Storing your Tractor?

Indian MC · Aug 29, 2020

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 · Aug 29, 2020

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 · Aug 29, 2020

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 · Aug 29, 2020

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 · Aug 29, 2020

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 · Aug 29, 2020

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 · Aug 29, 2020

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 · Aug 29, 2020

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 · Aug 29, 2020

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.