What are the tractor parts that you should keep on hand?
- Lighting
- Belts
- Linkage
- PTO parts
- Tires
- Transmission parts
- Electrical system parts
Just like cars and other farm machinery, tractors are made up of different parts that work together. Eventually, some parts reach the end of their lifespan. To maintain a healthy tractor, you will need to change some parts from time to time to keep it running for longer. Because of that, you need to know what tractor parts to keep on hand. This way, you can perform replacements immediately when needed! Keep on reading to learn more.
Lighting
Tractor light bulbs enable you to work safely and efficiently while on the field. Without them, you might have trouble navigating safely on your farm where there may be people, animals, or obstructions on the way.
For this reason, it’s important to have light bulbs on hand, so you can quickly replace burnt bulbs and continue your work safely. You can stock on headlamps, taillights, and warning lights. You can consult your manufacturer’s manual on how to replace them yourself on site.
Belts
Belts are one of the most important parts of your tractor as they can keep things moving. But over time, they can loosen, crack, split, or undergo other damages. When this happens, you might not be able to use your tractor as effectively until you replace the belts.
To prevent costly downtimes, have replacement belts on stock on your farm. Keep a few alternator belts, fan belts, and air compressor belts, so you can quickly replace the damaged ones and maintain uptime.
Linkage
Linkage refers to pins, linkage balls, top links, lower links, stabilizers, drawbars, and more.
For instance, a hitch pin connects the implement to the tractor. Because of this, it’s one of the most critical components in keeping control of implements! If the pin falls out, it could lead to accidents. That’s why before pulling trailers or wagons, the condition of the hitch pins and safety pins should be checked. Discard bent hitch pins and always replace them with new ones, because this is a safety issue.
PTO Parts
The power take-off (PTO) is a drive shaft that can transfer power from a tractor to an implement. A PTO rotates very fast, usually either at 540 RPM or 1,000 RPM. Because it’s a safety hazard, manufacturers include PTO guards too. These keep clothes, arms, and legs from being caught. But not having a guard can be dangerous. Some people remove damaged shields and never replace them.
Because it’s a safety concern, it’s beneficial to have PTO guards on hand in case they get damaged. Other than that, because PTO equipment is usually exposed to dust and other foreign materials, the bearings can get damaged easily, so having spare parts for replacement is useful.
Tires
Tires are exposed to different objects and conditions that can cause cuts and tears on the material. Because of this, the tires need to be replaced every few years to maintain the overall performance of the tractor.
To know if you need new tires, first check for wheel slippage. Some tires have wheel slip indicators that can show the rate of tire-to-surface contact. Look for signs of higher fuel consumption, which can be caused by slippage. Other than that, dry rot is another sign that the tires should be replaced. This happens when the moisture inside evaporates, making the tire weak. The tires can break apart while driving.
Transmission Parts
The transmission system of the tractor is composed of several parts, such as the clutch and brakes. If the tractor shows signs of problems with the transmission, it’s time to get replacement parts and have the parts checked soon.
One symptom that the clutch needs immediate replacement is that it takes time for it to return or stay in the engaged position. A too-soft or too-hard clutch is also a problem. Other than that, look out for strange sounds that can indicate that there is a clutch issue. For brakes, it’s a must to only drive when the system is in good working condition. Neglecting problems can only lead to accidents, so having brake parts in hand will be beneficial when a replacement is needed.
Electrical System Parts
Batteries are responsible for the current for the ignition and starting system of a tractor. Keeping the battery terminals clean will help extend its life. Batteries that are fully discharged will have a shorter life. To maintain uptime, having a spare battery on hand can be helpful.
Another electrical system component that you should look out for is the alternator, which has the role of charging the battery and powering the electrical system for the tractor.
Key Takeaway
Now that you know which tractor parts to keep on hand, you can keep your agricultural machinery in optimal condition! By having spare parts on your farm, you can quickly perform replacements for maintenance or repairs and lessen downtime.
If you’re looking for high-quality and affordable spare parts for your tractor, you can send us a message here at Ford Tractor! We make sure to have at least 95% of spares for our machines available for our customers. This way, you can get what you need immediately!
