Professional Tips For Maintaining Your Tractor

A daily walkaround takes minutes, but it can save days of downtime. The goal is to identify visible issues before the tractor is under load, when small problems often escalate into larger failures.

• Look for fresh leaks under the engine, gearbox and hydraulic lines before starting
• Check for loose panels, cracked hoses, worn belts and obvious damage from previous use
• Inspect hitch points, pins and attachments to confirm everything is secure and moving properly

This habit is one of the most practical forms of tractor maintenance because it helps you spot issues while they’re still easy to fix, rather than waiting for a failure mid-job.

Most tractor failures are tied to fluid issues, either due to low levels, contamination, or leaks that go unnoticed. Even small losses can lead to heat build-up, pressure drops and accelerated wear inside the system.

• Check engine oil regularly and watch for changes in colour or consistency that suggest contamination
• Monitor coolant levels and inspect for heat stress, cracked hoses or staining around joints
• Keep an eye on hydraulic fluid levels and note sluggish lifting, noise or jerky movement

If you’re topping up fluids frequently, it’s usually a sign that something needs attention. That’s where servicing and workshop inspections can prevent long-term component damage.

Filters are often ignored because they’re not exciting, but they protect the systems that cost the most to repair. Dust, dirt, and water in fuel can compromise performance and wear out components more quickly than expected.

• Air filters protect engines from dust ingestion, which is a major issue in dry conditions
• Fuel filters prevent contaminants reaching injectors and pumps, reducing starting and running issues
• Hydraulic filters help prevent wear in valves, pumps and cylinders by keeping fluid clean

Replacing filters on schedule is one of the simplest ways to reduce unexpected tractor repairs and keep the machine running consistently across the season.

Tyres don’t just affect comfort. They affect traction, soil compaction, safety on slopes and how hard the drivetrain works. Incorrect tyre pressure increases wear and can increase fuel use, especially when hauling or working on uneven ground.

• Check pressure regularly because slow leaks are common and often go unnoticed
• Inspect tread wear and look for uneven patterns that could suggest alignment or load issues
• Watch for sidewall cracks, bulges or damage around rims, especially after rough terrain work

Tyre condition is also a safety factor. Loss of traction or instability increases risk, particularly when using attachments or working near slopes.

Greasing is one of the most overlooked maintenance tasks, yet it has a direct impact on wear in moving parts. When joints run dry, friction increases and components wear faster, especially under heavy load and dusty conditions.

• Grease linkages, steering joints and PTO shafts according to the manufacturer’s schedule
• Pay attention to high-use components like loader pivot points and attachment connections
• Clean grease nipples before applying grease to reduce dirt contamination inside the joint

Consistent lubrication is one of the simplest ways to extend the life of expensive and time-consuming-to-replace parts.

Electrical issues are a common cause of tractors failing to start, especially after sitting for a few days or after heavy use in wet conditions. Batteries and terminals can corrode quickly and wiring can wear through vibration or rodent damage.

• Check battery terminals for corrosion and ensure clamps are tight and clean
• Look for worn wiring, cracked insulation and loose connectors around the engine bay
• Confirm all lights work properly, especially if the tractor is used near roads or early mornings

If electrical problems are recurring, a workshop diagnostic check can prevent repeat failures and improve reliability over time.

Tractors often give you warning signs before something fails. The problem is that those signs can be ignored because the machine still “works”. Paying attention to changes in sound and feel helps identify issues early.

• Unusual knocking, whining or grinding can indicate developing mechanical wear
• Excess vibration can point to driveline issues, worn bearings or attachment imbalance
• Hard starting, sluggish hydraulics or smoke changes can signal fuel, air or compression issues

Early diagnosis can make a big difference. Small repairs or adjustments can stop a much larger problem, particularly in hydraulic and drivetrain systems.

Basic checks and routine maintenance are valuable, but there’s a point where professional servicing is safer and more cost-effective. Major repairs, diagnostic faults and hydraulic issues can’t always be solved with guesswork.

• Book servicing for hydraulic faults, oil pressure problems, and persistent overheating
• Use professional diagnostics for electrical faults, injector issues and transmission concerns
• Arrange repairs early if the tractor is losing power, making abnormal noise, or showing repeated warning signs

Regular servicing is also about longevity. Preventative work reduces wear and helps avoid unexpected failures, especially when the tractor is critical to day-to-day operations.

In Grafton and surrounds, tractors work hard in dusty conditions, variable weather and long seasonal cycles, which makes regular servicing a practical investment. Here at Leslie Farm & Garden Machinery, we help owners stay ahead of breakdowns with scheduled maintenance, inspections, and tractor repairs in Grafton when problems arise. If your machine is due for a service or you want a workshop check before the busy season ramps up, visit https://www.lesliemachinery.com.au to book in or speak with the team.