Why Spring Maintenance Is Non-Negotiable
Spring is finally here, and that means it’s prime time for farmers and agricultural operators. But before you hit the field, your equipment needs to be in top shape. Neglecting spring maintenance can lead to costly breakdowns during planting season, lost productivity, and long-term equipment damage.
Don’t forget that winter storage can be rough on machinery. Moisture buildup, frozen fluids, battery drain, and unnoticed wear and tear can leave your equipment vulnerable. When spring rolls around, skipping maintenance could mean discovering critical issues too late, delaying planting and hurting your bottom line.
Proper spring maintenance is necessary regardless of whether you’re a small family farm, or an industrial sized operation. Smart preparation ensures your tractors, planters, skid steers, and attachments are ready to perform when it matters most.
Think of maintenance not as a chore, but as an investment. A few hours spent preparing equipment can save days or even weeks of lost productivity during your busiest season.
1. Inspect and Clean Equipment Thoroughly
Start your spring prep with a detailed inspection and deep cleaning. Over the winter, dirt, rust, and rodent damage can accumulate and go unnoticed. A thorough cleaning allows you to spot issues early and sets the stage for other maintenance tasks.
Checklist:
- Power wash exterior and undercarriage.
- Use degreaser on greasy or oily components.
- Check for rust, corrosion, or cracks.
- Inspect for rodent nests and damage.
- Examine hoses and wiring for signs of chewing.
- Replace compromised parts immediately.
Make sure you look closely at hoses and wiring. Rodents will often chew through rubber and insulation during winter months in search of warmth. Catching these issues now will prevent headaches later when you need your machines running at full capacity. With over 5000 parts in stock and ready to ship, Parts Online has everything you need to get your equipment ready for Spring.
2. Change Fluids and Filters
Fluids are the lifeblood of your machines, and filters are how they breathe. They WILL degrade over time. They WILL lose their ability to protect critical components. They WILL need to be replaced.
Filter and fluid changes are a cornerstone of seasonal maintenance that every equipment owner should be doing.
Checklist:
- Drain and replace engine oil.
- Install new engine oil filter.
- Replace hydraulic fluid and filters if discolored.
- Check and top off transmission fluid.
- Flush coolant if over a year old or contaminated.
- Replace fuel filters and water separators.
Hydraulic systems are especially vulnerable to fluid contamination. Don’t forget transmission fluid, coolant, and fuel filters. Water and debris in fuel can wreak havoc on injectors and pumps.
Shop Air Filters, Engine Oil Filters, Fuel Filters, and Hydraulic Filters and order today.
3. Test Battery and Electrical Systems
Batteries tend to lose charge in cold storage, and corroded terminals or weak connections can stop a machine in its tracks. Before fieldwork begins, check all aspects of your electrical systems and replace any parts that could cause you problems once the work starts..
Checklist:
- Test battery voltage with a multimeter.
- Recharge or replace low-voltage batteries.
- Clean corrosion from terminals.
- Apply dielectric grease to connectors.
- Inspect alternator and starter connections.
- Verify functionality of lights, sensors, and control modules.
- Order and replace damaged or worn parts.
Next, inspect the alternator and starter for wear. Frayed wires or loose connections can be early warning signs of more significant issues, so you need to address these problems now.
Keeping a portable jump starter on hand is a smart backup plan, especially during early spring when temperatures can still dip below freezing.
4. Inspect Tires and Tracks
Tires and tracks are literally what keep your operation moving. After sitting for months, they may show signs of wear, cracks, or dry rot.
Checklist:
- Measure and adjust tire pressure.
- Inspect treads for uneven wear or damage.
- Look for cracks or punctures in sidewalls.
- Check track tension and alignment.
- Examine undercarriage rollers and sprockets.
- Replace excessively worn tracks or tires.
Another common issue that affects traction and fuel efficiency is improper tire inflation. For tracked machines, inspect the tension and alignment. Over-tightening can lead to premature wear, while loose tracks can derail under load.
5. Lubricate All Moving Parts
Lubrication is easy to overlook but critical to preventing metal-on-metal wear. Grease every fitting, joint, and pivot point to ensure smooth operation and extend equipment life. While doing this, if you notice any pins, bushing or linkages with wear, make a note of it. It’s easier to order all the parts you might need now, than to deal with the repercussions of not doing so later.
Checklist:
- Grease the loader arms and pivot joints.
- Lubricate PTO shafts and drivetrains.
- Apply grease to steering and suspension linkages.
- Lubricate attachment pins and bushings.
- Ensure you use weather-appropriate grease
- Order and replace any worn or damaged parts.
If you're in a colder region, be sure to use grease formulated for low temperatures to avoid thickening. A good rule of thumb: If it moves, grease it.
6. Calibrate and Test Attachments
Attachments like planters, seeders, and sprayers will play a crucial role in yield and efficiency for you. Take the necessary time to calibrate and test each. Finding problems with key pieces of equipment a month from now will cause irreparable harm to your profits at the end of the year.
Checklist:
- Inspect and clean seed tubes, meters, and discs.
- Test for even seed spacing and depth.
- Flush and test sprayer nozzles.
- Check application rate controllers and monitors.
- Tighten mounting hardware and safety pins.
- Order and replace any worn or damaged parts.
Uneven spacing or clogged nozzles can compromise the quality of your planting or application.
7. Check Safety of Operator Stations and Replace Damaged Cab Parts
Safety is about more than just about complying with regulations, it's about protecting your team. You should be checking everything inside the cab, and any glass or mirrors for damage. Run tests on everything to ensure it’s all working properly.
Checklist:
- Clean cab interior and windows.
- Ensure glass shows no signs of cracks.
- Inspect seatbelt and operator seat.
- Verify ROPS condition.
- Test horn, lights, and alarms.
- Check mirrors and backup cameras.
- Ensure safety decals are present and legible.
- Order and replace all worn or damaged parts.
Start by cleaning the cab thoroughly and checking for broken glass, worn upholstery, or malfunctioning controls. Ensure any new glass is installed securely. Consider upgrading to LED work lights for better visibility.
FAQ: Spring Maintenance
How often should I change my tractor’s hydraulic fluid?
Follow your manufacturer’s recommendation, typically every 500 to 1,000 hours. Always change filters at the same time.
What’s the best way to remove rodents from stored equipment?
Use a combination of traps and deterrents like peppermint oil or ultrasonic devices. Inspect thoroughly for chewed wires or nests.
Do I need to replace all filters even if they look clean?
If they haven’t been changed since last season, yes. Microscopic debris can degrade system performance even if filters look clean.
Can I do all this maintenance myself or should I hire a technician?
Many tasks can be done DIY with the right tools and parts. For engine or hydraulic work, consider a qualified tech if you're unsure.
How can I tell if my rubber tracks need replacement?
Look for cracking, exposed cords, or missing lugs. Uneven wear is a sign of misalignment or under-tensioning.
Conclusion: Get Ahead This Spring By Doing Maintenance Checks Now
Spring is your window to set the tone for a successful season. Investing time in essential maintenance now helps avoid costly surprises later. Every hour in the field counts so you can’t afford to lose a second. Things like filter changes are absolutely essential.
Skipping these steps can mean breakdowns at the worst possible times. But when you prepare early and stock up on the right parts, your equipment will be ready to hit the field running. Don’t let minor issues become major problems.
Parts Online makes it easy to find the replacement parts and components you need to keep your agriculture equipment running strong all season. We offer fast shipping, expert support, and a full inventory of trusted brands.
FINAL CHANCE FOR SPRING MAINTENANCE: Shop our large parts library and order today!