Common Tractor Problems And Solutions

Your tractor is a tough machine that can accomplish a seemingly endless number of tasks with reliable power and turn a hard day of labor into just another day’s work. To keep your machine up and running, it needs to be regularly maintained. Otherwise it’ll sit in the shop, racking up service expenses, when it should be helping you earn in the field. It takes a bit of experience to know what’s acting up, and oftentimes it’s too late to fix an issue when it becomes apparent.

At Johnson Fleet and Farm, we want our clients to know what to look for when faced with some common tractor issues. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you perform maintenance and know when it’s time to take your tractor in for professional fixing. For all your tractor needs, come to one of our dealerships in Yulee and Fernandina Beach, Florida, and Homerville, Georgia. We serve the areas of Jacksonville and St. Augustine. 

Dull Blades

Whirring, churning blades are used by many tractor implements to get the job done. This is truest for mowing implements, so this is one of the more common tractor repairs you’ll have to undertake. Though it depends on how often you use your tractor for mowing, blades need to be sharpened about twice a year. 

If you have a smaller tractor with single-blade mowing decks, simply remove the blade and use a file to sharpen it. Larger equipment requires professional service unless you have plenty of time to spare. Remember that you don’t need to file until you reach a razor edge—a smooth edge will do fine. The cutting power of the blade comes more from the force of the spin rather than the sharpness of the blade. 

Fuel System

If your tractor’s performance has been decreasing over time, it could indicate a problem with its fuel system. Problems with the fuel system can lead to low fuel pressure, which in turn means a  general loss of power and functionality. You won’t be able to travel down the road or provide power to any implements. 

A common problem occurs with the fuel-control level on the engine. If this gets jammed, it stops the fuel from reaching the engine. If it’s still functioning, spray some lubricant on it to ensure smooth movement. You can patch or replace a leaky line, but for other fuel system issues, it’s best to leave it to the professionals, like the experts here at Johnson Fleet and Farm. 

Electrical System

For most electrical system problems, it’s your tractor’s battery that’s the likely culprit. Whenever you face electrical issues, perform a check on the battery charge first. When a tractor is left unattended and unused for weeks, there’s a good chance that its battery is drained. When checking the battery, examine the posts and cables for any sign of wear or material deposits. Clean the posts regularly. If there’s no problem with the battery and you can’t figure out what’s causing the electrical system problem, bring your tractor down to John Fleet and Farm for professional service. 

Engine

To keep your engine healthy, there are some steps you should take regularly. Spark plugs on farm equipment can be sensitive and make operation difficult when they go bad. Hard starts, low fuel consumption and low performance are all signs of faulty spark plugs. Be sure to replace them when needed or according to your tractor’s owner’s manual suggestions. 

Your tractor’s carburetor creates a perfect blend of air and fuel so the engine can use it. When a tractor starts running roughly, it could mean the carburetor is clogged up. If caught in time, you can clean up your carburetor. Oftentimes, though, it isn’t caught in time and then you need to replace the carburetor. 

One of the biggest problems with the engine is overheating. To avoid this, check coolant levels as part of your standard maintenance steps. Never check the fluid on a hot engine as it pressurizes and can cause serious injury if the cap flies off. Dirt and grime around the engine can also cause overheating. Keeping things clean will help you to avoid overheating problems. 

We hope you can use these tips to increase the performance and life of your tractor. If you’d like to know more, come to Johnson Fleet and Farm at one of our locations in Yulee and Fernandina Beach, Florida, or Homerville, Georgia. If you’re looking for tractors for sale near Jacksonville or St. Augustine, call or come over today!