How to take care of your tractor during the winter

Here you can find 8 golden rules to follow in order to take care of your tractor in winter time.

In many parts of the world, we are right in the middle of the cold season. That is why we’d like to give you some tips on how to take care of your tractor in winter time. Making sure that your piece of farming machinery is well equipped to face even the toughest temperatures is an essential practice to avoid the typical risks of this season.

8 golden rules to defeat frost and ice

1. Use a battery maintenance charger. In addition to having regularly checked your tractor’s battery before the cold season starts, another effective remedy is that of using a low-voltage charger. This will keep your battery charged when not in use.
    
2. Choose the right tire. Having a tire that is suitable for operations on snow is the best solution to increase driving comfort in critical weather conditions. We at BKT recommend Ridemax IT 697 (M+S), a winter tire for tractors providing perfect grip for all operations on icy and snowy terrains.

3. Check tire pressure regularly. Did you know that the inflation pressure of your tires is significantly influenced by temperature variations? Operating your tractor on ice and snow results in a pressure decrease having a negative impact on both traction and your vehicle’s maneuverability. For this reason, it’s important to stick to the manufacturer’s indications and to consult a specialized tire dealer who will assess your specific situation considering outdoor temperatures and the season.

4. Prevent fuel from gelling. At low temperatures, the wax contained in the fuel starts a crystallization process. As a result the engine doesn’t start and may be damaged. For this reason, it is good practice to use winter diesel and make sure that there is no water penetration into the tank.
    
5. Make an antifreeze inspection. Monitor the anti-freezing liquid level. This will help you keep the radiator temperature stable. If you note anything that looks watery or any trace of rusty color, we recommend to empty and clean the radiator before adding any cooling liquid.
    
6. Use the right oil.  In winter, it’s better to change your oil more frequently. But, which one should you choose? You see, the letter “W” on the label stands for winter oil. It is more fluid and less viscous at low temperatures.
    
7. Warm up your engine. Before starting work, it is good to preheat the motor for the time necessary. There are several ways how to warm up the motor. An effective solution is that of using an engine block heater. Your tractor will start more easily even in the hardest winter season.  
    
8. And what about ice? Temperatures below 0°C are a potential risk for your farming vehicle, since it could remain stuck. That is why you should always have a little survival kit with you during winter operations: additional fuel, antifreeze, a flashlight and a fully charged battery... well, you never know - better safe than sorry.

Do you think our suggestions to fight the cold winter have been helpful? Find out much more on the BKT website!