Storing tractor outdoors

[deerefan]

My tractor, a 2005 JD 5103, is currently being stored outdoors until my tractor barn is finished. This may be up to a year. I put a good coat of wax on it today and sprayed down crucial areas with WD40. What tips do you guys have that are forced to store your machinery outdoors? Here are a couple pics of the tractor.

 

[jeff9366]

Cover just the area containing the operator's station with a permeable tarpaulin.

I use a traditional 18 ounce cotton canvas tarp.
Using a heavy tarp, either 18 ounces or 22 ounces, the weight of the cotton material alone will keep the tarp in place.
No need for bungee chords or other devices to hold it.

LINK: https://www.ebay.com/str/chicagocanvas/Canvas-Tarpaulin-18-oz/_i.html?_storecat=1664612016

 

[SPYDERLK]

My tractor, a 2005 JD 5103, is currently being stored outdoors until my tractor barn is finished. This may be up to a year. I put a good coat of wax on it today and sprayed down crucial areas with WD40. What tips do you guys have that are forced to store your machinery outdoors? Here are a couple pics of the tractor. View attachment 607290View attachment 607291

Use the tractor periodically, ... and maybe get a canopy.

All of our tractors reside outdoors in season. They are used fairly frequently, seldom sitting more than a few days. Paint fades, but operating systems continue to function fine long term. Only the old JD2010, used mostly for post pounding and powering the hay elevator, has designated cover.​

 

[Gary Fowler]

All of our tractors on the farm I grew up on stayed outside all the time. Just folded the seat up and that was it. No wax, no wash, no lube except internals. Every thing always worked. Paint faded a bit, but it seemed to hold up better than todays paint. Wasn't any plastic on them back then so nothing to deteriorate. One thing storing with no cover does, it keeps the rodents from hibernating in the internals or eating the wiring. I now store my tractor under an open shed on at least two sides. No issues.

 

[Piston]

Mine lives outside. I’d like a barn or tractor shed, but for the amount it would cost me to build a decent sized barn, I could upgrade my tractor every once in a while and negate the need.

That being said, if still like to have a barn, but it’s not necessary to keep the tractor inside. Then again, I don’t have all the latest electronics to worry about either. Sooo ????

 

[Jstpssng]

The sun will break down the tires and other soft parts over time. A year or so won’t matter though.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Try and keep it out of the sun and don't park it where it can get covered in vegetation. If it has cable operated functions from a joystick or other levers, you might want to cover that up to keep the cables from seizing up. I would probably tarp the whole operating station. Not hard to do.

 

[Thomas]

As other said cover tractor but air moisture escape,if in wet spot maybe park planks.

 

[deerefan]

Thanks guys. For now I decided to leave it uncovered to deter rodents. I parked it in the shade under a live oak to minimize sun damage. I put a good coat of wax on it and armor all on the seat. I have folks tell me it is just a tractor, but these things are not cheap. Plus it has none of the new emission stuff whereas the new ones seem to have too much of that silly stuff.

 

[not2old]

I put a garbage bag over the seat and in the winter another over the console, nothing else. It's been fine for four years that way. I'm presently using the tractor to dig a hole for the foundation to my shop and maybe next winter it will be under cover again.

 

[LouNY]

Many tractors spend most of there lives outside in the weather,
a bag or tarp over the seat and controls is nice.
My first concern would be that open exhaust pipe allowing rain to get inside,
I would put a can or bucket over that.

 

[deerefan]

Many tractors spend most of there lives outside in the weather,
a bag or tarp over the seat and controls is nice.
My first concern would be that open exhaust pipe allowing rain to get inside,
I would put a can or bucket over that.

The pipe has a weep hole and is curved. Luckily never had water get in that way.

 

[joeyd]

Until I added a lean to on the side of my shop I kept my tractor under a tarp with plenty of air flow. The hassle of covering and uncovering the tractor probably kept some hours off of it. Now I jump on it when ever possible.