Storing your Tractor?

[Indian MC]

I have a Kubota B2601 with FEL and Backhoe. It has been living the easy life in the garage since new in 2016.
It's time to kick her out of the garage to make room for a new automobile.
You folks that leave your machine outside year round, is there anything special that you do?
Definitely going to get a tarp, I know the sun will fade the **** out of the paint.
I'm in New England, so it's going to get below freezing, below zero three - four months out of the year.
Critters? What do you do about mice, squirrels, chipmunks that might want to make it a hotel for the winter?

 

[RjCorazza]

A tarp will likely be harder on the paint and cause more rust issues than just sitting out. If you must store it outside, a tent type shelter would be a better option...
I have read about various methods to discourage rodents, but have no experience.

 

[duffer]

Personally, I would not put a tarp over the whole tractor. It would be a "red carpet" invite for all the critters you listed, and the damage they can do is amazing, not to mention frustrating when you're trying to track down a frayed wire, or mouse nest between elec contacts.

Assuming you're going to use it in the winter to plow snow, etc, I'd consider installing a block heater that you can plug in at will. I'd cover the seat, and maybe the dash, but other than that, I'd leave it exposed to not attract critters.

Have you looked into one of those steel covered carport type structures? Very simple, keeps 90% of the weather off your stuff, and I don't think they are that expensive.

 

[Thomas]

I would lean towards heavy duty well made carport you can trap ends sides until winter over,far keeping the critters away I've had good luck spraying WD40.

 

[NHBX]

I echo others sentiments with no tarp.
Any chance of a lean-to off of garage?
If you use tractor for snow removal having it under cover is a big plus. IMHO
If you do a search there are many threads about storage and critter control/deterrent.
Oh and one last thing for the local folks Yeaaaaay its raining! :cool2:

Luther

 

[chim]

Used one of those "cloth garages" (tent) years ago. I think I got two years out of it. Always kept the better tractor either in a shed or the tent and the old Ford spent time in the elements. It's well worth keeping them in something.

 

[skipperbrown]

Build a shed or park the new vehicle outside or park the new vehicle in the new shed. In 20 years, your 4 yr old tractor will be more valuable than your shiny new vehicle. In 45 yrs, the tractor should still be puttering around someone's estate. Can't say that about your new auto.

 

[Mat4644]

Cars age better outdoors than tractors. Long term you will have more issues with a tractor outside vs a car.

Put poison bait stations and multiple catch traps under the tarp and guess what? No rodents!

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

My cabbed tractor sat outside for the first 3 years. Didn't cover it with anything (except snow in winter). Had it plugged in to an outside timer during winter months, but nothing in summer. I got lucky and never had any rodent issues with mine.

It now sits in a steel shop building (new house), where it will reside (when not in use) for the rest of it's days.

The paint is a little faded on it now, mostly the top of the roof. Can't really notice anywhere else at this point. Having the cab really helped, tinted factory glass, etc. Rubber on tires and hoses looks fine still.

We all have to make our choices, and you may not "have" a choice, but if you can keep the tractor in the garage, especially if it's an open station, it will help preserve it long term.

 

[Carl_NH]

I would look into a shipping container Truck/Storage Boxes/Cargo Shipping Container - cars & trucks - by... or a hoop garage Error | DNS Resolution | Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[shooterdon]

You can get a carport for well under $2000 installed. They put it up in a matter of hours. If money is tight use tarps for the sides, and add wood or metal sides as you get the funds. Even without sides it is better than a tarp.

I would hate to store my tractor outside and would never put in under a tarp.

 

[Mat4644]

Whenever we tarped any equipment on the farm we never took the tarp to the ground. It was always secured around the equipment off the ground to allow enough air moment from underneath to prevent moisture buildup.

 

[BoylermanCT]

When I tore down my barn, I bought a 10x20 tarp carport from Harbor Freight for $150. Its been up for 10 months with no rips or damage. Survived a huge ice storm that took down trees all over the place. The new barn will be finished in the next 2 months and the tractor will have a new permanent home. I would do it again if the need arises.

 

[rademamj1]

Hire a local carpenter to build you a parking/storage port for your tractor. Use 4x4 poles and a galvluim metal roof.

 

[Jim Nelson]

I agree with the metal car port idea, tarp is a red carpet for critters. Another thing that may work, depending on the size of your tractor, is an Arrow shed. At our last place I had a 14'x34' that I kept my B7800 Kubota in and had enough room for a small shop area too. With the help of 2 friends I poured a concrete slab for mine and I think the cost of the redi mix was more than the building. At our present place I have a 25' X 37' shop so no problem.

 

[Jstpssng]

I agree with those who say that you're better off leaving your new car outside. My last Kubota set outside all of it's life,the tires, wiring, and other soft material showed it. My current tractor is only 5 years old but the tires are already weather cracking. Sun is even worse than rain as far as ruining things.

 

[edgarrian]

I come from a family farm where we kept our tractors in the tool shed. Previously they would sit outside without any tarp. You are better off not tarping them especially for how long urs would likely sit with a tarp on it. I have a pole barn where I store my three point attachments along with a bunch of other crap. Actually my neighbor is using it as well b/c they are building a new garage and pole barn. Anyway my tractor stays in the garage and my 2019 ram rebel sits outside. Its a **** nice truck but my tractor takes precedence over the truck.

 

[Mat4644]

One thing to remember is that tractors of yesteryears weathered better uncovered than today's breed.

 

[fried1765]

One thing to remember is that tractors of yesteryears weathered better uncovered than today's breed.

SO TRUE !

 

[oosik]

I'm VERY rural - most consider where I'm at to be REMOTE. Whatever! I live in the world of chipmunks & mice. Long ago - I gave up trapping. Experience shows - for every rodent I trap - there are two more out in the wings - waiting to come on down.

My tractor is parked in a large bay carport. The very most effective deterrent - leave your tractor hood open. Rodents do not seem to like the open environment.

Forget about fading paint. Protect your rubber/vinyl components from the sun. Cover your tires and seat. If you can afford it - a quickie tarp type shelter.

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