Tractors━Common Problems & Solutions

Your tractor is probably the most dependable piece of equipment on your farm. You can rely on it to finish a wide range of tasks and when it throws its power behind you, a hard day of labor becomes a regular day’s work. With so much use, you should perform regular maintenance on your tractor to ensure it lasts for years if not decades. Regular maintenance will also help you nip any problems in the bud so your tractor spends less time in the shop and more time working for you.

At RECO Equipment, we know that our clients want their farm equipment to last as long as possible. That’s why we’ve put together this short guide on some common tractor problems and what you can do to fix them. 

If you can’t figure out what the problem is or you’re not confident about your mechanic skills, come on down to one of our locations and let our trained professionals take care of the problem for you. You can find us in states throughout the Midwest, Southeast, as well as New England.

Dull Blades

A lot of tractor implements use blades that whir and churn to tackle the tasks on your farm. This is more applicable for mowing implements and if you use those, this will be a common tractor repair that you can tackle on your own. Depending on how often you use your tractor for mowing, you’ll want to sharpen the blades about twice a year.

For smaller tractors with single-blade mowing decks, this can be as easy as removing the blade and sharpening it with a file. Larger equipment might require professional service to complete in a reasonable amount of time. Either way, you won’t have to sharpen until you get a razor edge — a smooth edge will do. Most of the cutting power comes from the force of the spin rather than the sharpness of the blade, but a dull blade will leave less aesthetically pleasing results.

Fuel System

If your tractor starts to suffer from repeated performance issues, one of the likely reasons behind that could be the fuel system. When the fuel system gets affected, it leads to low fuel pressure, which reduces the power and functionality of your tractor. You won’t be able to power your implements, let alone plod down the road.

Another fuel system problem could be the fuel control level on the engine. If it’s jammed, it will keep fuel from reaching the engine. If it’s still functioning, spray with some lubricant to get it moving again. While you might be able to patch or replace a leaky line, most fuel system issues are going to require a professional service visit.

Electrical System

When it comes to electrical system problems, your tractor’s battery is the likely culprit. When encountering electrical issues, always check the battery for a charge first. A tractor that’s been sitting unattended for a week or two is a likely candidate for a drained battery. Examine the posts and cables for any sign of wear or any material deposits. Clean the posts as part of your regular tractor maintenance. If the battery isn’t the cause of the electrical system problem, you’ll want to seek professional service.

Engine

A tractor’s engine can develop problems at any time. There are some basic components to check on and maintain in order to ensure a healthy engine. Spark plugs can be sensitive and will make operation difficult when they go bad. Hard starts, low fuel consumption, and low performance are all signs of faulty spark plugs. Make sure to replace them as needed or according to what your tractor’s owner’s manual suggests.

To blend the right amount of air and fuel, your tractor uses a carburetor. It can get clogged up, which makes a tractor run more roughly. While carburetors can be cleaned out if clogged, oftentimes it isn’t caught in time, so the carburetor must be replaced, in which case you’ll again need professional help.

One of the biggest problems to plague your tractor is overheating the engine. Always check coolant levels as part of your standard maintenance procedure. Never check the fluid on a hot engine! It pressurizes and could lead to serious damage or injury if the cap is given a chance to fly free. It’s possible that dirt or grime could be adding to the heat sticking around in the engine, but if there are no obvious signs of why there’s an overheating problem, it’s just another sign it’s time for the pros to take a look.

We hope these tips will help you take better care of your tractor. If you need additional information or think it’s time for the professionals to give your tractor some TLC, get in touch with us at RECO Equipment. We have dealerships throughout the USA, including Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. We’re here for all service, repair, parts and maintenance needs of your farm equipment so come on down to our dealership and have a chat with our helpful staff!