Tractor Maintenance 101: 10 Things to Check Every Month (Takes 10 Minutes)
Most major tractor repairs don’t happen because the machine is “junk.”
They happen because small maintenance gets skipped.
The good news? You can prevent most breakdowns with a 10-minute monthly check. This routine keeps your tractor reliable, protects your investment, and helps you catch problems before they become expensive.
1. Check Engine Oil Level
Low oil = engine damage fast.
Check before starting
Park on level ground
Look for milky oil (water contamination)
💡 Engines are cheaper to maintain than to rebuild.
2. Check Coolant Level
Overheating ruins engines.
Inspect overflow tank
Look for leaks around hoses
Clean debris from radiator screen
3. Inspect Hydraulic Fluid Level
Hydraulics run:
loader
steering
3-point hitch
Low fluid can cause weak performance and pump damage.
4. Grease All Loader & Steering Zerks
This is one of the most skipped steps.
Greasing:
prevents wear
protects pins & bushings
avoids expensive repairs
💡 If it moves and has a grease fitting — hit it.
5. Check Tire Pressure & Condition
Uneven pressure causes:
traction issues
unstable loader work
premature tire wear
Look for:
cracks
punctures
fluid leaks if tires are filled
6. Inspect Air Filter
A dirty air filter reduces power and increases fuel use.
Tap out dust (if serviceable)
Replace if clogged or damaged
7. Check Battery & Terminals
Look for:
loose cables
corrosion
swelling battery case
Electrical issues often start here.
8. Look for Leaks Under the Tractor
Check the ground where it’s parked:
oil
coolant
hydraulic fluid
fuel
Small leaks become big problems.
9. Inspect Belts & Hoses
Look for:
cracking
fraying
soft spots
swelling
A $20 hose can prevent a $2,000 repair.
10. Quick Bolt Walkaround
Vibration loosens things.
Check:
loader mounts
wheel lug nuts
3-point hitch hardware
Loose hardware leads to wear and damage.
Why This Matters
Skipping maintenance leads to:
❌ breakdowns during busy seasons
❌ higher repair bills
❌ downtime when you need the tractor most
Spending 10 minutes now saves hours (and money) later.
Bonus Tip: Keep a Simple Maintenance Log
Write down:
hours on tractor
oil changes
filter replacements
repairs
This helps resale value and reminds you when service is due.
Need Help With Service?
If you’d rather have a professional check things over, we offer routine tractor inspections and service to keep your equipment running strong.
Whether you use your tractor weekly or daily, staying ahead of maintenance keeps it ready when you need it.