What to do or not to do :

[HEC]

I have been thinking of selling my 2 tractors an M5700 open station and B2650 with a cab. I can get both in my garage . I am thinking of another size tractor the size of the M5700 with a cab to replace the other two so I only have 1 tractor to maintain . I am 78 and need a cab up here in Maine for the winter months , my problem would be I couldn't get it under any shelter . Any of you keep your tractor outside all year in an area where you get lots of snow and use it for snow removal . I need a large tractor for the summer months for the different jobs I do .

 

[Avenger]

Absolutely! I have a semi-large tractor with a cab that I cannot park in my garage. I also dont have any covered shelters for it (or anything of the implements) so it sits next to the garage, all year. This last winter, I made a video of snow removal using my tractor. It shows how I start it in cold weather and brushing the snow off while it warms up. Plowing Snow with the LS - YouTube

It's hard to let something so expensive simply sit outside. But, its a tractor. It can be outside.

 

[HEC]

Absolutely! I have a semi-large tractor with a cab that I cannot park in my garage. I also dont have any covered shelters for it (or anything of the implements) so it sits next to the garage, all year. This last winter, I made a video of snow removal using my tractor. It shows how I start it in cold weather and brushing the snow off while it warms up. Plowing Snow with the LS - YouTube

It's hard to let something so expensive simply sit outside. But, its a tractor. It can be outside.

Avenger , one of my concerns is we get some really big storms where I live with drifting etc. . I'm afraid the snow will drift in around the eng. compartment and cause some issues .

 

[bigtiller]

I kept my JD 3020 - gas outside, - beside the garage. It had an engine heater that was always plugged in but only turned on just before I needed it. I had a switch inside the attached garage that powered a weatherproof receptacle outside.

The biggest problem with that setup was I had to walk about 50' around the garage, through the deepest snow drifts to get to the tractor. That, and the cold wind blowing snow at me until I finally got into the cab after engine had warmed a little.

After a couple of winters of that fun, I put an after market cab on the JD 2305 garden tractor and kept it inside the heated garage. Sold the 3020.

 

[HEC]

I kept my JD 3020 - gas outside, - beside the garage. It had an engine heater that was always plugged in but only turned on just before I needed it. I had a switch inside the attached garage that powered a weatherproof receptacle outside.

The biggest problem with that setup was I had to walk about 50' around the garage, through the deepest snow drifts to get to the tractor. That, and the cold wind blowing snow at me until I finally got into the cab after engine had warmed a little.

After a couple of winters of that fun, I put an after market cab on the JD 2305 garden tractor and kept it inside the heated garage. Sold the 3020.

My 2650 is in a heated garage also and it may be hard to give that up . I have had to take out the M5700 a few times during the winter when we have really big storms . I have about 500 ft. of drive and the plow trucks from both towns turn at the end of my drive and leave quite a mess at times .

 

[ovrszd]

I'm OCD about storage. Nothing I own that's engine powered sits outside. Ten items. Costly to have that much storage space. But not as costly as replacing equipment or parts.

 

[oldnslo]

For me this would depend on where I could park it. If in an area with lots of drifting and difficult to get to I would be hard pressed to leave outside. If in a semi protected area that is reasonably easy to access then less of a concern.

 

[Avenger]

Drifting snow might be an issue if the snow was to completely cover the hood. But remember, the engine is under the hood mostly protected. To cover the sides where it was not protected, maybe a tarp or blanket to keep the snow out. We typically get about 4ft of snow accumulated over the winter where I live. But being in the forest, we dont really have wind. Though I have had snow drifts in some places, and they can get very deep. Parking your tractor where it will drift like that, maybe consider building a pole shed with sides?

Also, doing what bigtiller said works too. Thats how we always did it on the farm when I was a kid. The engine block heaters on all our equipment (semi-trucks, big articulating tractors, etc) were always plugged in. The snow would drift around them, and we never really gave it much thought as to covering the engines or anything. When ever we needed something, like to start the trucks to haul wheat all winter, they always started. Same with out tractors for snow removal. Just go out and start it, unplug it, brush the snow off, and get to work. When finished, park it and plug it back in.

But, to each is their own. You have to decide what will work bet for you and your situation. For me, my tractor sits outside next to my garage where it is easy enough to get to in deep snow.

 

[CADplans]

HEC, I am not quite your age, but,, gettin' close!!

I will let go of the multiple keys, to my multiple tractors, when they pry them from my dead, lifeless hands,,

Keep both tractors, I am positive you will miss them, the month after they are gone,,,

I am sure not that much has changed,, you probably spent a LOT of time selecting just the right machines..
Surely a single machine will require MORE work,,
I would much rather do a minor service to a tractor, as compared to switching attachments ALL YEAR!!

 

[Jstpssng]

If my tractor(s) were stored inside I would not easily give that up for any reason. Staying out of the sun and rain is a lot easier on them.

 

[BrkMstr]

Back in 01 I bought a 45' Diesel Coach - I did not have the time to build my garage and I did not want it outside - I bought and set up one of the canvas garages - I did some re-search and bought a good one - I was surprised how well it was made - and how strong it was - we had strong winds and lot of snow that season - it was dark green / round top - 14' high - the snow melted from it rapidly what did not slid off - I kept the sides clean with the tractor - I had crushed stone for the floor - it stayed dry inside - worked out well - I put a 40 X 60 garage up the following year and sold the canvas one - it's still being used today - your tractor would take no where near the size I put up - for what they are, the cost is not bad - you may want to take a look at one.....

 

[fried1765]

I'm OCD about storage. Nothing I own that's engine powered sits outside. Ten items. Costly to have that much storage space. But not as costly as replacing equipment or parts.

I am SOLIDLY in your camp!
I leave NOTHING outside,..... engine powered or not!

 

[bdog]

If you have enough land to where you need a larger tractor you have enough room to build someplace to store it.

 

[HEC]

If you have enough land to where you need a larger tractor you have enough room to build someplace to store it.

I have all kinds of land , at 78 I am just to old to build another building . I have always kept my tractors , mowers , etc. under cover too . I don't need a larger tractor than the 5700 just would be nice to have a cab on one that size . I have been looking at the nx and rx kioti cab tractors on the internet , but I guess I will just keep what I have and be happy with what I do have .

 

[bdog]

I have all kinds of land , at 78 I am just to old to build another building . I have always kept my tractors , mowers , etc. under cover too . I don't need a larger tractor than the 5700 just would be nice to have a cab on one that size . I have been looking at the nx and rx kioti cab tractors on the internet , but I guess I will just keep what I have and be happy with what I do have .

I wasn’t necessarily saying build it yourself or build anything too expensive or elaborate. I was thinking hire someone to build it. The cost of building a small shelter for the tractor wouldn’t be too much relative to the cost of a new tractor I wouldn’t think

 

[RidgeHiker]

Which is more important, you or the tractor? You can keep yourself outside when on the tractor without a cab or you can get a tractor with a cab and keep it outside. My take is the tractor is just a tractor.....
With proper maintenance I expect it will last longer than you will need it even if kept outside. Might be good to keep tires out of full sun.

An option for storage is a metal carport. I have a couple, one of which I store my tractor in. Probably bought the first one 15 years ago. Live in the mountains and get substantial snow so ordered with heavier snow load. I think they are from American carports. They both have sides and a back. You can get it as tall as you need.

 

[oosik]

My tractor sits in a large, two sided carport stall. It's always got the battery plugged in during the winter. The difficult part - getting dressed and trudging thru the snow - getting to the carport. The tractor only has a canopy - so I seldom do much DURING a snow storm. Better to wait until it's all over and things have settled down. Thirty eight plus years and our heaviest single snowfall was around 14". Normal being 4" to 6". Barely enough to require plowing my mile long driveway.

Now, my new Taco Wagon (Ram 2500 Power Wagon), it sits out in the cold. Right along side the house. I can plug it in if necessary. I've given up keeping it under cover - the #$$%@ mice enjoy the engine compartment too much if it's in a covered area.

 

[sodamo]

Maybe get acab for the current 5700 and build a shelter for it.

 

[HEC]

I have done lots of mowing the last couple of weeks so the the tractor was really dirty . I spent yesterday cleaning it all up , giving it a good coat of wax and it looks like new again , mainly because it has never spent a night outside in the elements . I have come to the conclusion not to give that up . I would love to stick with Kubota but the prices of a cab on a new M series have gone out of sight , plus putting up some kind of shelter for it . I will stick with what I have and be happy with it . I tried to post a picture of it but for some reason unable to get it downloaded .