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Parking tractors in the open during winter can cause engine, battery, and tyre damage. Learn why it's crucial to protect them.
As winter settles in, farmers are wrapping up essential tasks like irrigation and applying manure to crops such as wheat. However, many tractors are parked outside after their work is done, especially in areas where they are still used for irrigation purposes. Unfortunately, parking tractors in the open during cold weather can cause long-term damage. Let’s explore why it’s essential to protect your tractor in winter.
Also Read: 7 Winter Tips to Keep Your Tractor in Top Condition This Winter
Tractors typically run on diesel, which has a lower freezing point than petrol. While petrol freezes in extremely cold temperatures, diesel starts to freeze as soon as temperatures dip to around 0°C. The cold weather thickens the diesel and engine oil, making it much harder to start the engine. This can lead to trouble in starting the tractor, especially in the early mornings. To prevent this, it’s best to park the tractor in a shed or cover it with a tarpaulin to shield it from the cold.
Leaving your tractor exposed to the cold weather doesn't only make it hard to start; it also harms the engine and battery. When the tractor struggles to start in the freezing cold, it puts extra strain on the battery. Over time, this can damage the battery and other parts, which can be costly to replace. Farmers who park their tractors outside in winter may find their batteries failing much sooner, leading to extra expenses. Additionally, the cold can cause the rubber on the tractor’s tyres to crack, which can also be costly.
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Cold temperatures cause the chemical water in the tractor’s battery to weaken, leading to faster discharge. If the tractor is regularly parked outside during winter, the battery’s charge flow will decrease, reducing its lifespan. A worn-out battery can be a major expense, so it’s important to keep the tractor in a sheltered place. Make sure to use engine oil designed for cold weather and regularly check the battery’s condition to ensure it’s fully charged.
The cold weather also affects the tractor’s tyres. Rubber tyres can crack when exposed to extreme temperatures for extended periods. This is because the rubber becomes brittle and loses its flexibility in the cold. When tyres crack, they can become less safe to use, increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, cold weather reduces the air pressure in tyres, which can cause slipping. To avoid tyre damage, it’s crucial to park the tractor in a safe, sheltered location during winter.
Parking your tractor outside in the open during the winter can lead to serious damage, especially to the engine, battery, and tyres. By storing the tractor under a shed or covering it with a tarpaulin, you can protect it from the harsh effects of cold weather, ensuring it stays in good working condition for the long term. Keep your tractor well-maintained this winter to avoid unnecessary repair costs and ensure smooth operation when the farming season resumes.