Spring is finally here! For a lot of us, cleaning a tractor during the cold winter months isn’t necessarily the most fun thing to do. If this is the case for you, your tractor might be fairly dirty at the end of winter. We’ve got some basic tips for you on how to clean a tractor.
Keeping your tractor clean is great for aesthetics, but it’s also important in terms of tractor maintenance, too. Mud, leaves, and other debris can get stuck places they shouldn’t, which can lead to repairs down the road. Follow our step-by-step tutorial on how to clean a tractor properly.
How to Clean A Tractor Properly
Step 1 – Remove Debris from Tractor Exterior
The first step to cleaning your tractor is to remove any debris. Make sure to get any leaves, twigs, mud, and other larger pieces off of the exterior. You can use a leaf blower to get everything off easily. A leaf blower is handy for removing things stuck underneath the tractor and saves you from straining your back.
This is an important step in keeping your tractor clean. Just like when you wash your vehicle, you don’t want to scratch the paint by rubbing too hard on sand or leaves.
Step 2 – Rinse/Wash Tractor Exterior
There are two good ways to wash a tractor. You can either use a pressure washer or a bucket of soap and water with a hose. Both methods work just fine when cleaning a tractor.
Pressure Washer – Spray all the mud off of the tires first. This will prevent it from splashing up on the rest of the tractor. Then spray off the entire tractor, making sure to get underneath as well. If you choose to use a pressure washer to clean your tractor, be careful not to spray any sensors, as this could cause damage.
Hose & Rag – Mix one pump of dish soap or vehicle soap in a bucket of warm water. Spray the entire tractor with hose water to get it nice and soaked. Wipe down the exterior with a soft, soapy cloth. Work in small sections, rinsing after each section to prevent soap build up.
Clean the tires last with soapy water. A large auto brush works best when cleaning tractor tires.
Step 3 – Dry Tractor
Next, you’ll need to dry the tractor. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a leaf blower to get all the water droplets off. If you prefer to go relax, you can let it air dry.
Step 4 – Wax Tractor
Finally, once the tractor is completely dry, you can wax it. This will help protect the paint from scratches and other damage. Whatever car wax you have already will work fine. Turtle Wax is one of the most popular, easy to use waxes, and can be found on Amazon.
Step 5 – How to Clean Tractor Cab
After you’ve cleaned the tractor exterior, you can move on to the interior. To clean a tractor cab interior, start by working from top to bottom with an all-purpose cleaner and cloth. Focus on control systems, using a detailing brush for buttons and an airline to dry electronics. Vacuum the floor with a wet and dry vacuum cleaner, then polish interior plastics and clean windows last. Finish by wiping the door shuts with a wet cloth and all-purpose cleaner. With practice, this process can get your tractor showroom-ready fast!
Step 5 – How to Clean Tractor Fuel Tank
If your tractor sits idle for an extended period, contaminants like water and sedatives can accumulate in the fuel tank, clogging fuel lines. To tackle this problem, you’ll need a wrench set, fuel-catching container, fluid extraction pump, air compressor, owner’s manual, fuel tank cleaner, and replacement fuel filters.
First, remove the fuel cap and place the container under the tank. Unscrew the fuel line nut or hose at the tank’s base. Once the tank stops draining, use the extraction pump to remove the remaining fuel and sediment. If necessary, blow out debris with the air compressor. Remove the fuel line just before the fuel rail or injection pump, insert the air compressor nozzle in the hose, and blow air back toward the tank to remove debris in the fuel lines. Replace and secure the lines afterward.
Next, screw the diesel fuel line nut or hose back onto the tank’s base. If equipped, drain the water separator and replace fuel filters. Fill the tank with fresh diesel fuel and add the correct amount of fuel tank cleaner. Replace the fuel cap and start your machine. Bleed your fuel system according to your owner’s manual.
Step 6 – How to Clean Tractor Radiator
To clean your tractor’s radiator system, avoid using water, as it can create mud and exacerbate the issue. Instead, opt for compressed air. Begin by removing the tractor’s hood and any dirt or dust covers. Gently brush off any debris with a thick brush, avoiding hard wire brushes that may damage the grill flaps. Set your air compressor to a medium level and aim the airflow between the radiator blades for a thorough clean. Be cautious not to blow dust and dirt into air intakes or rubber pipes.
Step 7 – How to Clean Tractor Filter
Maintaining your tractor’s air filter element is crucial for optimal engine performance. In dusty conditions, it’s essential to clean the air cleaner element frequently. Here’s a quick guide on how to clean your tractor air cleaner element safely and effectively.
- Wear eye protection when servicing the engine or using compressed air.
- Remove the air cleaner cover and element.
- Blow compressed air (42-71 psi) through the element from inside out.
- Replace the element if damaged or excessively dirty.
- Clean the air cleaner cover’s inside.
- Reinstall the element and air cleaner cover.
Now you know how to clean a tractor! Enjoy the sparkly clean machine… and go get it dirty again! For online tractor, equipment, and parts sales, make sure to visit Keno Tractors.
