CK30 outside storage

[Highbeam]

I live in Washington and it rains a lot. I am pretty religious about storing things inside like the autos, lawn mowers, motorcycles, etc. dry and warm. We don't get real cold for long and don't get hail storms or huge snow loads here. The tractor must sit on the trailer outside for about a year until we move.

I keep it clean and plenty of grease, really probably too much, in all the joints. It will be used pretty much every weekend unless the weather is too gloomy.

Can the tractor take it? Are there any weaknesses specific to these tractors for sitting out? The dash display has allowed dust in from the top in one place but I have never seen water behind the plastic. I always put the cover on the keyhole.

Should I be looking for a breathable cover like they make for RVs?

Are tractors, modern ones like this, made to be stored outside?

Thanks folks.

 

[RedRocker]

I think there's an issue with water getting in the clutch if it rains on it. I'd keep a tarp over it if I was in that situation, but I don't think you'll hurt it other than fading the paint.

 

[Inspector507]

If you do decide to tarp it, don't try to wrap it up tight so that condensation can't escape. Let it get some air up under the tarp, but in the meantime keeping direct rain from settling in. A canvas tarp might work better than a poly one.

 

[Highbeam]

I am afraid of the abrasion and condensation issues from a watertight tarp. How about like a car cover? Should be breathable but keep the rain off and the material is softer. Maybe build a cheezy structure to keep the tarp off of the metal? The cheezy structure can stick into the stake pockets.

 

[Inspector507]

Maybe think about the poly cover things. Like this
There are cheaper ones commonly seen at Sam's club, Pep Boys, etc

 

[Dmace]

<font color="blueclass=small">( Maybe think about the poly cover things. Like this
There are cheaper ones commonly seen at Sam's club, Pep Boys, etc )</font>

I bought one of those units at BJ's wholesale for $300 and it was the best investment I have ever made. Right now it stores my car, but that is getting sold tommorow, so it will be home for my new tractor when I finally choose one.
Click here for picture.

EDIT: Removed large in-line picture and inserted link to picture.

 

[Dachshund]

Any tractor, old or new, will be better off out of the weather. You might also take it off the trailer a few times /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif and work it awhile - in the long run it will be better for t. Question - why did you buy so early if it has to sit for a year?

 

[Dachshund]

Guess I miss-read your post! "will be used every weekend...." One of these days I'll learn to read! One of those canvas carports (Sam's Club, Costco) will work great.

 

[Highbeam]

I'll take a look for something like that at costco. I was hoping to avoid spending hundreds but we'll see what they have. I understand that the best place is in a garage but I also know that some old tractors spend their life outdoors and even these new ones live outside at the dealership. I have a good coat of wax on there too. I would feel better with a cover though.

I am using the tractor in a weekend warrior mode. I own a shipping container on the remote site that I used to store a small bulldozer in but I am a little leary of this tractor being stolen. Besides, at home I can kiss it goodnight. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

This coming weekend the mission is to grade around the loggers slash piles to help the burn set to take place the following week.

I spent today building a macho brush guard. In fact, I am now typing without the use of my left index finger. It's there, just out of commision for awhile. I hope to finish tomorrow and write up a thread. 4" thick stuff.

 

[MotorSeven]

Me three on the portable tarp type. I have a Jeep & a Truck under two 10'x20', and they work out great. You can find them from $100 to 150 without sides. Add about another $100 for sides.

RD