Storing a tractor long term (2 months) in storage container in south texas

[Cavjock22]

Comments/ Thoughts... I have a large problem with rats and mice eating up wires on my farm equipment and trucks. I'm contemplating using a large storage container to store the tractor in the summer months when not used very much. It will get very warm as these containers have very little or no circulation of air. Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Redlands Okie]

Opposite from each other sides could be vented up high or even have turbines or such on the top. (Hate poking holes on top do to potential leaks) I would be tempted to just let it get hot.
Rat poison inside the container in a couple of the corners would be a for sure deal if it was me.

 

[Cavjock22]

Opposite from each other sides could be vented up high or even have turbines or such on the top. (Hate poking holes on top do to potential leaks) I would be tempted to just let it get hot.
Rat poison inside the container in a couple of the corners would be a for sure deal if it was me.

No problem inside containers with rats. Just outside in the barn. That's why am thinking about putting the tractor in my container..

 

[PILOON]

I'd prefer some venting as well as heat will damage some of the plastics they like to use now days.
Low inlet (screened) and high outlet, also screened.
If power close by I'd like an intelligent trickle charger as well.
You want venting not just for heat but also humidity, (hot and humid = rust)

 

[RjCorazza]

I stored my previous L3410 in a cargo container for every day of its 13 year stay with me. Summer temps here range in the mid 80's to upper 90's. The plastics, hoses, etc did fine and the machine looked great when I traded it in.
Texas is no doubt going to be hotter in the summer, but I got the cargo box on the recommend of a friend in Yuma AZ, who stored collectable firearms in one. I didn't add any additional ventilation, but I would ensure it is painted a light color.

 

[ch1ch2]

Should be no problem.
We store ATV's, Motorcycles, lawn mowers in a storage container.
We have not put any tractors in the storage container.
We also have rat problems, but we buy rat poison in bulk and the rats stay gone until we forget for weeks to replace the poison.

 

[Cranky]

I think you have a good idea about using a container for storage, and agree heat could possibly be an issue.

I know someone who uses a container to store hand tools and equipment with small engines (chain saws, weed eaters, etc.) mainly against theft. They only issue he has is heat. The container gets very hot in the summer, and cooks the fuel into varnish very quickly.

Could you put the container in a barn or under an A frame carport?

 

[plowhog]

I agree with Cranky. Over the winter, I was storing my Stihl chain saws, combi system, etc. in a storage container. Very secure. But temps here have warmed to about 60 degrees during the day, and the container is hot enough that I recently removed anything with fuel in it. It's just too hot, even at this temperature. It can get to 100F here. I can't imagine having something with fuel in it stored in the container. If you do it, at a minimum I'd have venting. Better than that is to have one out of direct sunlight.

 

[Cavjock22]

I agree with Cranky. Over the winter, I was storing my Stihl chain saws, combi system, etc. in a storage container. Very secure. But temps here have warmed to about 60 degrees during the day, and the container is hot enough that I recently removed anything with fuel in it. It's just too hot, even at this temperature. It can get to 100F here. I can't imagine having something with fuel in it stored in the container. If you do it, at a minimum I'd have venting. Better than that is to have one out of direct sunlight.

Yes I figured several vents (front & back) up high and possibly add attic vents or turbine to top to help reduce heat.. I have stored chain saws and mowers with no problems but again not talking Diesel engine with 17 gal of diesel in tank. I would definitely add Diesel stabil and any other anti-algaes.. It will definitely get hit still though.

 

[4570Man]

My tractor has the fuel tank and most of the electronics under the hood. I can't imagine the shipping container ever getting hotter than it gets mowing for hours on end with the outside temp around 100 degrees. I personally do my best to avoid such actions, but I know that plenty of people do it.