Maintenance And Care Of Tractors in Cold Seasons

The following are the core focus areas for tractor winter maintenance, covering two major scenarios: static storage maintenance and winter operational maintenance.

Oil Change

Low temperatures increase oil viscosity and reduce fluidity, leading to high starting resistance and delayed lubrication. It is necessary to replace with winter-specific multi-grade oil; the grade should match the local minimum temperature. For example, in severe cold northern regions, low-viscosity oils such as 5W-30 or 0W-30 can be selected to ensure that the oil quickly reaches lubrication points at low temperatures.

Fuel Adaptation

Diesel oil is prone to waxing at low temperatures, which can clog oil circuits and filters. Replace diesel oil with a corresponding freezing point based on the ambient temperature: for instance, use No. -10 diesel oil when the minimum temperature ranges from -10℃ to -5℃, and No. -20 diesel oil for temperatures between -20℃ and -10℃. For long-term storage or extremely cold areas, diesel anti-coagulants can be added to prevent waxing in the oil circuit.

Coolant Inspection

It is strictly prohibited to use tap water instead of antifreeze coolant. Check the freezing point and liquid level of the antifreeze to ensure the freezing point is 5-10℃ lower than the local minimum temperature. If the antifreeze has been used for more than 2 years, it is recommended to replace it entirely to avoid reduced anti-freezing, anti-corrosion, and anti-boiling performance, which could cause damage to the water tank and engine block due to freezing.

Start-up Preheating Maintenance

Check if the flame preheater and glow plugs are functioning properly. Before starting, use the preheating function to raise the cylinder temperature and reduce starting difficulty. Avoid frequent cold starts to prevent damage to components such as pistons and crankshafts due to dry friction.

Battery Maintenance

Low temperatures can reduce battery capacity by 30%-50%. Focus on checking the electrolyte level and replenish with distilled water if insufficient (no need for maintenance-free batteries). Clean the electrode terminals to remove oxides and apply petroleum jelly or special protective agent to prevent corrosion. For long-term storage, recharge the battery once a month to maintain sufficient power and avoid damage to the plates due to undercharging.

Wiring and Electrical Component Inspection

Check if the terminals of the starter motor and generator are securely fastened to prevent wire hardening and detachment at low temperatures. Inspect electrical equipment such as lights and horns to ensure driving safety in poor visibility conditions during winter operations.

Hydraulic Oil Replacement

In winter, increased hydraulic oil viscosity can lead to slow hydraulic lifting and heavy steering. Replace with low-temperature anti-wear hydraulic oil that meets the requirements specified in the equipment manual. Check for leaks or aging in hydraulic pipelines and replace damaged ones promptly to prevent brittle cracking at low temperatures.

Transmission System Lubrication

Replace the gear oil in components such as the gearbox and rear axle with winter-specific grades to ensure smooth shifting and stable transmission efficiency at low temperatures. Check the clutch free travel; clutch discs tend to harden at low temperatures, so adjust the clearance to the standard range to prevent slipping or incomplete disengagement.

Tire Maintenance

Low temperatures cause tire rubber to harden and become brittle, resulting in reduced tire pressure. Check the tire pressure and inflate to the standard level (do not overinflate, as this may reduce grip on icy roads). Clean stones and debris from the tire treads, inspect the tread depth, and replace severely worn tires promptly to avoid slipping on icy and snowy roads. For long-term storage, support the frame with blocks to prevent local tire deformation due to pressure.

Brake System Inspection

Check the brake fluid level and quality. If the brake fluid has high water content, replace it promptly to prevent freezing at low temperatures, which could affect braking performance. Inspect the wear of brake pads and discs, adjust the brake clearance, and ensure sensitive braking. After operations in ice and snow, promptly clean snow and ice residue from the brake system to prevent component freezing.

Storage and Pre-operation Preparation: Reducing Environmental Damage

Storage Environment

Park the tractor in a dry, well-ventilated garage or shed as much as possible to avoid exposure to rain and snow outdoors. Before storage, drain water from the fuel filter to prevent clogging due to freezing. Turn off the fuel tank switch and remove the battery (in extremely cold regions) for storage in a warm indoor location.

Pre-operation Preheating

After starting, let the engine idle for 3-5 minutes. Once the oil and hydraulic oil temperatures rise and fluidity is restored, perform operations such as shifting gears and lifting implements. Avoid high-load operations in cold conditions to prevent component damage.

A durable, long-lasting four-wheel farm tractor relies not only on the reliable quality of our tractor supply factory but also on the daily maintenance and care by the owner.