Long Term Storage

[woodlandfarms]

So, we are pretty close to pulling a triger on a tractor. But, because of the nature of my work, I may not operate the tractor for more than a month at a time. The tractor wil lbe stored in a carport, battery removed I assume, and a full tank of Diesel...

Anything else? Also, any tricks to making a tractor theft proof or at least resistant. In LA, the addage is if they want it they will take it, but we all still have alarms on our cars anyway...

Thanks

Carl

 

[daTeacha]

Tractors sit on dealer lots for longer than a month without any problems. Like you said, pull or disconnect the battery. Maybe a trickle charger would be a good idea, but a month isn't very long. If you're paranoid about the tires, you could jack it up onto safety stands (also making it harder to steal if you don't leave the jack lying around) to take the weight off them. You could also shut off the fuel supply in obvious or hidden places to make it harder to "borrow" the thing. Oh yeah, take the key with you!

For simple storage, I don't think a month between uses is any big deal, especially if you're living in the Mediterrean climate of Cali. Someone else could very easily think differently, though.

 

[herringchoker]

Ditto to da Teacha's comments. Also, to make theft less attractive you could remove an obvious necessary part, say a front wheel.

 

[Doc_Bob]

So, we are pretty close to pulling a triger on a tractor. But, because of the nature of my work, I may not operate the tractor for more than a month at a time. The tractor wil lbe stored in a carport, battery removed I assume, and a full tank of Diesel...

Carl, I love LA! I lived in Redlands for 4 years. If you have it undercover, you have nothing to worry about. I have been told a fuel stabilizer might be a good idea.
Bob

 

[roxynoodle]

Definitely take the key with you. The neighbor boy had his ATV stolen right out of his front yard Friday morning. We haven't had any theft of any kind around here in years but it happened now. People around here think it's ok to leave the keys in their tractors, trucks and other motorized items but apparently not anymore.

 

[woodlandfarms]

Hey guys.

thanks for all the responses. Quite frankly, I would look like a complete goof if I had a tractor here in LA (Sherman Oaks). I guess I would be making a **** of a statement driving up to the studio in such a beast. Then, If I was, it would have to be one of those huge tractors, with spinner rims, and maybe lowered with thin tread tires. That would be a statement.

We just picked up 40 acres in Southern Washington State, outside of Portland. It is wet, but the tractor will be covered.

Is there any kind of ignition kill switch that can be installed? I have one in on my old Dodge CHarger in LA.

Also, the tractor could sit for 3 months, and maybe through the rainy parts of the year. but like I said it will be in a carport to begin with, and then a real garage when I can afford that purchase.

Thanks

Carl

 

[InlineDieselFan]

If it is up to 3 months I would look at the solar powered trickle chargers until you have power on site.

When I had to leave my tractor outside while building, and we still lived in the old house I would lower the toothbar down into the mud and move the bucket disconnect lever, so the bucket would not move. I sometimes would shut off the fuel lever to the filter also.

definetly make sure you have insurance on your tractor.

get to know your new neighbors so they can keep an eye out for your tractor.

steve

 

[jeffghs]

The manual for my TC21 addresses long term storage, so you could check in yours when you get it. What others have said here along with using a clutch block to keep the clutch from freezing/sticking. Fuel stabilizer would definately help. You can install an ignition kill switch in the system for further protection, you should be able to find them at most auto parts stores.

 

[john_bud]

Most tractors have an interlock on the PTO so you can't start the engine with the PTO engaged. I would add a small wire to that switch to use the factory interlock. They have it set up so the engine won't crank. Simple and there is no added switch to install (or for a crook to find).

Of course, a hidden solar powered motion sensor that triggers a recording of a 12 ga shotgun chambering a round played from a speaker hidded in the woods would be "fun" too!

jb

 

[bamatoolmaker]

The deterents listed above will stop theft by kids and some lowlifes. But please take this advice into consideration "if a roll back can gain access to the front or rear of your tractor its gone."