Outside Tractor Storage

[Anonymous-0]

Greetings,

I have a couple tractors (Farmall 560 and Oliver 1600, both diesel) that I will likely not be able to store inside until next spring, at best. The tractors will only see occasional use. I live in Northeast Ohio.

Should I put a tarp over them or is that inviting condensation and corrosion? I realize tractors were built to face the elements, but Mother Nature is hard on them too.

Thoughts or suggestions on how to best protect the old iron without putting them under roof?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

HalW

 

[Dave H (MI)]

My experience....sun is your enemy first and moisture second for the outside. I put a 5 gallon bucket over the exhaust, definitely shade the rubber, plastic bag or remove any belt pulleys or weather damagable parts, and like to put a small tarp over the hood to shed water from the engine. Don't let water puddle in your pan seats (if applicable) or they will rust from the inside out. I have had three tractors outside, soon to be only one and hopefully by this time next year all will be inside finally.

Almost forgot....I also run mine as often as possible and move them to rotate the tires.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I have 2 tractors outside with tarps covering them. I have had no problems. Tarps do not go clear to rhe ground so air can move under the tractor. The whole top of tractor engine seat and all is covered . This at least keeps the rain and weather from the important parts. Have been doing this for over a year for the one tractor with no problem. One day hope to have them both in

 

[jonnny2006]

In addition it might not hurt to "fog" the engine with oil, and drain the radiator. If you will run them at least once every other month you should be all right as long as moisture dosent get in the engine. I know you said you have diesels, but if ever going to store a gas tractor out side you should drain the carb and run it till it dies. Gas left in the carb after a while will turn to a white powder and clog the worm holes in carbs. I like to add stable to the gas. If a tractor has at out for a long time take the plugs out and put in a couple of tablespoons of oil to avoid a dry start. also you could take the valve cover off and add some oil to lube the insides of your engine as all the oil will have settled to the pan. Take the battery out if it is gonna sit outside in cold weather or put a trickel charge on it once a month before you go to bed and take it off when you get up.

 

[Allan in NE]

Shut 'em off, check the anti-freeze, walk away and forget 'em. They'll be there come next spring.

Allan

 

[Doc Larry]

Many vintage tractors have the disc style differential brakes. Most (maybe all) have no drain hole, so brake dust accumulates in the brake housing. The dust gets wet and holds moisture, and in the case of one of my tractors, can totally trash the brakes, springs, balls, and disks. All this in a very dry climate.
If you read many of these posts, you'll also find a lot of questions about how to get water out of the hydraulic or transmission fluid. At any rate, I keep mine out of the rain and snow. A simple shed is all you need....
Larry

 

[John T]

Hal, Been there n had to do that. Heres my advice n experience for whats best:

Lots of Sta-Bill gas stabilizer in the tank plus some low ash 2 cycle marine oil,,,,,,,let her run a while with that in the tank so it gets inside the carb,,,,,,,turn the gas off n let her run till she dies n drain any left over from a carb bowls bottom drain cock plug etc. (assuming gas engine of course)

Coffee cans etc over any exhaust pipes

Yes I like some sort of cover buttttttttttt NOT a tight fitting cant breathe n draw condensation heavy tarp. I like those nylon water shedding breatheable car cover thingys ANDDDDDDD I like to use them more as a dust n rain shield versus a tight sealed fit.

Things like distributors I spray with WD 40 and I squirt oil over exposed linkages n hinge points n other moveable things for rust protection.

You may wanna remove the battery n keep it stored in a garage n maybe put a trickle charger on it now n then

Probably wouldnt hurt to spray some armor all type protectant over her just for good measure, in the spring give her a good wash n clean up.

Im unsure if moth balls or other types of rodent type deterrent or home remedies or old wives tales stuff might be stuffed under the dash to keep mice n critters from building nests n eating wires??? Ask an Old Wife lol

John T

 

[Anonymous-0]

Snow country definately poses some storage problems. A lean to on an existing building would help, but has to handle snow loads. Storing outside 6 monthes with the usual preparation is probably the best way to go as described before. Using a cover of any kind might get packed down with snow. I just like Starting them up and running them until warm periodically when I don't have anything for them to do. Just my thing. Many tractors do set out in the elements all the time and do fine without preparation, but they are used periodically.

 

[Steven f/AZ]

(quoted from post at 21:55:45 09/14/07) Shut 'em off, check the anti-freeze, walk away and forget 'em. They'll be there come next spring.

Allan

I'm with Allan. Never had a problem yet as long as the exhaust is covered.

 

[Hugh MacKay]

Hal: Allan has it right, check the antifreeze, park it, cover the exhaust and walk away. Been doing that for 45 years in a 40" annual rainfall area. I'd start it every 30 days on mild days. Condensation is your biggest source of moisture, whether it be brakes, oil, gear boxes, etc., and lack of use is the biggest cause. Most unheated sheds are no better than outdoors.

 

[TheDurk]

I have learned that putting a board between pedal and seat to keep the clutch disengaged avoids that stuck clutch headache when inactive in cold weather. Sometimes it is a real challenge to break her loose when I forget.