnect or remove the battery if the manual advises, clean the terminals and keep it on a maintenance charger in a dry spot. Batteries produce gas, so charge in a ventilated place away from sparks.

Grease every fitting to push out moisture. If the tractor will sit a long time, set tire pressure per the manual, and park on boards or a pad rather than bare wet ground. Keep tires out of direct sun where practical.

Grease all fittings after the last wash
Check tire pressure and park on a dry surface
Lower implements and relieve hydraulic pressure
Release any stored spring tension on hitches as the manual directs

How do you keep rodents and moisture out?

Mice chew wiring and nest in air cleaners. Cover or plug the exhaust opening and air intake with something you will not forget, such as a bright tag tied to the key. Remove food, feed and grain from the storage area.

Park the tractor under a roof, and ideally in a building with airflow. A tarp that traps moisture can do more harm than good, so leave room for air to move.

Should you start the engine during winter?

Short idle runs do not do much good. They add moisture without bringing the engine fully to temperature. If you do run it, run it long enough to warm up fully, outdoors or with proper exhaust ventilation, since engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide.

A better habit is to prepare it correctly and leave it alone. Check on it monthly for leaks, rodent signs and tire condition.

What should you do about a tractor stored outdoors or in a barn with livestock?

Not everyone has a clean equipment shed. On a cattle ranch the tractor may share a barn with hay and animals, which brings rodents and ammonia from manure. Keep the machine away from stored feed where you can, and keep ammonia and fertilizer well away from electrical parts and bare metal.

If the tractor must sit outside, choose a spot that drains well and stays out of low ground where water collects. Use a breathable cover rather than plastic sheeting, and tie it down so wind cannot flap it against paint. Check tires often, since tires left under load in damp, shaded spots tend to crack sooner.

Whatever your setup, keep fuel cans, oily rags and batteries away from heat sources and ignition points. Oily rags can be a fire hazard if piled together, so keep them in a closed metal container. The National Fire Protection Association and your local fire department have guidance on farm building fire safety. Take photos of the tractor from each side before you put it away. If a rodent, a leak or a stolen part turns up in spring, you will have a record to compare against, and your insurance agent may appreciate it too.

When to get help: Call the dealer or a qualified mechanic if you find water in the oil, a cracked block or radiator signs, or brake and steering issues during your end-of-season check. Ask your insurance agent whether stored equipment needs any special coverage conditions.

Sources and further reading

Organization homepages are linked so you can search them for current guidance on this topic.

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